Walk a mile in others' shoes
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382018)
Rockingham, Australia
February 5, 2019 12:18am CST
I once worked for a small department within a church organisation that ran a number of aged care facilities. Our group ran courses for aged care workers, in particular those dealing with people with dementia. The course ran over three days and they were provided with lunch.
At one of the meals, to try to give them some idea of the difficulties their clients might face, the course participants were handicapped in some way. Several might be given glasses which restricted their vision; others might have to eat with their left hand only; others might wear gloves or be in wheelchairs. Although it was a fun activity in a way, it was also an eye-opener into the challenges some of their clients faced.
Now it seems we might have been ahead of the times as one service provider is introducing ‘empathy’ suits to trainees to simulate the physical challenges faced by the elderly and the disabled. The suits are fitted with straps, weights and braces to manipulate the body and restrict movement, sight and hearing.
I think this is a great idea. It’s easy to say we know how hard it must be for some people but to actually have to experience their situation to a small degree would be a very different ball-game.
The photo is of my great grand-mother.
16 people like this
17 responses
@hereandthere (45628)
• Philippines
5 Feb 19
it's also helpful to observe how they've coped individually because you can be surprised sometimes at how clever some of their personal techniques are
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382018)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Feb 19
The suits have apparently been around for a while but Australia is only now starting to use them. It's a good idea.
@JudyEv (382018)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Feb 19
@hereandthere That's true. Many develop very clever ways of coping with whatever challenges they have.
1 person likes this
@WorDazza (15826)
• Manchester, England
5 Feb 19
That really is a brilliant idea. Maybe some of today's entitled little snowflakes should be forced to spend some time in one of these suits.
Might make them realise how lucky they are to have their health rather than whining about how unfair life is because they aren't David Beckham or some other such multi-millionaire.
2 people like this
@allknowing (153544)
• India
5 Feb 19
This empathy thing does not appeal to me Imagine having a taste of cancer to be among those who have it.
Looking at your G.G Mom's photo it does depict women of those times always with knitting needles
2 people like this
@allknowing (153544)
• India
5 Feb 19
@JudyEv Unless one physically experiences it it will not be possible for anyone to fee the pain
1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (17239)
• China
5 Feb 19
It was a hassle to train those people handicapped in some way.Your great grandmother was hale and hearty.Longevity runs in your family.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (502394)
• Italy
5 Feb 19
You are lucky to have a photo of your great grand-mother, I am sure that I also have one, may be in my mom's albums. I had to use my left arm and hand for almost two years when I broke my right elbow and I needed surgery and a very long recovery. It was not easy, I learnt not only to ea, but also to write with only my left hand.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382018)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Feb 19
I used to deliberately try to use my left hand for just that reason. Learning the piano also meant my fingers were quite strong which helped when I started to learn to type. Some people could hardly use their little fingers because they were so weak.
2 people like this
@sueznewz2 (10409)
• Alicante, Spain
7 Feb 19
Like you say it should give them a whole new understanding of their clients difficulties. . Clever idea...
Ps great photo of your grandmother. ..
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382018)
• Rockingham, Australia
7 Feb 19
Thanks. The aged care industry is in turmoil here. Lots of abuse cases coming out into the open. It's very sad.
@acelawrites (19272)
• Philippines
5 Feb 19
It's a nice technique, so your trainees can feel and understand how it is to be old and have restrictive movements. Your great grandma looks beautiful!
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382018)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Feb 19
I guess she has her best clothes and best bonnet on for this photo. 
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
5 Feb 19
@JudyEv I have seen where descendants of convicts call themselves "Australian royalty." She might have been descended from there.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382018)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Feb 19
@JohnRoberts One side of the family came out because they were persecuted for their religion. But it's highly likely there is a convict or two amongst my ancestors. 
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
6 Feb 19
If we live long enough many will experience these hardships. This is a good way to understand how difficult the challenges are in old age.
1 person likes this
@ThreeTeddies (2038)
• United Kingdom
5 Feb 19
As an ex-caregiver I would have liked to do something like this training but never had the chance. It would have benefitted those times when I looked after elderly people
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382018)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Feb 19
@ThreeTeddies This was years ago. There have been some horrific stories here recently of abuse in nursing homes.
1 person likes this
@ThreeTeddies (2038)
• United Kingdom
6 Feb 19
@JudyEv Any improvement in current care would be welcome. Some facilities for the elderly aren't the best
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382018)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Feb 19
Thanks. She does look well and obviously she could still knit unless the needles are just for show.
@Letranknight2015 (52665)
• Philippines
5 Feb 19
It's fortunate to know that my Grandma still have some memories and very much active.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382018)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Feb 19
Are you talking to her about her past and writing down her history? Once she is gone you won't be able to ask her anything about her past or your family's history.
@JudyEv (382018)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Feb 19
I know at our courses there was a lot of hilarity but they all said it really made them think about how hard it was for people. Most were dealing with people with dementia but their clients, as well as trying to function with dementia, also had failing eyesight, mobility problems and a whole host of other issues.
