Stuff I've learned in the new job. 

"WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe" (wesbarton89) 01/02/2015 at 19:09 • Filed to: None

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So, I work as a caretaker for mentally handicapped in individuals in the home now, and I've learned a few things. Most notably: colostomy bags are disgusting.

One of my current patients has a colostomy, and changing the bag, cleaning it, so on, is just super unpleasant. I'm getting used to it, but it's just kinda gross overall.

Luckily, I have a little stoma care experience, as I had a feeding tube for awhile myself, implanted into my stomach, and the care involved isn't drastically different, just more involved. The main difference here is that the colon is exposed through an opening in the stomach, which is how he does his bathroom business. It just has to be cleaned and changed regularly. I just hope I never have to get one myself. They really stink literally and figuratively.

But I've learned a bit otherwise as well. And I've already had to restrain one guy who tried to run off. This certainly isn't a glamorous job, but it is quite rewarding. Pretty laid back overall, just some unpleasant parts.

Have a car I saw, for your time.

$kaycog > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 01/02/2015 at 19:14

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It takes a special kind of person to do what you're doing. I guess that means that you are special. :D

WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe > $kaycog 01/02/2015 at 19:18

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Thanks. Appreciate that a lot. It's completely different from the customer service jobs I held for 7 1/2 years, but it really isn't too bad overall. It's pretty simple. Some bathing, medication administration, cleaning, feeding, and then just lounging around watching TV afterwards.

Tohru > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 01/02/2015 at 19:23

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I dunno, in my customer service jobs I dealt with a lot of crap from the customers. This appears to be more of the same.

Birddog > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 01/02/2015 at 19:36

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Care workers like yourself are truly underappreciated.

I spent some time as a Maintenance Director in an elderly care/memory care facility. The dedication to the residents that I witnessed there was amazing.

TheHondaBro > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 01/02/2015 at 19:37

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Just letting you know you got Kinja'd.

Svend > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 01/02/2015 at 20:00

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Pro tip when dealing with unpleasant smells. Put a tiny bit of Vicks vapour rub of similar on your top lip, then when cleaning unpleasant smelling areas simply breathe through your nose and all you get is a strong or relatively strong smell of mint. You only need a tiny amount though.

My step father ran two care homes for 25 years and my mother was a home carer visiting peoples homes to check on them and to assist with daily activities.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 01/02/2015 at 21:48

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Whatever they are paying you, it isn't enough.

shop-teacher > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 01/02/2015 at 22:22

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That's important work you're doing.

PG; the scalpel wielder > WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe 01/03/2015 at 09:07

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from the person in theatre that makes those, remember we appreciate it more than we let on. Keep up the good work!