BY E.J. Smith

First, I want to thank the Carter County Sheriff’s Office for following up on the litter cases. Everyone needs to read about it in Sunday’s Elizabethton Star’s Opinions section. It sounds like we are getting Carter County back to the beauty that has always been there. Thanks again.

We all know those who seem to criticize and talk about everything that is wrong with the world, especially the small world that they live in. And small it is, if all one can do is take the negative approach. All the talk in the world won’t change things; one must take action to see change! My father used to say, “If you don’t vote, you cannot gripe about how leaders lead.” Same in our own life; when the going gets tough, we should work for change instead of putting those down who are striving to make things work. 

As a former Volunteer Ombudsman serving the residents of care facilities for the aged and disabled, I heard it all. My job was to visit nursing homes and assisted living facilities and ensure that the residents are treated with respect and love while receiving the physical care they need. I was trained by and answered to the East Tennessee Human Resources agency (ETHRA). 

People approach me all the time with horror stories they have heard. My questions to them are: What are you doing to change the situation that bothers you so much? Do you know for a fact that the story is true? Have you visited the people involved and talked to them about it? Another quote from my dad: “Don’t believe anything you hear and only half of what you see.” To really know what is going on and how to make changes, you must be there. All the talk in the world will change nothing. In fact, gossip and tales only make things worse. If things about an agency or service organization are not right in your view, then jump in there and find out the facts and make it a better place for people to be served. 

Volunteering is an excellent way to change things for the better. There are people in nursing homes and other places for the aged and disabled who are “placed” there and then no one visits except the church groups and volunteers doing activities for groups. This is all good, but all people need individual attention. Don’t just go with your group and sing or lead games; make a friend. Some residents cannot move out of their beds or even reach for a drink of water. Your few minutes a day or week could be the most human contact they get, except for the care they need, and as much as workers try and be everything to their residents, remember that they are working very hard and cannot take much extra time with anyone. Beside, residents know these people are paid to help them. They need friends outside their “home,” which we all need, right? 

We are so blessed in our area to have excellent facilities that serve to help us care for our elderly parents and other relatives and friends. I hear very few complaints from residents, yet the one thing I notice is that all the residents miss their home, friends and family (and pets, take your dog). A few minutes a week with a nursing home resident could help that resident lead a fuller and happier life. And the first thing you know, your life feels better too. I do guarantee it. Please, if you are retired or maybe too disabled to work, yet able to visit friends, try volunteering! It’s so good for you!

As always, I welcome comments and want to hear what burns your biscuits. Contact me at burnsmybiscuit@gmail.com and I will put your pet peeves in print!

You are in my prayers,

E.J.