Communication

The servers and caretakers here are from a wide variety of different countries and speak English as a second language. This creates some amusing moments when they communicate with seniors who are having difficulties of their own. Overheard at breakfast:

Miss Betty: (to server) I need my tea.

Server: OK, I will bring it.

Miss Betty: My tea. I need my tea. They didn’t bring them.

Server: I will bring.

(10 minutes later. Server brings tea.)

Server: Here is your tea, Miss Betty.

Miss Betty: Thank you.

(Server goes away)

5 minutes later.

Miss Betty: (to server) My tea. I need my tea.

Server: Miss Betty, I bring it. You drink it. See? Here cup!

Miss Betty: I need my tea. They didn’t bring them.

Server: I bring you! You drink! Here cup!

Miss Betty: MY TEEF! I CAN’T EAT WITHOUT THEM!

Server (realization dawning.) Oh. You teeth. I send Lupi to get.