Comforting words soothe those
Alone in a world of pain and grief,
Reminding them someone cares.
Each day they do their best to
Give of themselves,
Inspiring others with their dedication,
Valiantly enduring their own woes to
Encourage others to overcome theirs,
Reminding people they matter,
Silently making a difference daily.
Acrostic
( poem written in honor of my grand-daughter who is a dedicated caregiver)
Do you wonder why It is hard to love a person who works with Older Adults?
We come home late and are too tired to cook.
We work extra because we know there are sick, lonely, or depressed residents who need us.
We don’t always want to talk when we come home because we have talked all day.
We don’t want to work around the house when we come home because we have moved all day and many times it is hours before we get a break.
It may seem that we have left all our caring, our hearts, and our love at work, and then come home without any left.
But we don’t tell you that many times at work we are scared.
Scared we are missing something. Scared we will let our residents down. We have to deal with angry families who only see one side, and they fuss at us when we are doing our best and following regulations set by the state.
We don’t tell you how the staffing shortage makes us frustrated and overly tired, not to mention “wearing more hats” because less people are allowed inside.
We juggle so many things at once. We love the job we do, but we are stressed and scared of what we might come in contact with – and the unknown.
It is hard to love a person who works with older adults, but know this: Your healthcare worker needs your love.
They need your understanding – your patience. They need to know that you “get it”, especially when their hands are tied concerning guidelines.
They are working with LOTS of people at one time, all day, and have many other requirements to tend to, and still have to keep a smile on their face and try to please everyone.
They have to clean, disinfect, and wear a mask all day in an already warm environment.
They wash their hands so much that their hands become dry and cracked.
They have to document. Everything.
Therefore, They need you to do the hardest thing YOU may ever do, which is to love a healthcare worker.
These workers are the “forgotten” ones in healthcare. They need your love and support.
(–Author Unknown)
Leonas Lines--Poetry Plus 