Janine Cost (a pseudonym I created to respect the real person’s identity) was a woman of 100 years in the Rehab and Hospice Center (Health Center) at the retirement community that I work for.
When I began working in the Health Center (HC) in March 2017, Janine was only 99 years old and moving fast. She immediately stole my heart.
She brought a light and happy feel to a place that looks (and smells) like a hospital.
Some residents (patients) come in injured with the intent of rehabilitating back to health and moving back home, while ill residents a lot of the time are admitted on a hospice program, meaning they remain in the HC until they pass. Sometimes the hospice residents have a long time after they arrive, sometimes their illness is at a stage that gives them a shorter time with us.
I was never directly informed about Janine’s program, but it is safe to assume, since she was fairly seasoned and was there for many months without talk of discharge, that she was on hospice. The dining staff (my position) in the HC isn’t always told details about residents for security and privacy reasons, so I don’t know everything about her status.
What I do know is that Janine was adorable and also heartbreaking.
In my time there she turned 100 and holidays passed, but I never once saw a family member come to visit her.
On her birthday, the CNAs and nurses went out and bought her a flower crown and gave her a new baby doll (she carried around a dirty baby doll). I was heartbroken when we had to celebrate her birthday while her family hadn’t given her another thought.
Janine was unfortunate in the sense that she had severe Dementia. She most always didn’t recognize a person even if she saw them every day, and she would mumble out phrases that didn’t quite make sense.
She would have days where she would scream things at passing people and claw at you from her wheelchair as you walked by. Other days she would sit quietly holding her baby doll, maybe even pretending to nurse it, and when you said her name in a high, friendly voice and waved she would wave back with a big smile.
Sometimes you could even blow her a kiss and she would happily do the same back.
On the good days, she was like a content toddler. On dark days, she was animalistic and vicious.
Sometimes when you would say her name and wave she would respond by throwing her hands up and yelling, “GO TO HELL!”
On dark days, I would just smile and remember her good days.
It’s not personal. It is just how she is sometimes. Besides, she doesn’t even recognize who she’s yelling at and she will be sweet again the next time you see her.
In a sincere and light way, we would enjoy watching her sit at our counter, finger-painting in her special mashed-potato-consistency foods. She would rub it in her hair, dunk her baby doll in it, rub it all over the counter, spoon it into her drink, and even flick it at those close by.
The one thing she always ate, no matter what kind of day it was, was dessert. Every time I set a small bowl of ice cream in front of her or ground pie, she devoured it and said “thank you” in a low, raspy voice.
Even though some days she was clearly confused and upset, she overall was one of the happier residents. She enjoyed wheeling in and stealing our juice pitcher to hide in her bedroom, bathing her doll in mashed potatoes, hiding in the HC so that everyone had to go find her, and wheeling around the dining room to lick every clean utensil we had set out for dinner and unfolding all the napkins.
We never got mad. We more enjoyed the childlike purity of it all and mused at her ability to do whatever she pleased.
I wish her family had only visited her more. It took a week after she left to the local hospital and a few days back with us on tube feeding before she passed.
Even if her family is as far as New York, they could have sat with her during her last days. I know she wouldn’t remember them or even know they were there, but it’s the thought that counts.
If my grandmother turned 100, I would be there with a cake and presents even if she wasn’t cognitively there to enjoy it. If she was sent to the hospital and not looking so well, I would fly out to sit with her in her last moments, not so much for her but for me.
I don’t understand how some families can drop off their elderly and leave them until they pass. I couldn’t live with myself like that.
I will always see dolls and think of Janine.
I will remember her sitting at her spot at our counter and smile. She made the HC feel brighter and brought a smile to our faces in a place of sad realities.
So thank you, Janine, for being a grandparent to me and my coworkers, and thank you for teaching me the value of loved ones and the time you have with them.
She believed in a god and a heaven, so I hope she finds exactly what she needs if there is an afterlife. If not, she was a fighter and I know she will make it in her next life.
Hello, of course this post is truly good and I have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging.
thanks.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information.
Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.
If a cover letter could be reused, largely unchanged,
for many applications, it is generic.
My page Heike
Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Appreciate it
Virtual Vocations’ jobs board features telecommuting positions in job fields
like technical writing and paralegal and is run by an entirely
remote group.
Here is my web blog Dyan
Thanks in support of sharing such a pleasant opinion, post
is pleasant, thats why i have read it entirely
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all folks you actually understand what you are speaking about!
Bookmarked. Please also talk over with my site =). We may have a hyperlink exchange agreement among us
Do you have a spam problem on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation;
we have developed some nice procedures and we are looking to exchange techniques
with other folks, why not shoot me an e-mail if interested.
Very quickly this web page will be famous amid all blog people, due
to it’s nice posts
What’s up it’s me, I am also visiting this web site daily,
this web site is truly good and the viewers are really sharing fastidious thoughts.
