That's not your Job....

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In my job as a care assistant to the elderly. I see some very old things in and around their houses, some look as good as new, others are definitely showing their age... but you can't  really tell trash from treasure, and not only that..., it is not our place to judge... I am working with a second carer on this placement, and she does not like the  'clutter' around the home, and often ' tut  tuts' about the conditions of some things, and about them being shabby looking and past their best. Today she lifted up a tea cosy and said it looks like we need a new one of these,  so we can put this one in the bin. Well I have to say it is a bit dirty and discoloured (which I think would come out in the wash),and it's fraying in parts, but.... I asked her if she'd  asked our client if she wanted a new one.. and she said no why... and so I reminded her of a couple of things... That peoples homes are full of memory treasures ..., and while it did not look like much to her, It may be that it holds a special place in the ladies  heart, because it may have been a gift... or made by a family member... and so she must show it,  and the lady some consideration and respect by not judging it as worthless and just casually throwing it out...  its not her place to do that... One of the courses we have to attend as carers is promoting Dignity and respect and value and worth of and in people ... and their belongings,   it covers just this sort of thing, about being sensitive to peoples feelings about their belongings, and the associations and memories these 'shabby things'  have for them..,   talk to them, don't  assume that you know best. Anyway ... she realised that she needed to stop judging this ladies belongings,  or anyone's  elses either. I bet we all have several 'little somethings' that are special to us, but if others saw it..., they may think ..  " Why on earth are they keeping that.. ? ? One of my little treasures is a cardigan my mum knitted me, it no longer fits me, it's 17 years old,  but I keep it, because it is the last thing she ever  knitted me, before she died,  and, I keep it in her old  knitting box...  which is even older... and is at odds with the rest of the decor in my bedroom... but it's  staying put ... lol... tbe post picture is of my mum.