The Sisters

sounds like some weird sort of sect, but what do i know

that's just a fact--even to this day--about antiquated plumbing. i live in an old Victorian and my wife won't flush any of her sanitaries down the toilet for fear of clogging up the system. and the same thing with similar houses in the surrounding area--no feminine products whatsoever, else it means dire shit for the sewage system....

Motts ---> regarding the word "client":

People who lived in institutions were initially called "inmates" to reflect that they were involuntarily incarcerated. When The Powers That Be decided that a disability was not quite an intentional act, the model moved to a medical one, and "inmates" became "patients" who lived on "wards." With the changing emphasis on "rehabilitation" and the (partial) dropping of the medical model, the label switched to "residents," reflecting that they weren't "patients" but instead people who resided (lived) in these facilities. Times changed and the decision was made to quit calling people by a label that just referred to where they lived. The model changed to habilitation and active (as opposed to custodial) treatment and the term chosen was "clients."

In my mind the positive thing about this particular label is that it infers something very radical and invaluable and is a total change from previous models, and that is that by definition a "client" is someone who decides who gives them services and can therefore choose who provides that service. The provider is a paid person whose job it is to provide a service for that client. For the first time a label reflects that one person is paying another person and that they have some say in their treatment - there is some reciprocity for the first time. I personally believe that this was a huge step forward in the field and it only occurred about 20 or so years ago as an extension of the human rights and People First movements.

Today the label has changed to "consumer" or "individual." Like everyone else, I would love to drop labels entirely. The problem is, if a person doesn't have a label that describes specific program eligibility criteria, s/he doesn't qualify for services. I know that all of us in the field would be thrilled to find a word to use to discuss the people we work with, but it becomes very confusing to call everyone the same thing - staff and people receiving services - and it becomes one large mouthful to say what I keep writing - "people with disabilities." If you just call them "people" then you have to say, "You people who are paid to work here need to get the group of people who pay to live here and come to dinner." And if you try to call everyone by name this doesn't work, because many of these folks can't understand you if you call multiple names at one time - that's just too much information to process.

You know, this stuff is really much harder and more complicated than it looks. I do wish everyone who comes to your site would volunteer to work for a week in a group home, a special ed class, a mental health clinic, or an ER room and then see what terminology they would then use. Maybe they could help us with some good ideas. We always need new blood. This isn't a field that people exactly flock to, after all. :-)

Lynne, I used to work in a group home for people with disabilities, and I always thought the haggling over the terms was really lame. Your post shed a lot of light on that subject for me, though. I guess I never really thought of it in that way before. Thanks.

A similar poster can be found in women's restrooms everywhere in the US and probably the world. I found it amusing that you called it lewd. I wouldn't have thought twice about such a common thing. Perhaps I spend much more time in women's restrooms than you, what?

No I doubt that you'd find a sign similar to this one is a Men's room but I am sure there are a few lewd remarks written on the walls.

I worked in a home for MR teenagers and the adminstration building (former dorms) had bathrooms with notes up like this. They also had toliets like the previous photo. The building was about a 100 years old but was used until the 80s as the main home. They then built cottages for the residents.

Lynne, i know of what you speak. Sometimes they were still called "residents" although the legal term was also "clients" which is what the staff called them. The older nuns would still use "residents" however, remembering when they shared the main building with them. No matter what, they still are my kids and I see some of them on the public bus now that they have been placed in group homes. Its a good feeling knowing you have made a difference in their lives.

Well, bless you, StareGirl! It's a field like no other. No one outside understands it, but I wouldn't do anything else if they paid me. Which they would, but I would still rather do this. ;-)

I have a great deal of respect for people that work in institutions. I did a work expeirince in a mental institution. I was on in the day patient area doing some of the administrative work. Most of the patients were friendly but the ones that were not were hell. One day on the elephator 2 young girls came in as my self and some one else working in the adminstrative area of the day patients were going up to the top floor. One of the girls walked the other to the corner of the elephator and asked that we drop her off on the 3rd floor. No problem. Soon as the elephator closed the girl started pounding her head onto the elephator wall screaming that she could not take the pain she needed drugs and shaking. Seeing as the other woman that was with me was small she went and got a nurse as I watched the patient not closly but making sure she did not leave the elephator (she never tried to get out thank gosh) and making sure no one else got in and that it stayed on that floor. The girl then procedded to beet on the nurse so my co-worker ran to get security (when the nurse backed off the girl stoped hitting her). How ever at this time I also noticed some wrong doing of the staff. Such as the realy pretty young patient who I believe was nymphatic because we hated using the stairs because she was forever in there having sex with any one of the other patients or frequently this one security officer. We reported him many times but nothing ever came of it. I am currently a security officer do to the ammount of, for lack of a better word, SICK things I have seen security do in the mental institution and when a friend or mines boy friend was in prison.

i dont think what people are called makes much of a difference of how they are treated meaning if there is someone sick working in these places and they want to abuse or molest some patient they will do so reguardless of what you call them because to them few .. people the people who live in these places are just thing's to use and abuse ... though your stories do interrest me ... if you have any more share with us ... i worked in a elderly home... with patients we called them residence... bless you ! email with any stories or comment's at justicedreams24@aol.com

[Thump thump double thump]

As you have worked in an elderly home, were all these things that you are empathetic about, happening where you worked? That would explain why you feel every other established medical facility is guilty of such heinous crimes...spidergirl, please do some research before you go and make assumptions about that which you know nothing about. I fear for the grandparents out there right now.

