A Personal Note

I want to share a personal story with you.  My brother and sister-in-law most recently were struck with COVID.  While my brother has been able to remain at home so far, my sister-in-law was not so lucky and was admitted to the hospital.  She is home now, but the stories she told me about the woman who cared for her in the hospital were inspirational to me.  This woman came to work every day even though she was faced with the possibility of contracting COVID herself, she prayed with my sister-in-law and ensured her every need was met.  The hospital would not allow any visitors and my sister-in-law soon became very depressed, but the caregiver went above and beyond to become a friend/surrogate family member. My sister-in-law told me it made all the difference in lifting her spirits and getting her well enough to come home.  That made me think about people who care for others, and the acts of our members during the height of the pandemic when visitation was suspended and staff stepped up to lift the spirits of residents and to do whatever it took to brighten their day.   After hearing this firsthand experience from my sister-in-law, I wanted to let you know that you truly are making a difference in your resident’s lives.  Thank you.

Linda O’Connell
Coordinator, NYSCAL Member Support