Listening to the People

I was in my home office scanning the literature to aid in developing a caregiving proposal. In front of me was a recent report restoring trust COVID 19 and the future of long term care.

A phone and radio program was playing in the background, I heard that distinctive voice. Yes, it was Mary from our church, the lady that my husband and I visit with as she waits in her wheelchair for paratransport to arrive and deliver her to her long term care facility.

I turned the radio volume up, I just wanted to listen and hear what Mary had to say. I am thankful that there is no COVID. 19 here, she said, But I'm very lonely and sometimes even depressed. I am concerned about the mental health of people here, because we are all so isolated in our rooms due to COVID. Where can I get help? I talk to my family, and they say that you can go to the Champlain local health integrated network, or else you can talk to your nurse, but the nurses are so busy and do not have enough time to listen to me. I do not have a computer, and I find it difficult to talk on the phone for a long time. In addition to food they bring me, it seems that everything is mashed and cold, mashed potatoes, mash, this mash that I spend most of my day watching television. And what do I see But chefs cooking up colorful, exotic dishes. The news came on and Mary had to stop. I asked my husband to call her immediately.

This lifted Mary's spirits up, and she was so encouraged to know that we cared and were listening. Mary reminds me of all the help I received when my parents and nephew passed away, and how family, church and community were a great support and help to us. What can I do for Mary and the many people like her? What about helping the caregivers and the care receivers in my community?

As a volunteer, I am interested in health research, both globally and locally, and evaluating its impact. In addition, as part of a team at our church, we provide church services at extended care homes. At other times, it is a phone call, looking up information on the internet, providing spiritual care, making that special lemon loaf that can be enjoyed. Helping in the garden, sending greeting cards, having conversation over coffee, or providing clothing and food to those in need. The opportunities To help are endless