Posted by Molly5 (205.188.208.106) on January 25, 2004 at 18:36:23:
In Reply to: jealous posted by Suzan on January 24, 2004 at 21:04:04:
: I have a mixture of high-functioning, low-functioning and middle-functioning residents. As the low-functioning sometimes need more attention and affection, some of the high and middle-functioning are jealous and amazed to see me giving a hug or answering the low ones. They keep repeating not to pay any attention to those "mentals". If I continue to pay attention to those, I see some of the others being jealous, watching me with wide eyes, considering that I have to keep distance from the low-functioning. One of them keeps telling me that she writes down every step I do against her consent. I feel I can loose their respect by respecting the low-functioning. What can I do, please help!
This certainly is a problem. I experience this at my facility as well. I attempt to try to explain to "higher functioning" residents that they should think to themselves, "there, but for the grace of God, go I" when observing the more confused resident. Another quote that sometimes makes them feel "guily" when they have no tolerence for these folks behaviors is : "Forgive them Lord, for they know not what they do". We on some level have to understand that these high functioning folks actually "live" with their confused peers. It is easy for us to be more tolerant, patient and loving. We go home every night and "get a break". They don't. In addition, God only knows how fearful they must be thinking that in a matter of time, they, too will end up like a "blob of protoplasm". I don't think it is "Jelousy" that they are experiencing. I think it is FEAR. It's important to sometimes be "touchy feely" with these "high" folks. The challenge for us as professionals is to have therapeutic relationships with all functioning levels and PERSONALITIES. Continue being who you are and don't take the "high functioning" complaints about where your attention is personally.