In not too many years, you could be where we are now - would you be satisfied with the kind of care you are giving me?

We are old, but we are human beings. We hurt and are in wheelchairs or beds, or on canes or walkers. We sure do appreciate kind, loving and caring words.

We can’t hear very well, so please don’t just grab us – it scares us! Please call our name and get our attention first.

We can’t do the things we used to do , and though we try really hard, our bodies don’t always do as we tell them to do.

If we should get cranky, distract us with something else, give us a hug, or just talk to us. We are lonely, and would love the attention. Music helps to soothe us – our kind of music please!

Our eyesight isn’t what we used to have, so if we make a mess, or can’t see something, we are sorry.

All of our lives, we have been on a time clock and now we are retired, so if we don’t want to do something right now, wait a few minutes or so, then try again. Nothing is so important that it has to be done right now!

We don’t like being told what we have to do, all the time. How about asking us sometimes? Give us a choice.

Please don’t talk down to us; after all, we are adults, and deserve to be treated as such. Treat us with dignity.

Respect our privacy, both in the bathroom and the shower, and please keep us covered, as we get chilled easily.

To you, it may be just a duty, but to us, it’s our lives……our “Golden Years”?!?! Where we are now, you could be tomorrow- will you be satisfied?