Would you tell care home residents you're leaving

[Thedropout456]

I am leaving a care home role due to constant staffing issues resulting in no breaks and earning below min wage as a result. I will still be working in care in some capacity, just not in this home.
Some staff said I will be missed, which is nice of them.
I feel a lot of guilt towards the residents which I suppose is normal in care. I will miss them a lot, obviously there are many fantastic carers who will be well looked after.
Unfortunately due to the nature of dementia many will likely not notice me going. However there are a few with capacity that I've built a good relationship with and I know some are lonely.
I feel guilty in telling them I am going. I'm sure they won't be that bothered but I know some do get attached to you and vice versa.
Anyway surely it's better to tell them rather than for them to just wonder.

Please do say goodbye to them. My view is that it is not only courteous but professional too. Goodbyes are always hard but really important. It recognises your relationship with them and the work you have done. Otherwise some of the residents will be left wondering where you have gone.

Do say goodbye. They may well have some memory of you. Won't the home mark your leaving anyway?

I'd say goodbye, even if it's hard on both sides. Good luck.

Yes of course. About a week before your last day. They will want to say goodbye and so will you.

Thanks everyone.

Definitely say goodbye. Even without capacity they still understand for a few moments. I say goodbye to my ladies (I work on a Dementia ward) and some of them don’t remember me the next morning but sometimes one will pass away during the night when I’m not there and at least I know I said my goodbyes.

Yes you're absolutely right :)
We've just had a lady pass away after a week in hospital, she was 93, heartbroken

Say goodbye,my daughter had to leave her job immediately when her grandfather died and she was needed to look after her grandmother who had dementia (qualified dementia carer).

Whilst she was away a few residents passed on , and when her grandmother died she returned to her job some of the residents told her off for not saying goodbye.

You may not be aware that you could be important to head people. My MiL recognised me until the end but only as a face and name. She once spent time telling me all about her son's wonderful wife , I'm glad she thought highly of me. She'd also remember me when I came back if I'd been home for a few days but didn't always remember her son.

Of course you tell them. No need to go into the internal politics or complain about the job, just say you are moving on and you will miss them.

Yes, please say goodbye to the people you cared for. You have been an important part of their lives and they will appreciate your courtesy and kindness.

Thanks everyone !

Thanks everyone !