Do you work in a nursing home?

[Amelia Peabody]

My family can't thank you enough. This was our first Christmas with Mom in skilled care and Dad still in the independent living apartments. Meaning they can never sleep in each others arms again. We all expected it to be terrible. But those lovely people who are on staff there - wow, I can't say enough.

You had to give up quality family time. You spoke lovingly to each and every resident. You cared for family members as well with hugs and smiles. Your cheery "Merry Christmas!" lifted spirits everywhere. Your laughter was infectious. Your gentle touch soothed whether it was a casual hand on a shoulder as you passed by or were helping with a bed pan. Christmas trees abounded throughout the building, decorated with your loving hands. You rejoiced when someone cleaned their plate. You painted fingernails, found pretty lingerie in the drawer, picked out festive clothing, peeled oranges, cut up food, fed those who needed a little assistance, chatted with those who didn't, gave out meds - tracking down the ones that family spirited away - and so much more. All while missing Christmas at your own home.

Yes, Virginia there are angels. And they are on staff at Peter Becker Nursing Home and lots of other facilities across the country.

Thank you.

 

[Michelle67]

What a sweet post. I don't work in nursing care, but my best friend's mother just spent her first Christmas in an SNF as well. I agree with you; there are some beautiful loving people caring for our elders.

 

[ChrizJen]

Great post!
I also don't work in a nursing home, but my partner does. She works in the therapy department. And she would SO appreciate your kind words. There are many nights when she'll stay after (off the clock) for a while because one of the residents needs help eating her dinner, or because another is lonely and just needs someone to talk to. Sometimes I don't think that she realizes how much of an impact just those few minutes of her time mean to a person or a family. She just shrugs and says "It's my job." But it goes way beyond just a job, and she knows it.

Hugs to you and your family. I know what a tough transition that can be. I'm glad that you were able to find a good, loving facility. Good quality elderly care can be as difficult to find as good child care.

 

[Mandychelle79]

Thank you!!!!

 

[lecach]

Please send a copy of that to the home. I work in one and know what it means. I'm lucky to work in the office and don't have to work holidays. But the nursing staff does. And the CNA's who make so little do all the dirty work and love to hear good thoughts from the families. Letters like that go up for all to see. If someone special is mentioned they get a copy of the letter (so does their supervisor) and the CEO sends them a personal note.

 

[XYSRUS]

Yes, I do. Thank you. Please send that note to the staff. I love to read all the notes and letters that hang up around the desk!

 

[PatsGirl]

I do work in a nursing home, normally in purchasing but I've been working extra hours cooking and worked Christmas Day so others with kids could have it off (my kids go to their Dads most holidays). It's a great day to work -- everyone is in a good mood, residents and employees alike, and it seems to be an unwritten mission to make the day more special than ever

 

[DisneyMomOK]

No words can express the appreciation our family felt for the wonderful staff that cared for my Dad before his death. He was released from the hospital to a SNF/nursing home in May and died in August. I felt truly blest to have met such gentle. loving women during his stay. Some of the CNAs, especially, did their best to make my family's journey so much easier. I would come for the "dinner shift" to eat with my Dad and stay until he was ready for bed and knew first hand, that despite the small number of staff, they worked diligently to make all the residents' evening better.

Wanting to take my Thank You notes in person, I went back last week and brought candy and cookies to the staff; I also took gift cards to some of the CNAs that I had relied upon so heavily. Before I left I went to my Dad's old room (a lady was now its resident) and said my good-byes. As I said in my Thank You notes, their acts of kindnesses make the world so much better for all of us.