I saw the extra effort it took to remain composed in traumatic situations, and most notably, I saw that it was possible to work efficiently and gently at the same time. There was the housekeeper who went to inordinate lengths to help my mother select a pair of comfortable slippers. The need for change The defining element upon which future historians judge civilizations is how well they treated their children and their infirm. The residents are a precious part of the human family. As long as they live, they have much to contribute - even if it is just to provide us the opportunity to care for and nurture them.
Society already places a high priority on the physical and emotional needs of children.
The needs of our nursing home residents should be no less important. Copyright 2000, The Regents of the University of California. Produced and maintained by the Office of Public Affairs at UC Berkeley .