"As a young girl, I... " the benefits of narrational relationships in the lives of older residents.

1. Using story telling with the older resident provides an opportunity for the nurse to demonstrate caring, and a common reality between them is developed. 2. Story telling by older residents, far from merely "living in the past," can promote their health and well being. 3. In the narrational relationship between nurse and older resident, story telling is encouraged and supported; for the nurse, this means valuing oneself, older adults, and story telling.