Our Local Hospital
Perhaps you will find that title confusing, as it would lead you to believe that we HAVE a local hospital. We do, but not in the sense that many of us would think. Indeed, I remember when we first came to look at Chalabre, we thought, "how convenient; a hospital!"
What we didn't realize at the time was that the hospital in question is really a retirement home/Alzheimer's center. I imagine that the term is more in the sense of "hospice" rather than "hospital"and that there are historical reasons for using it, but the modern visitor can certainly find themselves a little surprised if they are looking for medical services.
At any rate, our brand new local hospital had its official "opening" ceremony on Friday. JM and I had received an invitation, so we joined all of those who made their way there for the ribbon cutting and speechifying.
The building is really very nice and necessary, as the retirement home that has been here forever is in terrible condition and needed serious replacement. The rooms are all bright and airy and each resident has a private room. It is set up on a hill with a commanding view of the village and surrounding hills and mountains. There is a large courtyard with trees and sitting areas. Indeed, all of us who were there feel like we should already be putting our names on the waiting list for our own spaces.
After the ribbon cutting and a tour, the various notables made their speeches. It was clear that the occasion to snipe at each other would not be lost. All the typical factions made snarky backhanded comments that were not lost on any of the listeners. Amusing in its own way if it hadn't been for the fact that the weather had suddenly turned cold and gray and a light drizzle was falling. Since we were all outside in the courtyard I think we could have done with less talking and more socializing.
Still it was nice to see and be seen. I managed to mention to the director of the hospital that in the U.S., facilities like this often had a Therapy Dog program. I plan on going to see him for a longer conversation and see if we can't try to set one up. I already know several people who would be interested in participating and I think it could be a great thing to do.
Unfortunately the residents won't be moving in for a while, as the staff is concerned about doing that during the winter. They've all visited, however, and are very excited at the idea of getting into their new digs.
Ciao for now.
Randy
What we didn't realize at the time was that the hospital in question is really a retirement home/Alzheimer's center. I imagine that the term is more in the sense of "hospice" rather than "hospital"and that there are historical reasons for using it, but the modern visitor can certainly find themselves a little surprised if they are looking for medical services.
At any rate, our brand new local hospital had its official "opening" ceremony on Friday. JM and I had received an invitation, so we joined all of those who made their way there for the ribbon cutting and speechifying.
The building is really very nice and necessary, as the retirement home that has been here forever is in terrible condition and needed serious replacement. The rooms are all bright and airy and each resident has a private room. It is set up on a hill with a commanding view of the village and surrounding hills and mountains. There is a large courtyard with trees and sitting areas. Indeed, all of us who were there feel like we should already be putting our names on the waiting list for our own spaces.
After the ribbon cutting and a tour, the various notables made their speeches. It was clear that the occasion to snipe at each other would not be lost. All the typical factions made snarky backhanded comments that were not lost on any of the listeners. Amusing in its own way if it hadn't been for the fact that the weather had suddenly turned cold and gray and a light drizzle was falling. Since we were all outside in the courtyard I think we could have done with less talking and more socializing.
Still it was nice to see and be seen. I managed to mention to the director of the hospital that in the U.S., facilities like this often had a Therapy Dog program. I plan on going to see him for a longer conversation and see if we can't try to set one up. I already know several people who would be interested in participating and I think it could be a great thing to do.
Unfortunately the residents won't be moving in for a while, as the staff is concerned about doing that during the winter. They've all visited, however, and are very excited at the idea of getting into their new digs.
Ciao for now.
Randy
Labels: confusing translations, hospital, nursing home, retirement home, therapy dogs