I agree, Twug. Especially your last sentence.

Tony, isn't it amazing how clueless some folks are? I fear for them, as well.

'umbuty 'ot a 'ishew? 'y 'ounge ish 'beeding??

Whoa! A rare double thump! I shall collect this!

spidergirl, everybody knows that all people who work in nursing homes are abusive. Not as much fun when it's pointed back at you, is it?

I had a comment. I typed it all out, and then had to edit it at the last minute. Because I refuse to sink to that level of hell.

Poor Lyric. I think with all that tongue biting we may need more than just a tissue - mebbe a tourniquet or sumpin'. ;-)

I think you may be right, m'dear!

okay kind of cult like

spidergirl, are you from this planet???, I myself used to be a cargiver and a CNA in a nursing home and adult family home setting, to make such a statement without really thinking about the whole picture, is scary. I do not think that this field is for you!!! and if you are gonna tell a story at least make some sense!!

*Appears in a blackhood.* Dr. Sketch where is my necronomicon?

Doc RB, are you looking for the necronomicon ex mortis from Evil Dead, the necronomicon that HP Lovecraft invented, or the necronomicon written by the Abdul Alhazred? :)

Perhaps they could just say patients and staff?

"Patient" = a medical problem instead of a person.

My Aunt worked for most of her career at a nursing home facility in Knoxville, TN. She would often be left with the whole floor and two aides. Not alot of workers to wash and dress sometimes up to 50 patients by breakfast. Consequently many showed up for breakfast in their jammies. She had to make a conscious decision as to who got dressed for the day. She usually dressed the people who were still mentally capable and she felt that they could stand a little normality in their lives. She even once turned the whole kitchen upside down to find a woman's uppers that she had left on her tray at lunch. She made sure that any messes were cleaned as soon as humanly possible and she made sure everyone was as clean as possible. She didn't like to keep anyone in bed for too long (except for those that were bedridden, she liked to bring in her used magazines and books to offer them). She had the aides get them up and into wheel chairs and other devices so that they were ambulatory at least. When I visited there a few times (my great grandmother was there till she passed away at 98 years old) I noticed that even though the staff was so slim and things didn't always happen instantly, it was much better then the other facilities I had been in over the years. For one it didn't have an overpowering smell of urine. The ingrediant that made it all possible? Employees who actually cared for the patients. My aunt befriended many a patient and would cry every time someone on her floor died or was transferred off of her floor. She attended every funeral. She would get extremely upset when another employee was slacking. She would even come in on her own time sometimes to talk to her patient friends, read someone a book, read mail to patients. To outsiders and other employees she seemed like a very gruff and blunt person, to her patients she was an angel! After all, aren't they the ones who count here? Not all hospital staff are heartless, abusers, or goof-offs. Many would do more if they had the time and help. In her case they were Mothers and Fathers. Maybe calling them sisters and brothers was an attempt at humanizing things in such a overun facility?

Motts, I have to agree with the other ladies here on the sign content. Many restaurant ladies rooms have similar signs even today, I think you can even order them pre-made. This is certainly not lewd in a woman's book. It is actually such a common sight for women that it is particulary humorous to us that you would find this lewd or unusual at all! I do like that they felt at least some patients were responsible enough to handle things themselves.

reddll,

Well, bless your aunt! People like that make it all worthwhile! :-)

Why don't you call them your friends?

Sorry if you think that's stupid, and I know it wouldn't work, but trying to make light of the situation and make everyone smile.

I know, its covered in cheese.

What if someone couldn't read the sign???? Like, some people go blind, or cannot read, so... Then if they did, I wonder if they got in trouble, or if the staff just laughed and tried once again to teach them to read, or remind them...

im refered to as a client by my mental health professionals and the term was explained as also meaning it is a partnership between themself & i in that they provided help & support while i try to take the help given & try to keep myself safe.It also tries to avoid negative labels assoiated with mental health treatment.

Garth, totally off topic, but I love your phrase "dire s***". lol.

Lynn,

Once again I applaud you for your insight. Like you, I think those who constantly badmouth should volunteer their time, donate money out of THEIR own pockets to Menal Health organizations. I know I developed a greater understanding through volunteerism and service, In my old college here in NJ, I was president of the sociology club, and at least once every month we went volunteered @ the psych hospital/nursing home a few miles from our campus. We would do activities such as art projects, reading with the patients,ect..I know it changed my way of thinking both about the patients and the overworked staff who are caring for them, and for the majority, I have nothing but respect. kind of ironic, but in part because of my OWN issues( recently diagnosed bipolar, undergoing outpatient therapy and medication treatment), and partly because of the enlightening experince of volunteering I have decided to persue special education as my chose field.

