Tough Love at Midnight Shifts

I'm the night shift caregiver for an elderly couple who can't take care of themselves anymore. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it. When Mr. Thompson started wandering and causing trouble in his sleep, I had no choice but to step up my game. Drugging him or chaining him up wouldn't be right, so I took a different route. I laid out strict rules for him, bed by midnight, bathroom breaks at specific times, meals on the dot. If he didn't follow them, there were consequences. Slap on the hand with a ruler if he's too stubborn to listen. A quick swat across his cheeks if he doesn't get out of bed when I say it’s time. I don't feel bad about it either. He needs this tough love approach or else he'll hurt himself. The first few times, there were tears and apologies, but now he just follows the rules without a fuss. It's easier for him, too. Less confusion, less risk of falling over at night. I'm not his caregiver alone, I’m also his enforcer. He calls me 'Ma'am' or sometimes even 'Ma’am’ with a bow. It's weird and I know it sounds harsh, but it works better than any medication or physical restraint could ever do. At least this way, he’s safe. Tonight was rough, he got out of bed twice past his bedtime. So I had to take action. He knows the routine by now: a firm spank if you’re out of line after lights out. A slap on each cheek for getting up without permission. I’m not soft on it, either, his skin stings every time. It’s funny how strict rules and tough discipline can help someone in such fragile health find their way back to safety and stability. I do what needs doing. He's better off now because of it.