Preparing clothes ahead of time is making resident's day

No. 1 thing environmental services staff can offer residents is their time, says Steacy Pauls

November 26, 2009 -- Deron Hamel

Getting one man's clothes ready for him 24 hours ahead has been an easy and successful way to make a positive difference in the Village Green resident's life, says Steacy Pauls.

As a staff member in the environmental services department at the Greater Napanee long-term care home, Pauls says the No. 1 thing she can offer residents is her time - and taking a little extra time to make a difference in the life of a resident isn't asking much, she says.

The daily ritual of taking the gentleman's clothes out of his closet and laying them out for him a day early began one morning when the resident asked Pauls to fetch a pair of trousers for him.

"It continued from there - he would ask me to get his clothes ready and I would do it," she explains, adding that the resident can no longer complete this task on his own.

"I take his clothes out every morning for him. It makes him feel good and he asks every morning."

Upon finding out what the following day's weather forecast is, Pauls asks the resident what he would like to wear - she will suggest warm clothes for cold days and cooler clothes for warm days.

Not wanting to break the pattern, when it's her day off, Pauls arranges for her co-worker, Cheryl Lawlor, make sure the resident's clothes are laid out and ready for him in the morning.

This way, the resident gets the same service each day, which is something he appreciates.

"He says thank you every time," says Pauls. "He really appreciates that."

Do you have a story you would like to share with the OMNIway about how your work is making a difference in residents' lives? If so, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 23, or e-mail deron(at)axiomnews.ca.

If you have feedback on this story, please call the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 23, or e-mail deron(at)axiomnews.ca.
 

Back to News