Why Twinkies & Apple Juice?

2008-10-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

I got the idea from watching how people respond to nursing homes. To be honest, it scares allot of people to death! Nursing homes often have a bad reputation due to poor perceptions of their purpose or a bad experience. Certainly, terrible nursing care in a facility would leave a bad taste in my mouth.
I have worked in some really great nursing homes and some really bad nursing homes so my perception of being placed in one does not bother me--according to which one they plan to place me. If it isn't one I wish to be placed...Well, I would not want to be the persons caring for or placing me in that facility. I shan't be a good resident and they will only wish the State Censors were camped at their door instead of having to contend with me--Daily. I have future plans to write a humorous story about two best friends living in the same nursing home and their antics. The two characters are Donna (my best friend) and myself for we plan to live out this story should this happen for real. My Administrator is praying retirement before we move in for real. Was it because I shared with him our intent to make our final retirement home his facility?
Twinkies & Apple Juice deals with a child's fear of nursing homes and all to often, this is where the fears begin, especially when an older child visits a nursing home for the first time. If a child is raised visiting a grandparent or great grandparent in a nursing home, the stigma will not usually exist unless the child experiences a truly tragic situation. For instance, in the facility where I work, there is a lady resident who gives her great, great granddaughter rides on the back of her power chair. I always wish I had a camera to photograph such a beautiful moment. The 4 year old is most comfortable taking the rides or riding her little tricycle around the facility as long as she stays with her family--and she is too shy to wander off. The nurses ohh and ahh and clap their hands at the sight of the lovely child (with her big, blue eyes) riding the power chair as other residents watch in envious glee. She does not fear the other residents, but she is shy and obedient to her grandmother. Most likely, that child will grow up quite comfortable in the company of the elderly and visit nursing homes on her own.
As for myself, I was raised, what some would call, "Old School" when it comes to my elders. I was brought up to say, "Sir, and Ma'am" and "Miss, Mrs., and Mr." It bothers me that some do not wish to be respected by the titles because they claim it makes them feel old. Fortunately, the elderly love me for it. Honey, they treasure those words! It was how THEY were raised! Disrespecting your elders and authority has become too prevalent and we need to go back to the old teachings of respecting others for all our sakes.
All my posts will be on the subject of nursing homes and their purpose. My main purpose is to educate, encourage, and help make a positive impact on those fearful of one day being placed in or having to place a family member in a nursing home. Hopefully, I can answer people's questions in what to look for and how to evaluate a nursing home before the decision is to be made. If I don't have the answer, I will seek find out.
One last parting statement: "NURSING HOMES ARE NOT A PLACE TO DIE, BUT ANOTHER PLACE TO LIVE!" Got it.