The Continuing Adventures of Just a Waiter - a note to my coworkers

Well, work is certainly different than it was this time last week.  We have visitor restrictions at all 3 buildings.  That makes things tough on all of us.  Everything has changed as far as entertainment and activities for the residents.  Obviously, who can enter the building has vastly slimmed down.  It's definitely an adjustment, but we are doing what we must to protect the residents and ourselves.  This is the best thing.

I would like to tell my coworkers thank you.  Everyone is stepping up to the plate and doing what needs to be done to keep our people safe.  Work schedules have changed and we often find ourselves working in a different building than where we normally are.  That is, actually, on the fun side for me because I get to see residents I haven't seen in a long time....which is something I need to be better about once this is all done.  Anyway, it's so nice to see everyone contributing to the team atmosphere at HG.  Everyone pulling their weight.  Everyone helping each other out.  It's pretty great to see.  We actually have this kind of atmosphere at work even when we aren't in crisis mode.  The associates really work together on a daily basis to give our residents a wonderful quality of life.  It simply feels highlighted right now under our circumstances.  So, thank you for that!

Also, I want to tell my coworkers to take care of themselves.  I don't mean physically because that goes without saying.  I mean mentally and emotionally.  Right now, most of us are coming to work and then going straight home only to do it all over again the next day.  And we could have this routine for the foreseeable future.  Don't forget while you're at home to take time for yourself.  Yes, there are children to be taken care of.  Yes, there are other family members to look after.  Yes, we still have to pay bills and buy necessities.  But do try and take time for yourself.  Whether it's binge watching on Netflix or going for a walk or reading a book, find something that can help you energize your spirit and let you escape for a while.  Self care is very important and if we don't practice that, we will not be as good as we can be to our residents and they need us now.  And we need each other now. 

We will get through this and come out all the better for it once it is over.  Thank you for all that you do and remember that we do make a difference every day.

That is all