While the world is showing its appreciation for the doctors, nurses and other
hospital staff who are working tirelessly to fight Covid-19, there is a group of front line healthcare heroes that is not getting the appreciation they deserve. They are the administrators, nurses, therapists, dietitians, food service directors, cleaning crews and other staff that work in nursing homes and rehab centers. Despite much negative press about the industry, these healthcare heroes are working around the clock to keep the most vulnerable population healthy and safe. We all know that the elderly are the most susceptible to contracting Covid-19. Nursing home staff are challenged with treating sick residents while at the same time keeping the healthy residents isolated and well. They must have difficult conversations with family members who are not able to see their loved ones in person. Many patients that are B”H recovering from the virus are being discharged from the hospital and sent to rehab centers because they are not able to go home. The staff at these centers work with these patients to strengthen and nourish their bodies while they are still recovering from the virus, so they can resume life at home.
If you know someone who works in a nursing home or rehab center, please reach out to them, let them know you’re thinking of them, and express your gratitude. If you’re involved in the effort to send kosher meals to healthcare heroes, find out where there are kosher-keeping nursing home staff, and send them a meal. They deserve our support and appreciation as much as hospital staff, first responders, pharmacists and grocery store workers.
Ari GononskyTeaneck