Could she have showed greater appreciation?

Question

Could she have showed greater appreciation?

today at work I've had to chauffer an elderly woman around the store in a wheelchair and she was a mean grump, she told me that I was moving way too fast and I was walking in regular speed, let me tell you I did not enjoy dealing with her and it took me 20 minutes just to chauffer her around, why couldn't her caregiver take her shopping is beyond me, plus my co-workers know what she is like and they do not like her at all and that she is not fun to deal with, plus she didn't even show much appreciation towards me when I was chauffering her around and she didn't act kind towards me when I was done chauffering her around, she was a mean short tempered grump, I was full of relief when I was done dealing with her.

It's really sad people show barely any or no appreciation towards the good things people do for them, work today wouldn't of been so bad if it wasn't for that woman.

I work at a retail store.

Answer 1

I am sorry that you had a bad day. Working with the public is probably the most challenging thing anyone can do. You are to be commended for dealing with this woman in a courteous and professional manner. It is true that some elderly people can be mean and crabby. However, think of what it must be like for her. She has lost probably the most important thing that we have as human beings, her independence. With that comes a certain loss of dignity. She most likely is in pain, physical and perhaps emotional and that is bound to make her grouchy. On top of it, today, elderly people are disrespected all the time. People treat them like they are a nuisance. Having given their lives to pave the way for us to enjoy what we have, we thank them by making them third class citizens. I'm not saying she couldn't or shouldn't have showed some appreciation. On the other hand, you were, just doing your job and perhaps she felt that you get paid to do your job and that is "thanks" enough.

Perhaps the next time you see her or have to deal with her, you might go out of your way to treat her with a little extra kindness. Smile at her. Perhaps give her a genuine compliment. Ask how she's feeling. Tell her you admire her gumption in coming out and doing her own shopping. My experience has been that often mean people are lacking in kindness from others. A little can go a long way. Remember, one day you will be old too. You may require help and you may not always be that happy about the fact that you do.

Best,

VB8

Answer 2

Wow! I can't wait till you hit your elderly years! I mean with all the arthritis pains and aches you will experience, and the tempature around you seems to never reach above 32 degrees. Being so cold your shivering makes you pee your pants, then sitting in your pee filled Depends under garment all day long, starts to make your skin not only itch, but burn like alcohol on a fresh cut. You feel so stupid because everyone has to get loud with you because you are hard of hearing, yet there idea of loud is breaking the sound barrier for you. You having to rely on someone else everytime you have to get somewhere, pee, bathe, eat, or wipe! Oh, the embarassment! The loss of your dignity alone is enough to throw in the I don't give a crap, get out of my way, what are you lookin' at, and you owe it to me attitude. I sure hope that when you (or if you will) reach those glorious wonder years, that you get the the best bed side manner, sweet as pie, I'll take your crap cause I understand assistant for you to depend on. Because I got news for you honey, if her rudeness was all she gave you, not even a thank you. Well, you got lucky. And for you not to have this simple understanding ( that I just gave you) of what she could possibly be going through, was well the most ungreatful. Elder was the magic word here. She may not have showed you much respect (and understandably so) but you could have given her the best gift in what she has left in her life, and thats thank you Maam, it was my pleasure to assist you today, and I hope that you a have a glorious day! (with the biggest smile on your face) I can garantee you, she probably doesn't EVER get that kind of kindness from anyone. Passing on love to someone who needs it not only makes the recipient feel good, but will make that ever so generous lady who pushed that wheelchair around (for God only knows how long) and endured the pain that this woman was feeling, feel the best feeling in the world! You won't forget it. So, to answer your question as to could she have showed greater appreciation? Well, no. Could you have showed a little more love? Yes, and she just might have showed you a smile that would have been worth a million bucks! I hope that you get that satisfaction answer you are looking for. Good luck to you, and may God bless you through your Denture days! :)

Answer 3

You work for a retail store. THEY pay your salary, if part of your job is to push an old lady around, then do it and stop with the complaining and whining. You sound like a real loser. So what if she's an old grump, you are getting paid to push her around, and what is "normal" speed to you very well might be terrifying to an old person who may be a bit senile. Show a little class, have a little empathy. If I were you boss and saw this question, I'd make VERY SURE that you were shown some even less pleasant jobs to do tomorrow.

Answer 4

What good things are you talking about? The one where you rushed an elderly, disabled woman around your store, even though she told you that you were moving too fast? The woman was trying to shop, sweetie, she wasn't interested in breaking speed records doing it. You mean the good thing where you grimaced and rolled your eyes all the while you were "helping" her? Yeah, I would really have appreciated that, too, if I were her. I am pretty sure your "relief" at being through dealing with her was pretty obvious, too. And you say it is a shame people don't show you appreciation!

Answer 5

I totally know how you feel. I deal with at least 2-3 grumps a day on my job. The way I look at it is this: I am not going to take them personal because all my co-workers think they're gumps too. They'll come in like they'll do, they'll complain and be mean like they'll do, then they'll leave. When they leave I laugh it off and get on with work. It's hard at first, but start praciticing not letting it get to you, cause practice makes perfect!

Answer 6

The short answer is yes she could have showed greater application no doubt about that but also remember that elderly people have been through quite a bit and are going through quite a bit so even when they seem grumpy and irritable just try to understand that one day we will all be that age. Overall though at least it is over and you came out still standing, just another one of life's little stories. Hope that helps. --- Jeff

Answer 7

Ok Well when it comes to dealing with the elderly you have to take somethings and just roll with it. My grandfather has dementia. And he can really show off, he periodically just tells people to go to Hell! And he used to be a Pastor of a church. And he never used to talk like that. And that's just one thing that comes with the elderly. She probably doesn't even notice that she's acting that way. So don't be offended by with she may say or do. Because she probably wasn't even like that when she was younger. So don't let this ill mannered old lady sway your emotions...what do they say...just brush the dirt off ya shoulders...lol. But really don't be offended or hurt it's not you!

Answer 8

sometimes I think a little humor can work wonders when dealing with grumpy people...just keep on talking to them and smiling , but dont over do it be sincere....another thing is that this country treats elderly peole so horribly wrong and I think elderly people need a little more compassion when being dealt with because its hard to get to the end of your life maybe it makes them a little more irritable to not be as independant as they would like to be how they "used" to be and that should always be remembered no matter how sour they are.They have lived a long time and deserve understanding.

Answer 9

What was your job then? Old people, some of them anyway, are like that.There really is know way to change them because old people are set in their ways. Just be real nice to her and tell her to have a nice day, maybe she has always had people be mean to her, and thought you might end up being the same.

Answer 10

Many people have burdens to bear. This woman is not capable of walking by herself and you're complaining? Yes, she could be kind. Having to rely on you was probably not how she planned on spending her retirement years. Be kind as you can to people like her. She's unhappy. Don't make her or you more miserable by complaining about doing your job.