Tim experienced what it was like to be disabled for 24 hours by taking on the role of a nursing home patient with multiple sclerosis. He found it frustrating to be dependent on others for all his needs and unable to perform even simple tasks independently like reading or using a computer. While some nurses were helpful, he observed that staff were often too busy with other patients to give him individual attention. The experience gave him insight into how people in nursing homes feel and perspectives on providing more compassionate care.

1. sTimul experience: being disabled person for 24
hours
11 March 2012 at 20:52
Friends
So, they came to collect anamnesis. I am a patient in a nursing home now. I have Multiple
Sclerosis (MS), I kept my name and age (29), I am immobile, incontinent, need assistance with
all my needs other than breathing, I have to wear a stupid diaper – ever thought how
uncomfortable it is? Me not. I have to sit on it all day :// in a wheelchair from which I already feel
pain in my back.
There is a radio in my room. I managed to get it work, think if I have to ask nurses to do that for
me. It plays English and Dutch music. How silly is to listen to a song “please, don’t let me go...”,
where the hell I can go then I can only be put in a wheelchair. Can’t even move it. Damn!
It’s sunny outside. Nurses are busy, so nobody is taking me out. Lunch is at 12... Rice with curry.
Hm... might need a diaper change after that://
I can’t use computer, so no FB. Can’t type text messages either. Shit! Starring to the ceiling and
thinking. Other residents are old and some of them are demented.
I have two tulips on a mantelpiece. Yellow and pink – never thought these colours went together.
Maybe they do. I also have three pictures on the wall. Looks like flowers of onion or maybe
garlic. Green. Can’t see it well from my wheelchair. Oh, artificial orchid is here too. Could do with
dusting – can I do that? No.
I’m thirsty but it’s still 45 minutes till lunch. Shall I cheat and get my apple juice I got from a hostel
this morning? Yuck! It’s orange juice drink. Sweet and sour. I have to use a straw to drink it and
normally somebody should be holding it for me.
Ah, if I drink too much I will need my diaper changed soon and until after lunch not many staff is
available. Well, that will be my fine for cheating like Andy from Little Britain series :)
Can I read a book? Not really. I can’t reach it nor can I hold it. What can I do? Is there anything I
can do at all by myself??? Switch the radio off? No. Take my book? No. Go outside? No. Scratch
my head? No. Pee in my diaper? Yes.
What did they mean saying that life is beautiful... Hm...Epicurus must have had something to say
on this but... I can’t google it. And since I am supposed to have short term memory loss, I won’t
remember to ask my friends then they come to visit me...
Whatever, I’m gonna have a nap. That I can do. Dream without restrictions.
I was woken up in the middle of my dream. They forgot me, so I had lunch an hour later. During
the day they forgot me as well. Nurses were busy running after demented patients who were
causing lots of trouble. It was funny to watch them :) I guess I would turn demented if stayed with
them longer.
Going to bed was my favourite time of the day! I got attention of two nurses. They washed,
changed me, took me to toilet. All was ok despite some silly faults they made. I wasn’t left to
hang stuck in the hoist for an hour, so no complaints.
Sitting in a wheelchair “makes your ass sore” my fellow disabled colleague noted. True, so true!
I like green colour in my room. I also liked chatting with sane residents during the day. The day
passed very quick even though they forgot to take me out for a walk :) It was boring sometimes
too...

2. In the morning I felt cold. I told them I wanted to get up at 8am. Only my neighbour with dementia
came to wonder around making a lot of noise with her walking frame. Two nurses showed up too
much later. I was woken up twice during the night then they came to check on me. Gosh, I feel
so sleepy and tired now...
Nurses complimented me saying that I am helpful patient and working together with them then
being washed and dressed. I didn’t think about it. I guess it just came intuitively.
Notes to myself and other carers:
Remember to think about people, who do not cause trouble; they might be really bored just
sitting there in the corner.
Make eye contact and position yourself in front of a person then feeding somebody; feels weird
to see just a spoon and a hand.
Tell the person what you are going to do before rushing to swing a wheelchair, put a cover on,
take a plate away, etc...
Give a good care but for a good reason. Doesn’t always work just to stick to the book.
My room and wheelchair.

3. Woolen tulips
on a mantelpiece.

4. Pub I could see through the window if I was able to stand up.

5. The place I
went for all this in Moorsele, Belgium.

6. sTimul. Lab for ethical care.