Language Barriers now in our Nursing Homes

It concerns me to come to work day after day and witness staff speaking thier language in front of our english speaking residents. These residents deserve respect and not talking to them in english is a sign of disrespect. It saddens me to watch staff look at our elderly population as "a job." Gone are the days when staff members would use "down time" to converse with the residents; do special things for them. Now as I walk through the halls I see caretakers sitting around watching the t.v. or talking with one another. I will continue to share my opinion on how we need to improve our elderly populations quality of life in and out of Long Term Care facilities; as well as the good that LTC gives. I will share my knowledge and experience as a caretaker, activity director and administrative assistant in Long Term Care for the past 30 something years. I welcome your personal experiences and questions as well. I hope you who read this blog will join me in caring for our Elderly population; after all, if you don't die first, you too will be an elder!