book- epidemic

Place on page 204 after para 5

Thank God we never had to deal with anything like the Coronavirus of 2020. but we did have our share of outbreaks when I worked in nursing homes.

I remember one winter when the flu ran rampid. Of course, most of our resdients were elderly and compromised, so it didn't take much to  put them in jeopardy. Cases of bronchitis or pneumonia were often death sentences for those poor souls. Closing our doors, quarrenting all floors, and forbidding visitors for several weeks was common. It was heartbreaking when a loved one could not visit but the residents' safety and health had to come first.

We needed to be there every day. We soon learned the routine of washing our hands thoroughly for twenty seconds ( while singing "Happy Birthday" twice) and other sanitary measures, lessons we would continue to adhere to even after the outbreak subsided. I didn't fear getting sick as much as coming into work daily and God forbid making someone else  sick. Wearing gloves and a mask while being close to the residents was commonplace.

The oddest outbreak I saw was when bedbugs were discovered in our building. Everything had to be cleaned and several residents were quarrentined. Bug-detecting dogs were brought in to sniff down rooms, residents and employees until we got a handle on the bugs. Again, part of my job was to call families and inform them of the situation, keeping them informed of the progress and well-being of their loved one.

Easing fears with calm reassurance, being totally honest, and showing empathy and compassion were keys when helping residents and families during these days and weeks of crisis. Sometimes we had to move residents quickly from one room to another. It was never easy on anyone. I could relate to adjustmant issues. But after time, residents and families felt trust and confidence that you were doing what is best for their loved one. You have to earn such trust, and it's not easy. But during times of emergency, that's when you know who is a real leader and who isn't.