“I’m Here…” – A poem about Dignity in Care for the person that matters

I am still a person although my actions and words may not make sense

It’s just something’s seem complicated to me, doesn’t mean that I’m stupid or dense

I ask you don’t treat me as another number a person in care

I’m a person who needs to be treated with respect and dignity that’s fair

I am frightened and confused and not sure what’s going on

So please don’t assume that my faculties’ have gone

There are times when I can recognise special people and their faces

And remember special thoughts and memories of times and places

I need your help, your care and complete reassurance

To know that I can spend the rest of my days happy getting through this

I was like you once, you know, and wish I was still today

But unfortunately life has dealt the cards and I’ve ended up this way

So please understand I’m not stupid, nor a child or mad

I’m just a person who is confused, frustrated and sad

And so I am asking please be there for me and make me smile

Make the rest of my life happy, special and worth while

Louise Appleton 2010