I recently visited an assisted living facility which one of my clients had been transferred to. As I entered the facility, you could feel in the air the lack of concern from the “nursing staff.” All of those working seemed more interested in what was on T.V. I had a bad feeling from the very beginning. Shortly after visiting with my client, it was apparent we had to find another facility. As I walked out, I would look into the doors of the patients and all you could see was ill elderly people and paralyzed people. No one was with them, no one was caring for them, no one was visiting them. It was very depressing. On my way home, I wondered why this was. Is it that they didn’t have family, is it that their family didn’t have the time or resources to be there for them, is it that their family has given up, or none of the above? Although I don’t have the answer to my question, I do know that it’s crucial for these individuals recovery and well being that they don’t feel forgotten. They must know that someone still cares for them and someone is praying that they get better. The only people that can do this are family members close to these people or caring individuals who volunteer their time. At the facility in question, it definitely wasn’t going to be the staff. They all seemed numb to the fact that the work they performed was so sensitive. It was merely a paycheck. I know all facilities are not like this and there are many quality nurses and healthcare providers out there. However, if the person you know is not lucky enough to be in a great facility, it’s up to you to make sure they have support.