We all want to be seen, heard and listened to from our youth through to our aging years. We want to be included in the decision-making process. We want to be noticed. Living in a long-term care facility can be a challenge for many people. But Staff can make a difference. Chantel is loved and revered by all residents and families. We all know it will be a great day or weekend when Chantel is on. Chantel has a handle on the conditions of the residents when she first comes on. She notices them and can detect a change immediately. She is warm and friendly, always maintaining a kind and compassionate tone in her voice. She is joyful and has a smile for everyone. The residents are a family, and they become family to Chantel.
I am my sister's guardian. Chantel calls me with any change in orders or new orders. She notifies me if she has any changes in her condition. Chantel knows the residents. She knows what normal behavior is and when something falls outside of it. Weekends can be long with few if any, planned activities. When she has completed tasks and has a break, she gathers the residents in the lounge. Just to talk, to let them visit about what they want to talk about. She encourages them to tell their stories, their family life, and careers. She helps the residents enjoy their own stories and learn about each other. In one particular instance, a resident was in the active dying process. Chantel had been off, and when she came back the next day, before she did anything else, she knocked quietly on the door to hug the daughter and assure the resident she was taking care of her that day. Being honored, respected, and well cared for is invaluable to both the resident and each family member who entrusts their family to a facility.