Handbook for attendants on the insane.

Date:: 1908

Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Handbook for attendants on the insane. Source: Wellcome Collection.

392/414 (page 372)

To those who have not had considerable experience in deal- ing with the mentally afflicted many of the suggestions and warnings contained in this chapter may appear fanciful and unnecessary ; but, as a matter of fact, the majority of them are founded upon reported cases Avhich have actually oc- curred ; and all are given as the result of long and inti- mate acquaintance with the insane and their numerous peculiarities. While it is very important that due attention should be paid to the rules laid down for the discipline of the establish- ment and the guidance of attendants, yet, as it is impossible to formulate a code of regulations that shall provide for all the emergencies which may occur in the everyday life of an asylum, much must be left to the common-sense and judgment of those directly engaged with the patients. A gocd atten- dant knows his own mind, he has attained self-control; he has a grasp of hygiene, bodily and mental, and he possesses those moral qualifications which are summed up in character; he takes a personal interest in the welfare of those placed under his charge; he is persevering in his efforts to promote their recovery and well-being in every possible way ; and, in order to do all this, it is necessary that he should observe their peculiarities and minute points of conduct. He must en- courage patients by his example; control their waywardness by his firmness, gentleness and patience; and he should never forget that even the most demented may have their heavy burden lightened by his treatment, while the prospect of restoring health to many of those entrusted to him should be a powerful incentive to exertion, and its successful accom- plishment a reward for the anxieties which must inevitably be the lot of all who conscientiously undertake the care and management of the insane. *r» ».• -r, yr* a ~