It’s really a nice and useful piece of information. I am satisfied
that you simply shared this helpful info with us.
Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this blog.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and appearance.
I must say you’ve done a excellent job with this. Also, the blog loads extremely fast for
me on Internet explorer. Excellent Blog!
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really nice,
keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back later
on. Many thanks
Frankly, the $14.99 is a little price to spend for access to the job opportunities they post.
My webpage Kaptur.Club
Currently it sounds like Expression Engine is the top blogging platform available right now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Definitely believe that which you said. Your
favorite justification appeared to be on the internet the easiest thing to be aware of.
I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people think about worries that they plainly do not know about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the top as
well as defined out the whole thing without having side-effects ,
people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more.
Thanks
When you get orders in advance, you can strategy factors in the course of the 4 or 5 hour time you get per
day.
Here is my web blog: Carri
Hi to all, the contents present at this website are really
awesome for people experience, well, keep up the good work fellows.
Howdy I am so delighted I found your blog page, I really found you by
mistake, while I was browsing on Digg for something else, Anyhow I am here now and
would just like to say cheers for a marvelous post and a
all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design),
I don’t have time to go through it all at the minute but I have saved it
and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more,
Please do keep up the awesome work.
Simply want to say your article is as surprising. The clarity in your post is just
great and i can assume you are an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently.
I’m quite certain I’ll learn many new stuff right here! Best
of luck for the next!
I am actually grateful to the owner of this website who has shared this enormous
piece of writing at at this time.
Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to
get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords
but I’m not seeing very good gains. If you know of any please share.
Appreciate it!
They collect tools for results and study how to
use these tools effectively.
Review my blog Binhtienhantin639.blogspot.com
If you are okay with waking up early, you can deliver the
morning newspaper to make some money.
My webpage: Latonya
You can also opt for to enroll in a wellness care
and/or dependent care Versatile Spending Account .
Visit my web page: Jeanne
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for
me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?
Fantastic work!
Having read this I thought it was very informative.
I appreciate you finding the time and effort
to put this content together. I once again find myself spending way too much time
both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
We have the answer to your query around your
location and any city.
Also visit my web site: Darren
More than the course of four years, students may possibly write hundreds of papers.
Also visit my blog … Karri
This design is steller! You definitely know how to keep a reader entertained.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job.
I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
Awesome! Its in fact awesome post, I have got much clear
idea concerning from this paragraph.
This post is priceless. Where can I find out more?
Asking questions are in fact good thing if you are not understanding anything fully, except
this paragraph offers good understanding even.
Inspiring story there. What happened after? Thanks!
Very shortly this website will be famous amid all blog visitors, due to it’s nice posts
That is really fascinating, You are an overly professional blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to in the hunt for more of your fantastic post.
Also, I have shared your site in my social networks
Thanks for some other informative blog. Where else could I
am getting that type of info written in such a perfect method?
I’ve a venture that I’m simply now operating on, and I’ve been at the glance
out for such information.
Great delivery. Sound arguments. Keep up the great spirit.
I used to be able to find good information from your blog articles.
There’s certainly a lot to know about this subject.
I like all of the points you’ve made.
You have to be extremely careful not to let this circumstance occur.
Visit my page; What Is A Part Time Job
Highly descriptive article, I loved that bit.
Will there be a part 2?
I want to to thank you for this excellent read!! I absolutely enjoyed every little
bit of it. I have you book marked to look at new things you post…
This text is invaluable. Where can I find out more?
This plan teaches students how to address the obstacles that women can face when in search of care.
Here is my homepage … Gennie
I think this is one of the most important info for me. And i am glad reading your article.
But wanna remark on few general things, The site style
is wonderful, the articles is really nice : D. Good job,
cheers
I could not resist commenting. Exceptionally well written!
Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed!
Extremely helpful info specifically the last part :) I care for such info a
lot. I was seeking this certain information for a long time.
Thank you and best of luck.
Great article.
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this
blog. I really hope to see the same high-grade content by you in the future as well.
In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own website now ;)
I love it when folks get together and share ideas. Great blog,
keep it up!
The finance sector can fluctuate throughout the year, and employers may need to employ
accountants on demand.
Also visit my web blog :: Drew
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do
it for you? Plz respond as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to find
out where u got this from. thank you
Nice answer back in return of this question with genuine arguments and describing all concerning that.
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what
all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% sure.
Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Appreciate it
Attractive portion of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to say that I acquire in fact loved account your blog posts.
Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you get right of entry to consistently rapidly.
Terrific article! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web.
Disgrace on Google for now not positioning this post upper!
Come on over and talk over with my site . Thank you =)
Genuinely when someone doesn’t understand after that its up to other viewers that
they will help, so here it takes place.
I just could not go away your web site before suggesting that I
really loved the standard info a person supply to your visitors?
Is gonna be again steadily to check out new posts
Right here is the perfect site for anyone who really wants to understand this topic.
You know so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa).
