Why Do We Do What We Do?

Social distancing has been particularly tough on the senior living industry.  The last thing we want between us and our senior clients is distance.  Our goal is to create relationships, and relationships require touch, even if those touches are not physical.  

At my Care Patrol office, the virus has dramatically affected the way we interact with our clients and other professionals within the industry.  Zoom has become the norm, visits are outside, community tours are now “virtual.”  We may be servicing our clients differently, but we are still extending a personal touch.  This is why seniors and their families reach out to us and trust us, despite the pandemic that is upsetting their lives.

A few days ago I dropped off a care package to a husband that had recently lost his wife.  She went in to the ER for stomach pain, and 30 days later, she had died from complications. Virus restrictions kept the husband from visiting, and his wife died alone in her hospital bed. This is one of the most tragic consequences of this virus crisis. Families need to be with their loved ones, particularly at the end of life. 

The chocolate, blanket and Bible verses were a small expression of my condolences, but the husband’s reaction surprised me.  In a time of physical distancing, increased online communication, and face masks that hide facial expressions, it is rare that someone says thank you on paper. For some reason, when someone takes the time to write with paper and pen, it reinforces the value and effort we put into the relationship.  At a time when personal connection is strained, this simple thank you note reminded me why we do what we do.

Aging and finding appropriate care in today’s environment can be complicated. Your family may benefit from Care Patrol’s free senior living expertise and access to assisted living, memory care and in-home care options. If you need help finding care for a senior, you can reach to me, Eric Klein at 847.653.1212 [email protected]