Pleasure in the job...

"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work."

Although acute care uses maybe 30% of my PT skills, I have to say its so gratifying. Compared to working with little kids, who used about the same percentage of skills, at the moment, I have to say old people are winning. Why?

Pros of Old People

A little kid cries when its annoyed, scared or frustrated, which makes you look bad.
An old person curses, tells you hilariously delusional things, and even while they do these things, everyone else in your workforce understands and continues as usual.

A little kid does not want to go to PT unless you make it really fun.
An old person considers going from the bed to the commode PT and loves you for it.

A little kid will sneeze in your face.
An old person is more likely to pee on the floor.

Little kids will try to hug and kiss you which makes you get sick.
Old people are happy to just hold hands.

Cons of Old People

Little kids pee and poo in diapers, and they're accidents are generally unmessy.
Old people accidents are messy and smell much worse.

Little kids only flash you every so often.
Old people are bound to flash you 7 times a day.

Little kids can't hurt you too much physically.
An old person could potentially sqaush you.

Little kids therapy is like playing all day.
Old people therapy involves the bathroom a lot.

Little kids are not generally in excruciating pain.
Old people sometimes are.

Little kids usually have parents or caregivers and a good support system.
Old people are often sad, lonely and left to care for themselves when they really can't.

The similarities:

Often they both wear diapers.

They get cranky when woken from naps.

They like to be smiled at.

They like to talk about pets.

When you make them happy its a happy thing.

When you make a connection, you would do anything to help make them feel a little better if you can.


Either way, I'm happy to be a PT.