By kelly • March 2, 2026
Aging folks are not considered with as much compassion as they deserve. They require connection, focused attention, nurturing touch, and much more quality time with their loved ones and caregivers than they are given currently. Working in care homes, many residents seem sad and want to know that someone is there, unafraid to hold their hand, stroke their head, talk to them. They deserve to be shown they are valued and cared for. They deserve dignity.
I had time one day to ask someone who was in distress and very itchy if she was ok. She called out while I was working with my patient in the TV lounge in a care home. There were no care aids in the area, and I was the only one who had heard her crying out for over an hour. I looked her in the eye and said hello. She looked at me, grabbed my hand with both of hers, and smiled sweetly. She was able to quietly say I love you as she held on to me. She stopped scratching, maybe because she just needed to be seen, craved connection. I stayed and told her I loved her too. I feel that small thing made a difference in her day. After a few minutes of holding her hands, she began to sing along to the music playing on the TV.