Patients My Dear
Everyone once in a while, we will see angry patients. It might be from the circumstances they are in, the bed, food or not being able to move about in familiar surroundings. Most of the time the anger is not because of us, but it can often be aimed at us in therapy.
Recently I had a lady throw her FWW at me. Fortunately my cat-like reflexes dodged the blow and I retrieved her walker and set it back up next to her. She stared at me for a minute, then turned away and did not acknowledge me when I tried to speak with her. I am not sure what she was trying to accomplish but she didn't do therapy that day, so I guess she won.
Another patient a few doors down would come for therapy, endure the activity and say, "Thanks for nothing" after we were done. She would make her snide comments throughout the sessions to every therapist who approached her to work. With enough coaxing, she agreed but reluctantly.
Then there are the patients who are just as angry but make funny comments that get us all laughing in the gym. Most of their comments are directed toward me and I laugh right along with them. The floor-to-ceiling transfer pole we have set up usually gets the most laughs and is commented on by both the men and women. That is fine as long as the patients can take their minds off being angry and not throw anything else at me. But at least I know I am still quick.