Commentary: A thank-you to workers at care facilities

On behalf of all the residents and caregivers in long-term care and assisted living facilities across the U.S. - There was a time …

There was a time when we all had our dignity, pride and independence, and we did not need to ask for help with the basic needs of our lives including: bathing, dressing, eating, transferring and toileting.

There was a time when we were all healthy and well without the chronic illnesses and ailments that have now slowed us down and have taken away our independence.

There was a time when we had our parents, our aunts and uncles, our brothers and sisters, and even our spouses. We thank God every day for our children, in-laws and grandchildren; our nieces and nephews, as well as our wonderful friends, who are still with us today.

There was a time when we could simply take a bath or a shower, dress ourselves, drive our cars, do our grocery shopping, cook our meals and plan family events to celebrate milestones. Some of us even worked and had our own income and careers. We were able to do our own laundry, make our beds, take out our trash, work in our yards and clean our own homes.

There was a time when we could walk or even run freely without canes, walkers, wheelchairs or the help from others to get us to and from.

There was a time when we could think and speak with open minds & articulate our daily needs without being frustrated and unable to get our words out clearly.

There was a time when we did not need to be here. On some days, we need your help more than others and we appreciate all that each of you do 24/7 to help us feel whole. We appreciate what you do to help us feel good about ourselves and to help us keep our last bit of pride and dignity. We are no longer independent; however, there was a time when we were, and we did not need to ask for help along the way.

Please understand that we do not want to be a burden in your daily lives. We simply want and need the compassion, care and support we deserve to have in our later years, without feeling less of ourselves, because there was a time.

Thank you for doing your jobs everyday with pride and compassion. Remember why you decided to choose a career in this industry and why you make a difference each and every day.

We need each of you and we appreciate all that you do every day that you are with us. With sincere gratitude and respect, from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you!

Nancy M. (Belmont) Feldman has been in the insurance industry for more than 16 years. She originally wrote this essay to share with the employees at the long-term care facility where her mother resides. Contact Nancy at [email protected].

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