A Disappointing Visit

I visited a home for old folks this morning.  I hadn't been there for many years for various reasons, one of them being Mum's ill health, and I was surprised to see that they had given it a facelift.  There was a new spacious car park and new extensions had also been built.  It didn't look like an old folks' home anymore but more of a hotel for senior citizens!

It was here that my friends and I had spent almost every Sunday in the past helping out in the kitchen.  We enjoyed cutting vegetables and became fast friends with the kitchen staff.  Sometimes we helped to serve lunch.  I remember they had these two tiered aluminium trolleys where they put the rice, soup and other dishes and we would go round pushing the trolleys and putting the food on the tables.  Every meal always began with a prayer after which the residents tucked heartily into their food.  At special times such as  Chinese New Year and Christmas, we organised sing-a-longs while they ate. There was never any need to roll out the "Welcome" mat, we were always welcome!

This morning as I entered through a new entrance, I was greeted by a receptionist who asked what I wanted.  I said I was just paying a visit.  She looked at me suspiciously and asked whether I was visiting anyone in particular.  I said no and explained that I used to do voluntary work here and just wanted to walk around and see my old friends in the kitchen, and perhaps help serve lunch. I was also keen to see one or two old folks whom I had made acquaintance with last time.  She replied that the home had its own employees now and that it did not require voluntary help.  I could also see that she didn't like the idea of me walking around the place, but in the end she agreed but not before asking me to sign the visitors' book giving details of my name, tel.no. and even the number of my car.  I can understand she was just doing her job but then this place isn't exactly Fort Knox or where the Crown Jewels are kept!

Anyway I walked down one corridor and was pleased to see that the home now had a library, a small sitting room, an exercise room but before I could explore further, the receptionist came running and told me that I was not permitted to go any further.  I then asked to see the kitchen as I wanted to see whether my old friend was still working there.  She indicated vaguely where it was.  I walked over and talked to a helper.  I was told that my friend had left the home some time ago.  I mentioned about doing voluntary work here in the past and she asked whether I would like to feed a few immobile ladies upstairs.  But before I could say yes or no, the receptionist appeared again and gruffly told me I could not do so.

Disappointed, I then went back to the reception area which is adjacent to the dining area.  It was nearly lunch time and some of the old mobile residents were slowly coming in. The receptionist said most of the residents are "new" ones and probably those I knew years ago had passed away.  She could be right of course and after some time I decided to leave.

I felt rather dejected as I left the home. I realised sadly that things had changed and I was unfortunately unprepared for the cold reception I got. I had come with good intentions, with plenty of love and cheer to give lonely old hearts but I was treated like an intruder.  Surely some of these old people would love to have someone to talk to or to be listened to? 

I don't think I'll visit this place again.  I wish all the residents there good health, peace and happiness - and may they never be sad and lonely.