Conversation between Peter (caregiver) and Mrs Jones (resident)

Situation: Mrs Jones, who has recently had a hip operation, has now healed sufficiently to take a bath rather than a shower. Care worker Peter intends to prepare the bath for Mrs Jones.

Audio: Listen to the audio file here.

Grammar points:

Gerunds

Persons: Peter (caregiver), Mrs Jones (resident) Location: The discussion takes place in Mrs Jones’ room within the nursing home

Peter:	Good morning Mrs Jones, it’s Peter.
Mrs Jones:	Oh do come in Peter, I’ve been waiting for you.
Peter:	How are you today, did you sleep well?
Mrs Jones:	No, not really. I didn’t sleep well at all.
Peter:	Oh, why was that?
Mrs Jones:	There was some noise in the corridor. Sleeping is difficult for me at the moment.
Peter:	Why’s that?
Mrs Jones:	I’m worried about hurting my hip in my sleep.
Peter:	Worrying can keep you awake. The nurse said that your hip has healed very well, so try not to worry.
Mrs Jones:	Yes, I’ll try. Now did you say I could take a bath this morning.
Peter:	Yes, I did. Bathing can be relaxing so maybe it will help with your sleeping too.
Mrs Jones:	I prefer bathing to showering. I’m glad the nurse is allowing me to take a bath.
Peter:	I’ll check if the bathroom is free. I think Mrs Brown was in there earlier.
Mrs Jones:	That’s no surprise, I think her hobby is bathing. She might just wash her self away one of these days.
Peter:	I don’t think that’s quite true. Her real hobby is knitting.
Peter:	The bathroom is free and I’ve started to run the water.
Mrs Jones:	You’re such a good boy Peter, you’re always helping.
Peter:	Helping is my job, though I also enjoy it.
Mrs Jones:	Can you fetch me some clean underwear from my drawer, and my clothes from the hanger?
Peter:	Yes of course, shall I take them into the bathroom for you?
Mrs Jones:	Yes please, and make sure the water is not too hot.
Peter:	The water is ready and it’s not too hot. Do you need assistance getting to the bathroom?
Mrs Jones:	If you can just help me out of this chair I will be ok. Can you pass me my wash bag from the cupboard?
Peter:	Is this it, the blue one?
Mrs Jones:	Yes, it is. It has all of my soaps and shampoos in it, even a little perfume.
Peter:	Smelling nice always makes me feel better. That’s what I like about bathing and showering
Peter:	Hello, Mrs Jones, have you finished yet?
Mrs Jones:	Almost. The nurse said that drying the wound after bathing is important, so I’m doing that carefully.
Peter:	That’s good. Be careful not to rub too hard. Do you need assistance getting back to your room?
Mrs Jones:	No Peter, I feel quite confident in walking.
Peter:	Looking at your care plan I see you are scheduled to change your physiotherapy exercise today. Shall I come to your room after lunch to assist you with the exercises?
Mrs Jones:	Yes please Peter, though people will start to think my hobby is exercising. I seem to be exercising every day.