AUDIO // In this episode Claire speaks about the current health crisis, and how it could potentially affect caregivers.
We humans all have a purpose right now and that is to preserve life. Our challenge comes when we’re asked to look beyond ourselves. All of our caring communities — hospitals, nursing homes, assisted livings, over 55 developments –exist for the express purpose of joining generations in mutual support. These communities all exist because a variety of younger generations work there. Our ability to continue supporting the premise of mutual care in times of great stress is being tested right now.
The eldercare industry is responding by expanding on and rapidly adjusting protocols already in place. And all of us who work in these communities are more aware than ever of the need to balance our commitment to others with care of ourselves and our families. This is not the time for lessons learned but for perseverance.
Healthcare workers at every level need to keep showing up and they are. They need PPE (personal protective equipment) and ventilators to do their job. They need continued good health and have confidence in the effectiveness of the PPE to perform their shifts. We all need strength and willingness to get out of bed and go to work. We have to have the emotional strength to make tough choices. Where does the inner strength come from?
In describing the work of the U.S. Public Health Service on their national website states: “Driven by a passion for public service, these men and women serve on the frontlines in the nation’s fight against disease and poor health conditions.” At this
time of crisis we ask ourselves: How does passion translate to the continued commitment of millions of workers in the health and social service sector?
Our passion is a personal trait that compels action based on intrinsic motivation; responding to challenge can motivate and satisfy us. CHallenges also can be intimidating, especially during crises of epic proportions like today.
Under normal circumstances, we rely on our professional training and consistent performance of duties so we know what to do when new situations arise. Training and practice create behavior patterns of reward for effort. Performing the work you were trained to do, work you do well, know is important, not just to yourself but to
others, where you have mutual relationships of support along with leadership giving recognition for effort, then you have purpose. But is that enough in these times?
Reward needs to be worth the risk and so benefits are often stacked to increase the intrinsic rewards available for continuing to show up and deliver peak performance. Performing work that is consistent with your passion and purpose is what gives life meaning. Why else are we fighting so hard to preserve life?
In this time of pandemic, essential workers at all levels are asked to respond for the good of everyone, deferring rewards. At every level of service, there ought to be assurances like adequate equipment for the tasks, time to rest and paid sick leave. We want to know, in the aftermath of this crisis, everyday lives will improve.
For all the caregivers and their care recipients, working together to ensure mutual health is their primary focus. If we can stay connected as communities, mitigating fear with communication and helping each other, we will emerge stronger.