Chapter 1: The Weight of Aging

In the realm of care, I am the compassionate spirit, offering solace amidst the unyielding grip of despair. The somber reality of those who age is that they often suffer not for their actions, but merely for the passage of time. Their plight is a painful reminder of society’s harsh judgment against the elderly, who are unjustly penalized for their years.

Number 47 has soiled his continence pad again. I've already tended to him three times today; the compensation hardly reflects the labor involved. You know what? I’ll leave him for now—the morning crew shouldn’t be feeding residents just before I start my shift. — Nurse Indifferent

Cries for help echo through the sterile halls, but are met with silence. Helpless souls gaze up at the stark white ceiling, enduring the searing agony of their condition. They murmur pleas for assistance, but the world seems oblivious to their suffering.

The frail bodies struggle to rise from their beds, tears cascading onto the cold floor as they inch towards the sounds of laughter and conversation. Is this what we call sanctuary?

Here he goes again, crawling out of bed and making a fuss. Do you remember his outburst last week? Can you assist me in bringing him back to his room? We can secure him to prevent him from disturbing the others. — Nurse Neglectful

Bound and restrained, they are left in a state of distress. Their frantic eyes dart left and right, while their limbs tremble helplessly. The burden of their situation weighs heavily, and yet, the sores in their mouths prevent them from expressing their pain—leading to neglect and a harsh reality that exposes the cruelty they endure.

Could someone please check on number 47? He seems fine, but we’ve had him restrained for a few hours. We’ll remove the restraints before his wife arrives. I’ll update his care plan to reflect that he has been resting without issues. — Nurse Unconcerned

My gentle and quiet presence serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, ticking away with each passing second. In a world devoid of moral guidance, the humanity within us flickers like a candle in the dark. Yet, amidst this suffering, I see the profound beauty in the eyes of those enduring a hellish existence, awaiting their inevitable conclusion—birth, life, death.

Compassion may seem dormant, but I am there to guide the unfortunate ones with my tender touch, cradling their weary faces as they wait for the sound of the final bell. Each life is a testament to a journey well-traveled, illuminating the legacies they leave behind.

And when the bell tolls —

I

‍Hear

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍Thy

‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍Call.

HAIKU:

Breathing through the years

Navigating time’s maze

Dignity lost here

Thank you for engaging with my poem. I extend my gratitude to the editors of Scrittura for featuring my work.

As a nurse in aged care, I’ve witnessed countless instances of neglect and malpractice. This piece draws inspiration from real events, which, although challenging to confront, highlight the struggles faced by the elderly in underfunded and uncaring facilities.

Chapter 2: Voices in Silence

In this video, we explore the profound themes of aging and the human experience, reflecting on the emotional narratives that often go unheard.

This video delves into the realities of life in nursing homes, shedding light on the stories that many residents carry with them.