DEAR SANTA

Dear Santa,

It is Christmas Eve Eve. I am having an amazing holiday thanks to my family and friends.

There is one more thing you could do for me. I know this is crunch time for you Santa, but if you have the time, I would really appreciate it. I bet you don't get too many letters from 62-year-old women.  This could be a first. You might want to frame my letter.  Just a suggestion.

I have lived in a group home for a little over a year. it is nothing like I was told it would be. The young staff does not care about the clients. they've been hired to care for. They care about their phones. They care about sleeping...I have had to wake them up. You can't assist anyone when you are lying on your side, facing the back of the couch with earphones in your ears.

Some staff members are consistently late for work. Some staff are only 21 years old. They've received almost no training.in how to care for a person with a disability. before starting at this house. They are certified medical technicians If they have to do too much work they quit. I prefer older staff members who have life experience.

I was sitting in the dark. I asked a young staff member to turn the light on for me. She told me to turn it on myself.  I was reprimanded for talking to a staff member from another house about the lack of a van at this house. I was just making conversation. The staff member reported me to the support coordinator. 

Christmas Day only one staff member is working. This house does not have a van at the present time,  Even if a van was made available there would be no staff member to stay with my housemates so no Christmas at the nursing home for me. The van is always out of commission. No one wants to work on Christma. I am tired. I have stopped caring. It is what it is.

When you visit the nursing home tomorrow night please put in a good word for me. I'd give anything to be in a long-term care facility again.

You may be wondering why I chose you to write to. You are the spirit of love, kindness, and miracles. I could not think of anyone better than you.
,
Merry Christmas. Safe travels.

TIS THE SEASON

Below is my holiday message. It was published in NHC Town and Country's December Newsletter. I tried to write a different message for all of you, but my thoughts kept coming back to the message I'd written for NHC. I hope NHC does not mind if I share that message with all of you. Actually, The Grinch said it better than I ever could. Who knew he was so wise?  Happy Holidays.

December means presents, decking the halls, parties, food, family, and friends.  People believe anything is possible. All of us become children again as we look up at the sky on December 24th. December is a fun and festive month.

While you are enjoying the holidays do not forget the residents of long-term care facilities. They may be feeling lonely and forgotten. Visitors are always important. Visitors help residents stay connected to the world outside of the facility.

During the holidays' visitors are even more important. Take the time to visit someone in a facility. Listen to their stories. Look at old photos together. Stay with then a little longer than you usually do. Bring a favorite holiday treat. Take them home for the day if you can. Sure, it may take extra time, but think of the memories you will be making.

It’s the season of giving. Give a resident the gift that will mean so much to them. The gift of your time.

"It came without ribbons, it came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags. Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more." The Grinch