A Walk Down Memory Lane

Recently, one of our long term clients passed away. Although he was ready, many of his caregivers were not and have struggled with the grieving process. It’s not that they did not understand his condition had deteriorated, it was simply that they enjoyed being with him and his loss has been hard to process. This particular client had made an impact on so many people and those closest to him miss him dearly. He was a unique individual that can only be described as a gentleman. He was a force of positivity that always found a way to encourage and affirm people with every interaction. He had been an educator in the local school system and several of the nurses that cared for him had been his students while they were in high school. One of the nurses who cared for him at the end of his life had cared for him several years prior. She left BAYADA to pursue other opportunities and was gone for several years- but when she heard there was an opening on his schedule, she jumped at the opportunity to come back and be his caregiver again. This is just one example of how the client’s unique personality and character drew people to him. He was a special individual who will be greatly missed.

His passing has caused those of us who knew him to take a walk down memory lane and think about the individuals we have had the privilege to care for. Their stories vary greatly…

…some heroic, some tragic

…some important in the community, some unknown except to a few

…some with strong family support, some with no one

…some wealthy, some impoverished

Regardless of their circumstances, each one has impacted us as caregivers. More often than not, they impact us more than we impact them.

While this was not a profession I ever dreamed of having “when I grew up”, I am grateful to have served in the long-term care industry for over 30 years. I can’t thank those who have passed on from this life personally, but I can think in my heart how they have changed me and be grateful I knew them.