Many times when I tell people what I do for a living, I get two responses:
1) “What is an occupational therapist?”
2) “Eww…in a nursing home?”
Fact of the matter is, I would not change it for the world. Many in the geriatric population actually have a wonderful sense of humor. I often take to social media to post conversations that I have with patients on a daily basis and get rave reviews…and a few laughs. That is actually how I came to write this blog article.
Here are some of the funniest conversations between me and my patients:
Me: ‘Would you like some coffee?’
Patient: ‘Yes. I like it strong and black….just like me.’
Me: ‘You’re not bla….nevermind’
Me: ‘How are you feeling’
Patient: ‘I am all backwards. My feet smell and my nose is running’
Me to 85 year old patient: ‘Let me help you to the bathroom before you all go on your outing’
*I then assisted patient to the toilet*
Patient: ‘Well, thank God I’m not menstruating!’
I assisted a patient into standing and after he sat down, he began to fan himself.
Me: ‘Are you hot from all of that work?’
Patient: ‘No. I’m fanning the fart I just passed.’
While assisting a Patient with dressing. I asked a patient if she preferred to wear a bra. She replied, ‘If I don’t wear a bra, people will wonder what is in my shirt pockets.’
All in all, OT is a wonderful profession and it really allows you to connect with patients on a personal level. Never pass up the opportunity to have a conversation with a patient. You may end up with a laugh. 🙂
My name is Shelbye Omondi and I have been an occupational therapist for about 6.5 years. I was born and raised in Lubbock, TX. I am blessed to love my job in the geriatric rehab field.