The AgingME GWEP team has modernized the poem, “Crabbit Old Woman,” a reflective poem that invites us to look beyond the surface and truly see the individuals we care for and enhance our approach to person-centered care. The poem is written with heartfelt eloquence and challenges us to reconsider our perceptions and recognize the rich, complex lives that lie behind the faces we encounter daily. Once you’ve watched, we’d be grateful if you completed this short survey.
History & Background
The poem, titled “Crabbit” or sometimes “Look Closer” or “What Do You See?”, was written by Phyllis McCormack in 1966 while she was a nurse at Sunnyside Hospital in Montrose. The piece is written from the perspective of an older woman in a nursing home reflecting on her life. The term “Crabbit” is Scots for “bad-tempered” or “grumpy.”
Initially published anonymously in the Nursing Mirror in December 1972, McCormack later explained in a letter to the journal that she had written it for her hospital newsletter. This account was further confirmed by her son in a 1998 Daily Mail article, noting that the poem was first submitted under the title “Look Closer Nurse” to a small magazine for Sunnyside. It later appeared in Chris Searle’s 1973 poetry anthology, “Elders,” without a title or attribution.
This poem is not merely for reading but for reflection and educational purposes. It encourages us to engage with older people (residents, patients, family, and others) in a more empathetic and compassionate way, reminding us that every person we care for has a unique story filled with experiences, dreams, and emotions. By embracing this perspective, we can enhance our person-centered care approach, ensuring that we honor and respect the full humanity of those we serve.
Call to Action
The AgingME GWEP team invites you to view the video poem thoughtfully and reflect on its message. As you do so, consider how it might inspire and inform your practice, and enhance the care provided in your health and/or long-term care community.
We hope this video will be integrated into your orientation of new staff, educational sessions, curriculum, included in your newsletters, and used as a tool to promote person-centered care. It is a powerful reminder of the profound impact that our care and understanding can have on the lives of those who depend on us.
Spread the Word – Help us grow the movement to truly see individuals by sharing the “Crabbit Old Woman” video with your friends, family, colleagues, and on social media! Suggested hashtags: #AgingME #GWEP #CrabbitOldWoman #SeeTheIndividual #Empathy #HumanRights #AgePositivity #OlderAndWiser #Caregiving #Ageism #Inspiration #Motivation #PayAttention
A Word From the Film Director
Alban Maino, Executive Producer and Founder of Memory Lane TV (the Netflix of dementia)
Thank you for watching!
Visit https://bit.ly/m/AgingME-GWEP to follow AgingME’s social media
With warm regards,
AgingME GWEP and The Cedars Portland, and with special thanks to Executive Producer, Alban Maino founder of Memory Lane Tv (The Netflix of dementia)
