Last night marked my first week at Lemon Grove Care and Rehabilitation Center in the Social Services Department. I was told by one of the nurses the other day that I needed to wear a piece of tape, or something, or the state may write me up.
Finally, early in the week, Tommy gave me two name badges. Now the state can pin stuff on me with accuracy if I do something wrong. But, there's a good side. The residents can be reminded of my name by just looking now, instead of just calling out, "Ma'am! Ma'am!"
I know a lot of the long-timers here, since my mom has been here for the last four years. Last night, one of them shouted my name in short, gruff bursts.
"Cheryl! Cheryl! Come and look in my room!" I was immediately leery of Bill's request, since I have seen him in moods which could cover a map. I got closer and asked what was wrong. "My roommate! He's gone nuts!" Bill said.
I peered into the room to see Cecellio, whom I suspect has an advanced case of Parkinson's, naked and sprawled out on the floor. He must have fallen again, which I understand can be a regular occurrence from him. I called for help, and luckily, several people came to his aid. He is a big guy.
Also, one of the hospitality workers brought up Judy to our office, who began calling out my name (she has a very good memory for names, apparently) and when I came out to talk with her, she began yelling that she was going to kill herself because the doctor would not put her into the hospital. She was very loud, and I realized that I should perhaps divert her attention and get her out of the main lobby where someone was giving a doctor a tour of the facility, about the same time that someone in admissions started hissing my name to tell me the same thing.
I wheeled Judy out and the administrator-in-training, Christian, came with us, and I sparked up a conversation about his tie. Judy was immediately re-directed and then began flirting with Christian, telling him he is handsome. Success! Judy shortly thereafter became more interested in whether dinner had arrived than anything else.
