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Sharon avatar

I have a senior that I have constantly explain the rules of this facility. He is wearing the same shirt everyday as a jacket. I have even pull him to the side and talk to him about the odor. He need this program. I have tried calling his emergency contact. No answer. What do you think

I need to do in order for him to get the help that he so desperately need? How do I get him

to understand that he need to wash his clothes?

Susan avatar

Hi Sharon

This is a difficult and tricky problem

What type of facility do you work in

I assume this gentleman come to your place

I would think your facility has some kind of social worker that could also talk to this man

They are more equipped to handle this type of problem

Unfortunately he probably needs a home visit because if this is the way he presents himself every day then I am thinking that his home is not in great shape either

Let me know what kind of support you have to helyyou

Life avatar
Life Life Enrichment Assistant

Hi Sharon,

What sort of facility do you work in? Are there caretakers on staff who can assist this gentleman with ADL's? If not, I would try a different approach. I find with folks of this population explaining things as "rules" comes off as a harsh approach, whether you mean for it or not. It could be that this gentleman simply thinks you are trying to boss him around, and therefore may actually become increasingly resistant and agitated.

Try addressing the issue from a different angle, something like "what a nice shirt! I notice there's a little stain on the back there. I'd be happy to wash it for you and get that stain right out. Let's go get changed so we can get the shirt looking extra nice" or something like that. Don't play it off as him following the rules, play it off as you doing him a favor and he is much more likely to be compliant.

Susan avatar

Hi Elisha

These ideas sound good

I suspect you are a great life enrichment director

Thank you for suggesting them

Sharon avatar

Thank you so much for your input. Yes ma'am I am a senior manager. I will try

your suggestion and pray that it works.

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