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Let’s say you’re allowed to check yourself into a nursing home to see what it feels like to be a resident. Would you do it? A few universities offer students this option in what they call nursing home immersion.
Probably the most well-known program is at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. Here, students admit themselves to a nursing home and live there for 10-14 days. Each student receives fictitious diagnoses and disabilities.
All nursing home staff know that the students aren’t real residents. However, they must treat them just like any other resident. The nursing home receives no reimbursement for caring for these extra people.
At the end of the experience, students meet with staff to offer feedback about the experience. As a result, it becomes a valuable lesson for both the students and the staff.
I recently explored several articles about the nursing home immersion experience at the University of New England and other locations. Today I’ll share a few important observations made by students.
- Even though caregivers are kind and professional, students share how embarrassed they feel while receiving routine care. This includes going through a full-body skin check upon admission, having their pants pulled down during toileting, and being transferred into a bathtub while nude.
- After receiving a fictitious diagnosis of hemiplegia, students report feeling self-conscious when trying to eat with their non-dominant hand.
- Students realize how difficult it is to wait for help. Even a few minutes seems like a long time when you really need something.
- Some students receive a pureed diet and thickened liquids because of their assigned diagnosis of difficulty swallowing. One student compared the taste of the thickened water to “drinking hair gel”.
- Even though the students know the experience will last only a few days, most experience a feeling of depression by day 4 or 5.
- Students express feelings of loneliness and homesickness. Many note how much it helps to seek friendships with other residents.
- Since many students use a wheelchair for mobility, they learn how important it is to communicate at eye level. How often do we talk to someone sitting in a wheelchair while we stand over them?
- One student assigned to a wheelchair notes how frustrating it is when people place things out of reach.
- Many students discover how much we take for granted. This includes personal possessions, control of our daily routines, and our privacy.
- Students realize the importance of physical touch. Caregivers often touch residents in the process of routine cares. However, many students appreciate a hug or a reassuring arm around their shoulder.
- Noise at night often disturbs the students’ sleep. It’s easy to forget how much noise comes from our voices and equipment when we work the night shift.
- Students express surprise at the positive attitudes of many of the residents despite their multitude of challenges. The powerful sense of community among the residents also leaves an impression on the students.
If students make these observations, we know many of our residents notice these things, too. Think about your nursing home. What changes will you make based on these students’ experiences?
Here are more stories about students living in nursing homes—this time for different reasons!
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