Social class once balanced on a great divide. If you were from an upper class family, you sat at the head of the table. If you were from a lower class-working family, you often didn't get a seat within the building. Society has modernised and social classes intertwine more now than they once did. There still remains noticeable differences.
Within health care, this divide can at times still be very loud.
I have found myself in positions where my tongue is past the point of glue and tape. Those who grew up with ladies maids, and cast iron gated communities and a certain level of protection, often still believe that they are above the working class.
They will still speak down to individuals who support them through their most vulnerable moments, degrading their practice that others are most grateful for. They do not ask for help, but instead offer a sarcastic comment when assistance is offered.
"Would you like help with getting your watch off?"
"I can't do it myself."
They do not explain how they would like things done, instead they lay on the assumptions that their support can read minds.
"I've had to do two loads of washing today ... because two hand towels isn't enough. When [name] is here, they oversee everything. You just do the cleaning."
Previously cleaning didn't reach washing, but there was no conversation about adding additional tasks on those days. The respect decreases again.
They have not modernised to the new working class, who are pushed for time and pulled in all directions. They complain that they do not have enough time, but will not allow for any more.
They are some of the worst communicators. Expectations are a high on their priority list, and you are meant to flow with their requirements but not over step or do solely what is asked.
There is no clear direction or path to tread. Provide a little extra, get told it goes unnoticed. Do what is asked, and only that, and be called lazy.
Simply a pawn in their much bigger grander game, we shuffle around the board waiting for the moment that we are knocked off, or the other side calls check-mate.
