Lloyd Wright of Gosnell wanted to share his thoughts about the work and care Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) give to their patients every day.
“CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant but to me, the A in CNA also stands for Angels,” Wright said. “They care for their patients with compassion and love.”
Wright is a daily visitor at the Gosnell Therapy and Living Center as he visits his wife, Mary Ann, who suffers from dementia and has been a resident for three years. She is under Hospice care.
“CNAs care for patients needing physical therapy and mental therapy,” he said. “They (CNAs) are special people. I don't think they are here for the money. I don't know what they make but I think they are underpaid. I see ads in the Courier every day for CNAs in many of the area homes. Many times it can be a thankless job. I want to thank each one of them for the care they give. I have a concern for the high turnover.”
Wright said CNAs take a lot of abuse from patients who don't know what they are doing and can't help it. He said sometimes they bite, spit, hit, punch, scratch, kick, cuss and name call but it is their survival mode. He always tells the CNAs, “that is not her.”
“I have seen CNAs take the abuse and give back kind words,” Wright said. “The work can be physically and mentally difficult. CNAs work to keep their patients bathed and bedding changed. They use patience feeding those who refuse or have forgotten how to eat. When their patients cry, they do their best to console them.”
Wright said he wanted to let the CNAs know how special they are to him and his wife.
“Like me, they never know who will greet them when they walk through the door in the morning but they come back day after day,” he said. “Again, my concern is the high turnover for CNAs. They are special people. I tell them (CNAs) ”
Mr. Wright has a book that he was given by his son-in-law entitled Coach Broyle's Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers. It has good tips and shares information on what to expect. He recommends the book to anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer's. There is a poem in the front of the book that Mr. Wright copied and placed over his wife's bed and encourages all of the caregivers to read it.
It says:
Do not ask me to remember.
Don't try to make me understand.
Let me rest and know you're with me.
Kiss my check and hold my hand.
I'm confused beyond your concept.
I am sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you
To be with me at all cost.
Do not lose your patience with me.
Do not scold or curse or cry.
I can't help the way I'm acting.
Can't be different 'though I try.
Just remember that I need you,
That the best of me is gone.
Please don't fail to stand beside me.
Love me 'til my life is done.
— Author unknown