It comes down to "put your money where your mouth is"

Hi regarding this calling people clients and brother and sister,
On every single disasterous spin I took on the ever revolving door at our state run rehab center for adult blind I and my fellow students, my word for us, not theirs (theirs meaning the folks running the center) Has been, and I guess will always be, unless the word "client" somehow becomes not P.C. "client.


I've always found this to be just a bit odd, although I suppose "client" is far better than inmate or being reduced to some nameless faceless case number.. to be filed away in some poor overworked VR counsler's caseload

Client, I guess is also used so that we, those who seak help from Voc Rehab in whatever form be it training, job placement, obtaining assistive technology so we can go to work, school or just lead as best a life as we are able to feel a part of the whole VR team. There was a time, not too long ago when we were told not asked or listened to what was to become of our lives. After all, we surely couldn't have the slightest idea what was in our best interest, being blind or disabled and all. We needed somebody, most times a non-disabled person to do our thinking for us... I'm being a bit sarcastic, but it's true, in the past if you had some sort of disability nobody wanted to take you seriously to listen to you. I guess this is because the people in charge, the non-disabled ones at any rate Had no idea what they'd do if they had whatever disability you had. They wouldn't know how to cope, some, not all of them. So they couldn't see how you would cope.

Like I said not everyone is/was like this, but some folks are. But over the past several years, we've been asked to step out of our sheltered workshops and back rooms and to have a voice in our future. So they did away with inmate, although, VR being as under-staffed and overloaded with people needing help as it is I'm not so sure about the being a nameless faceless case number. LOL just kidding...

Honestly I don't care what you call me as long as you can give me the help I'm seaking and to do this with dignity

As for this brother/sister thing. I hope I can write this and not muck it up. I think they did this to foster a "family" feel. I mean here are all these kids away from their own families so in a way the school/hospital was their family. It's rather odd and stilted but nothing new. For example at my time at the state school for the blind w e had dorm mothers and dorm dads, I guess that's what the guys called their overseers. We had to address all dorm staff by Miss. or Mr. whatever their first name was. And they just called us by our first names. Of corse in school we had to call our teachers Mr. or Mrs. last name. At the private adjustment center for adult blind in Colorado I attended a few years ago and at the school I attend to receive my guide dogs, we drop the Mr. and Mrs. so n so and just call eachother, staff, students and or trainers, in the case of guide dog school, by our first names. I like this because it is more relaxed andfriendly and I don't feel so much like a thing something is being done to, rather I feel like a person who is doing and choosing for herself just the same as anyone.

Oooh! Come to think of it. We were admonished about disposing of our sanatary items at the blind school. We could NOT NOT NOT flush items down the toilet, nor could we just toss them away in the trash. We had to wrap up the used item in toilet paper before putting it in the trash. I guess so the people who took out the trash would have a layer of protection between them and our used items. That has been so engrained into my personal toilet habbits that I just sort of thought everyone did this, wrapping up their used item in toilet paper and then putting it in the trash. It wasn't until my feeancee remarked about it one day that I discovered lots of people don't dispose of those items as I do. And that my method of disposal is well? strange.

Sisters... perhaps they were trying to evoke a family type environment?

Is it possible 'sisters' refers to the head nurses. That is the term used here in Australia.

"To all sisters: Don't put anymore tampons or napkins in the toilets. It will stop them up!! THANK YOU.



Just wrote that in case anyone has a hard time reading it in the photograph...I did at first.

Quoted from Garth:{ that's just a fact--even to this day--about antiquated plumbing. i live in an old Victorian and my wife won't flush any of her sanitaries down the toilet for fear of clogging up the system. and the same thing with similar houses in the surrounding area--no feminine products whatsoever, else it means dire shit for the sewage system.... }

Its a fact of plumbing in general. I've always been taught NEVER to flush those things down any toilet, home or otherwise.

sounds like the amish

...For some reason, I see this kind of notice a LOT. Maybe some establishments post it as a precaution.

I've also never gotten the impression that plastic-type products are biodegradable (unless specified) let alone flushable. I use the little trash containers in public restrooms.

The preschool kids I worked with were collectively known in the classrooms as "friends".

I find it interesting that the girls were called 'sisters'. Maybe this gave them the sort of belonging feeling that families have?
Strange though...

Tampons were the ruination of plumbing even way back then!

In the children's cartoon show, The Berenstain Bears the little girl is called "Sister", (just sister) and the little boy is called "Brother". All the other little cubs have names but for some reason in this family, no. For anyone that's interested

odd... sisters and brothers, almost like a convent or church of sorts. and the phrase painted on the wall in the first shot, "know thyself", sounds like a quote from the bible.

Sometimes you need to learn the hard way like me. lol

even in the rehabs that conducts TC-(Therapeutic community) program uses the same concept of sisters n borthers in order to keep us away from the sexual urges. not to mention that the whole place is full of quotes written in wooden logs like

'' Act As If '
'' Winners Never Quit , Quitters Never Win ''
'' help is just a phone call away ''

damn iforgot the rest it been a while