Traversing the nine acres of indoor space at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center can be grueling under normal conditions. Trying to do it on one good foot can be a real character builder, as I discovered during the American Health Care Association’s annual meeting in Nashville.
A recent foot injury left me wearing an “air boot” and an unsteady gait. But as they say, when one door closes, another opens up. While my ability to move around had been compromised, there were some enlightening compensations.
Previously, I had never noticed how many people in this field are forced to literally limp through industry events. Some are injured, while others are dealing with chronic conditions or recent surgeries. We limpers seemed to form an almost instant alliance at the show: the few, the proud, the gimpy.
It’s also remarkable how quickly one can find alternatives to staircases and uneven surfaces when each step seems to require a cost/benefit analysis. I also found it fascinating how others who were not in our gimpy alliance reacted: some wanted to learn “what happened,” while others went out of their way to be accommodating. Maybe it was a case of Southern hospitality, but I was touched by the way complete strangers took that extra step (sorry, couldn’t resist) for my benefit.
But perhaps the greatest payoff was a quick lessen in perspective. To put it as politely as possible: Losing independence can be both a humbling and frustrating experience. It’s comforting to know that I’ll soon be fully recovered and back to normal. But for many of long-term care residents, the prognosis is not so cheerful.
So if you find yourself dealing with a resident who seems grumpier than usual, try to cut that person a bit of slack. The problem may not be their willingness to put on a happy face. It may simply be that they are in serious pain. Many have lost their health, their friends, their spouses, or more. A little kindness on your part may go much farther than you realize.
