The Empathy Exchange: Embracing Families and their Stories: A Collaborative Approach to Emotional Support at peopleCare Communities

In this week’s episode, join us for an insightful and heartfelt episode with Kristen Leal, Director of Programs at peopleCare Delhi LTC and Anita Friesen, whose mom is a resident and has been living at peopleCare Delhi LTC since October of 2022.

This conversation was so heartwarming, and you can feel the care and respect Kristen and Anita have as partners in care.

Together, we explore the power of empathy and understanding in seniors care, from the challenges of cognitive decline to the impact of community-building initiatives like Kristen’s Now What? book club.

Through personal stories and shared experiences, we uncover the importance of building relationships between staff and families, breaking down misconceptions about long-term care, and creating supportive environments where everyone feels valued and connected in their long-term care homes.

Tune in as we celebrate the resilience, compassion, and dedication of caregivers and families in the journey of senior living.

Learn more about peopleCare Communities by visiting peopleCare.ca.

You can find out more about me and the work I do at DeborahBakti.com or email me at Deborah@DeborahBakti.com. I’d love to hear from you!

I See What You Do by Anita Friesen

To all the Staff at peopleCare Delhi LTC

It has become apparent to me that

YOU NEED TO BE TOLD . . . I SEE WHAT YOU DO!

When I come for a visit and step inside.

You greet me with a smile.

I SEE WHAT YOU DO!

When I walk down the halls.

You work with such passion. I’ve seen it from you before.

I SEE WHAT YOU DO!

Your hours are long.

You’re always on your feet.

You must be exhausted.

I SEE WHAT YOU DO!

You come to your job.

Leave your problems behind.

Become part of a new family.

I SEE WHAT YOU DO!

The residents are dressed, bathed and fed.

I SEE WHAT YOU DO!

When someone is blue.

I see you put your hand on their arm.

You whisper or tell them a joke.

They are no longer blue.

I SEE WHAT YOU DO!

You know all their names.

Their likes and dislikes.

I SEE WHAT YOU DO!

A calendar listing all the events.

Entertainment for residents, family and friends.

I SEE WHAT YOU DO!

Meals are prepared three times a day.

The dishes are endless and don’t stop all day.

I SEE WHAT YOU DO!

The laundry is washed it’s dried and then sorted.

A sock may be lost . . . there’s nothing you can do.

Cause just like the dishes it’s endless too.

I SEE WHAT YOU DO!

The meds are dispensed with accuracy and care.

I can see that when I am there.

I SEE WHAT YOU DO!

The cleaning is done.

And the maintenance too.

I SEE WHAT YOU DO!

So this is why I have to say, I truly appreciate everything you do

and YOU NEED TO BE TOLD . . . I SEE WHAT YOU DO!

Love You All

Anita Friesen (daughter of Godelieve VanMaele)