A family approach for the new medico

The waiting room was open and not overcrowded. The furniture was a typical medical office standard. We sat in the chairs closest to the exit door. It was the very first visit, and there was no way of knowing what to expect. Although we knew this was going to be long term care, we were new, and there were a lot of nerves.

Long term care. After the events leading up to this point, being in a medical facility was old hat. However, this was the beginning of a new phase. This was the new normal, and we were just about to take the first step. Therefore, the feeling of the unknown was strong. Additionally, there would be an enormous amount of new normal to learn. Sitting there in the waiting room, feeling uncertain about so much, was an intense experience.

Anyone in a waiting room for a long period of time knows it’s stress 101. In fact, if it’s a hospital waiting room, the stress is even greater. At least that’s how it feels. With this condition, this new normal, there were many hours spent in the waiting room. There were also many more ahead. However, that day we were feeling uncertain, and more than a little overwhelmed.

Family Approach

Within a few minutes the head of administration greeted us. There were papers that needed signing. Additionally, it was a standard practice to go over the process, and some of the particulars. Orientation, for the new normal, as it were. However, it ended up being anything but routine. Or clinically aloof.

We found a family. This was the moment that changed everything, and it was because of a very friendly soul. Faye, the head of administration, greeted us warmly. Due to her kindness, we immediately felt at ease. Not only was she kind, but also very aware of the uncertainty we were feeling. Me, as the parent of a patient, and my son, the patient. There were a lot of nerves. Likewise, up until that time, our path included a lot of hospital and emergency room activity .

With this in mind, it was with average interest that we listened to the first few words that Faye spoke. However, her next words were the ones that still matter to this day. As she sat with us, and introductions were exchanged, she very calmly finished introducing herself, and then she said the most accurate and meaningful words.

“We are all family here. Some have been here for years, and others are just starting out”, like we were. And then she continued, “Everyone knows everyone, and you will come to know everyone too. And you are more than a patient here, you are a member of a family, and we all help one another along.” That was December 2019.

The New Medico

The new medico is hanging in there five years later. What no one knew in those days, was that a pandemic was blooming. Even with that event, the family carried on. To this day that first conversation remains fixed in my mind. Since that day, some of the family didn’t make it all the way until now. They will always be missed.

That is still the way of a place, that is way more than just a place. The courage and resilience, that occurs in each soul that passes through the doors, is something remarkable and inspiring. And the ones that work there, taking such good care of them, are just as remarkable and inspiring. Only in a family could there be such compassion and care. Thanks for reading today.

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A family approach

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A family approach for the new medico