This afternoon, I had the opportunity to see several residents at a local nursing home. I provide supportive psychotherapy services in this setting.
I’m known as a doctor in this setting, rather than as a patient. None of the staff members there, nor the residents whom I see, are even aware that I’m simultaneously a full-time patient, with several chronic illnesses.
My personal experiences with chronic illness have certainly sensitized me to my resident’s ongoing health challenges. Numerous times, I’ve had residents tell me that I really seem to understand what they’ve been going through.
