Regina’s Reflections

By Regina McNamara

OPENING UP? WE NEVER CLOSED!

It is hardly with a sense of pride that Connecticut’s citizens realize they hold last place among all 50 states in their leaders’ plans to finally allow businesses to reopen. Exacerbating the situation, the dates for opening, as well as the criteria keep shifting. Far less fortunate were business owners and their employees who sadly saw their companies simply close permanently, after decades of serving their communities. Among the most privileged, however, were those sheltering in place who were actually paid during their time “working at home”.

The loss of lives, most of them among our seniors was of course terribly distressing, But there is also unprecedented tragic seriously heartbreaking economic devastation as a result of the pandemic.

Predictably a hue and cry has erupted from those previously considered “non-essential” who now are required to return to actual WORK. Why the reluctance? Because… they “are not ready”, they “need time to prepare”, they are “afraid” of returning to work. Seriously?

Were any of the brave first responders, physicians, nurses and hospital support staff afraid?? in nursing homes, staff faced almost insurmountable workloads and a constant flow of new patients while residents were denied visits by their families. The nurses’ aides, nurses, therapists and support staff struggled to provide the best care possible under very challenging conditions. How sad and frustrated were staff at Assisted living communities? In spite of compliance with new and changing Protective Personal Equipment regulations, their beloved elderly residents became ill and some died. Afraid? Of course. Desert their patients? Never.

They had much to fear, all these first line professionals. But their training and commitment to their patients, residents and colleagues, drove them toward, not away from these challenges.

There are several home care companies such as ours who simply refused to admit any new cases. Period. We never for a minute considered choosing that path. People were being discharged from nursing homes and hospitals or simply avoiding admission when feasible. We were there. Unstoppable. No PPE available? We created our own. Time off requests? These were often not possible since staff needed to remain with their clients and provide consistent care. Weekends off in New York City were simply out of the question. All in good time, but not now.

As a one-time hospital administrator, our executive team often needed to decide in the event of a serious snow storm or other natural disaster, WHO was really ESSENTIAL and who could remain at home. It was not a difficult decision. Those staff moving toward people in need were essential. Then. Now. Always.

Our sincere thanks to all of you. And to the people who support and enable you to do your critical jobs. Our fervent wish for you….. May you soon be able to enjoy well-earned time off for yourselves. Goodness knows, You have all earned it. ■