Another entry to the "Things I have learned" list

Among the list of things I've learned at the nursing home, I'd have to put this one on the top of the list:

• Don't ever wish that a difficult resident would change.

Because the truth is that they will change, but it will not be for the better and likely it will be a precursor to their death. They may be easier to handle and less combative or they may not. In any event, wishing for that kind of change in another person is counter productive. Big changes in nursing home residents seem to lead to their ultimate demise. Wish for more patience and knowledge to deal with the devils you have rather than wishing for the devils that you don't.