You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that has been written about for
many years. Excellent stuff, just great!
Seasonal Vacancies Lend a assisting hand through our busiest job hiring near me part time
of the year by taking on one of our Seasonal Vacancies.
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this blog.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and appearance.
I must say you have done a amazing job with this. In addition, the blog loads super
quick for me on Chrome. Exceptional Blog!
I pay a visit each day some web sites and sites to read
articles, however this website gives feature based articles.
It’s truly very complicated in this full of activity life to listen news on Television, thus
I simply use internet for that reason, and get the latest information.
Greetings! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers
and starting a new initiative in a community
in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a outstanding
job!
Hi there very nice site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Superb ..
I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also? I
am happy to seek out a lot of helpful info right here
in the submit, we need work out extra strategies in this regard,
thanks for sharing. . . . . .
Our Group Members span five generations and represent a
wide range of cultures and backgrounds, each and every with a fantastic story to share.
Here is my website :: Part time remote job
It is not my first time to visit this site, i am browsing this
site dailly and take pleasant data from here everyday.
Just desire to say your article is as amazing.
The clearness in your put up is simply cool and i could suppose you’re a professional on this subject.
Fine with your permission let me to clutch your feed to stay up to date with drawing close post.
Thanks a million and please carry on the enjoyable work.
Some APRNs take on managerial or administrative roles other
individuals go into academia.
my blog post :: women’s Studies jobs
Wow, this article is fastidious, my younger sister is
analyzing these things, therefore I am going to convey her.
Everything is very open with a really clear description of
the issues. It was definitely informative. Your website is useful.
Many thanks for sharing!
Professors and teachers employ teacher’s assistants to help
them with assessing assignments, establishing lesson plans, and tutoring students.
my web site … 유흥알바
It’s going to be end of mine day, except before finish I am
reading this wonderful paragraph to increase my experience.
Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will make certain to
bookmark your blog and will come back down the road.
I want to encourage one to continue your great writing, have a nice weekend!
It’s not my first time to pay a visit this web site, i am browsing this web page dailly and take nice data from here daily.
Heya this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or
if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting
a blog soon but have no coding experience so I wanted
to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!
Physique language what is a part time job still significant when you happen to be
doing a video interview.
Greetings, There’s no doubt that your site could possibly be having
web browser compatibility problems. Whenever I take
a look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however,
when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues.
I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up!
Apart from that, excellent site!
Awesome article.
Hey there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us
so I came to take a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Wonderful blog and amazing design.
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this,
like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but
other than that, this is great blog. A great read.
I will certainly be back.
It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future
and it is time to be happy. I have read this
post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions.
Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.
I desire to read even more things about it!
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and
I am impressed! Extremely helpful info specifically the last
part :) I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this
certain info for a very long time. Thank you
and best of luck.
I think the admin of this site is truly working
hard for his site, since here every information is
quality based information.
Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
The words in your content seem to be running off the screen in Opera.
I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know.
The design and style look great though! Hope you get the issue fixed soon. Kudos
My brother suggested I may like this web site. He was once totally right.
This submit actually made my day. You can not consider simply how much time
I had spent for this info! Thank you!
What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has aided me out loads.
I’m hoping to give a contribution & aid other customers like its
helped me. Good job.
Just desire to say your article is as surprising.
The clarity in your post is simply nice and i can assume you are an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep up
to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please
keep up the rewarding work.
This blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something which helped
me. Thank you!
Very good info. Lucky me I recently found your blog by accident (stumbleupon).
I’ve bookmarked it for later!
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.
The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you
wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you
shield this hike.
I’m no longer positive the place you are getting your information, however great topic.
I needs to spend a while learning more or working
out more. Thank you for magnificent information I used to be searching for
this info for my mission.
It’s impressive that you are getting thoughts from this article as
well as from our dialogue made at this time.
I used to be suggested this blog through my cousin. I am not certain whether or not this publish is written via him as no one else know such unique approximately my difficulty.
You are wonderful! Thanks!
Hey! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if
that would be okay. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and
look forward to new updates.
Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit
and sources back to your website? My blog is in the exact same area
of interest as yours and my visitors would definitely benefit from some of the information you provide
here. Please let me know if this alright with you.
Regards!
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time
a comment is added I get several emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Thanks
a lot!
wonderful issues altogether, you simply received a logo new reader.
What would you suggest in regards to your submit that you simply
made some days ago? Any positive?
894112 277579Really intriguing topic , thanks for putting up. 347544
520275 220124This is one extremely fascinating post. I like the way you write and I will bookmark your weblog to my favorites. 882593
509985 562820Delighted for you to discovered this internet site write-up, My group is shopping a lot more often than not regarding this. This can be at this moment definitely what I are already seeking and I own book-marked this specific site online far too, Ill often be maintain returning soon enough to appear at on your exclusive blog post. 137316
801930 605331Some genuinely superb info , Sword lily I discovered this. 584763