Too Many Opinions

In our lives, we have either asked for advice or give it to someone. Whether we take one or give one, there are so many varying opinions that makes it hard to know if one's dilemma is taking the right turn. If you want strong viewpoints, there is no need for an advice columnist, our elderly clients are not afraid to tell you what to do.

Part of our daily programming is to provide our clients with news, current events, or what is popular. It is entertaining and also allows our clients to relax and practice some decision-making. Sometimes, what we like to do is turn to the back page of the San Francisco Chronicle and see what advice Dear Abby has to give to the hopelessly confused or to be the tiebreaker. In this week, a guy had wrote in to Abby from North Carolina and said he throws is dog's poop in his neighbor's trash because his house is too far away when he walks his dog. This article received numerous laughter from our clients and most of them had something to say. I was surprised to learn all but one client had the same opinion. They all thought the guy was wrong for throwing his trash in someone else bin. I guess I did not think it was so bad because I am guilty of similar behavior. But the best thing to do is sit and listen. As long as our clients are not attacking each other, the best to do to lead this is to not do anything unless if there is silence. Then you can ask questions. What if he was half an hour away from home, is it more okay for him to throw it away? What if he recycled a bottle instead of adding to trash?

The client's contributions to our activity is most important. We plan activities for them. So even if I hear something I do not agree with, I remember is is just another viewpoint. If someone's opinion is not the majority, it does not suggest it is wrong. An advice columnist is a good way to stir conversation and we love hearing what our clients have to say. There are lots of surprises and you also learn something about your clients that is not written on charts.


Phillips, J. (2009, September 21). Is putting bag of dog's doo doo in neighbor's trash bin a don't?. San Francisco Chronicle, pp. C8.