Waiting My Turn Script Waiting My Turn
Help is on the way
I have requested help.
Staff heard me and are coming.
They are helping others right now.
They will be here soon.
While I Wait
Take a slow, deep breath.
Think of a favorite memory.
Look out the window.
Listen to the sounds nearby.
I am safe and help is on the way.
Waiting Scenarios Reference Waiting Scenarios
Practical Applications for the Waiting My Turn Script
Staff Reference
How to Use These Scenarios
Use these examples to practice the transition from acknowledging a request to redirection. Consistent use of the visual script reduces resident anxiety and builds trust during staff delays.
Scenario 1: The Call Bell
The Situation
Resident presses call bell while you are assisting another person with a high fall risk.
Staff Verbal Prompt
"Mr. Jones, I heard your bell. I am helping Mrs. Smith right now to keep her safe. I will be with you as soon as I finish here."
Redirection Focus
"While you wait, take three slow, deep breaths. I'll be there soon."
Scenario 2: Mealtime Delay
The Situation
Lunch is running 10 minutes late. Residents are gathered in the dining room and becoming restless.
Staff Verbal Prompt
"Everyone, the kitchen is finishing up our meal. We will be eating shortly. I know we are all hungry!"
Redirection Focus
"Let's listen to the music playing. Can you hear the piano? Lunch is coming."
Scenario 3: Medication Cart
The Situation
A resident asks for medication while the nurse is mid-procedure with a roommate.
Staff Verbal Prompt
"I see you're ready for your medicine. Nurse Sarah is helping your roommate right now. You are next on her list."
Redirection Focus
"Think of your favorite memory while you wait. I'll bring the cart over next."
Always point to the physical "Waiting My Turn" script during these prompts to reinforce the visual anchor for the resident.
Waiting Moments Activity Waiting Moments
Practicing patience with dignity.
Resident Name
Date
Sometimes we have to wait. It can be hard, but we can stay calm. Look at these moments and choose a Waiting Tool to help you.
1. Waiting for Breakfast
You are at your table. The smells from the kitchen are good, but your plate isn't here yet. The staff are busy serving others.
Choose a Waiting Tool:
Take 3 deep breaths
Look for 3 red things
2. The Help Bell
You pressed your call bell for help getting dressed. You hear the chime, but the nurse hasn't arrived at your door yet.
Choose a Waiting Tool:
Clasp your hands gently
Hum a favorite song
3. Activity Time
You are in the lounge for Music Hour. Most people are there, but the musician is still setting up the piano and microphones.
Choose a Waiting Tool:
Greet a neighbor
Watch the setup quietly
4. Ready to Go
You are ready to go to the dining room. A staff member says, "I'll be right back to help you," then goes into another room.
Choose a Waiting Tool:
Count to ten slowly
Think of a happy memory
You are doing great!
"Waiting is a way to show kindness to yourself and others."
Waiting Tool Cards Waiting Tool Cards
Cut along the dotted lines. These cards can be kept in a pocket, taped to a walker, or placed on a bedside table as gentle reminders for residents during wait times.
Deep Breaths
Take 3 slow breaths.
Look Around
Find 3 things that are
Gentle Hands
Clasp your hands together.
Slow Counting
Count slowly to ten.
Happy Memory
Think of a person
Quiet Song
Hum a favorite tune.
The Waiting Way • Calm & Dignity
Waiting Well Caregiver Guide Caregiver Guide
Supporting Residents During Staff Delays
Protocol
Core Principles
1
Immediate Validation
Acknowledge that their request was heard. Avoid phrases like "be patient," which can feel condescending to an adult.
2
Gentle Redirection
Direct focus toward low-stimulation sensory tasks (breathing, looking out window) to reduce perceived wait time.
Placement & Usage
Visual Anchor
Fix the script in a permanent, eye-level area. It acts as an "external memory" that help is coming.
Verbal Cueing
When departing, point to the script: "I heard you. While I help your neighbor, look at your guide. I'll be back soon."
Adaptation Guide
High Comprehension
Emphasize community belonging ("Helping others") to foster social purpose.
Low Comprehension
Focus on sensory tasks. Use colored icons to prompt immediate, simple actions.
Waiting Way Slides The Waiting Way
Finding peace and patience in our everyday moments.
Sometimes we have to wait...
For a meal to be ready.
For help from a nurse.
For an activity to begin.
What is something you waited for today?
How does waiting feel?
⏳
Impatient
Time feels like it's moving slowly.
💭
Forgetful
It's hard to remember why we are waiting.
🧘
Calm
We can find a way to stay peaceful.
Any feeling you have is okay. We can handle it together.
Tool #1: Deep Breathing
1
Breathe in slowly through your nose.
2
Breathe out slowly through your mouth.
3
Feel your shoulders relax down.
Let's try it 3 times together.
Tool #2: Looking Around
Sometimes focusing our eyes can help our minds settle.
The Blue Hunt
1
2
3
Can you spot 3 things in this room that are blue?
Remember the Big Truth
"Staff have heard me. They are coming to help soon."
You are safe. You are not forgotten.
They are helping a neighbor right now.
They will be here as fast as they can.
You are doing great!
Waiting is a skill we practice every day. Each time we stay calm, we are being kind to ourselves and the staff who care for us.
Kindness
Safety
Peace
The Waiting Way
Patience Progress Log Patience Progress Log
Monitoring Resident Engagement with "The Waiting Way"
FORM: WW-PL-2026
Resident Name
Primary Caregiver/Staff
Date/Time Triggering Event Tool Used / Observed Response Outcome e.g., Waiting for breakfast
Outcome Key
S: Successfully calmedR: Required redirectionP: Partial successU: Unsuccessful/Escalated
Observation Notes & Patterns
Note any specific times of day or specific tools that seem most effective for this resident.
Use this log to identify which Waiting Tools work best.
The Waiting Way
Nursing Care Resource
