Help Support Your Healthcare Team During the Pandemic

While many holiday traditions were on hold at the end of last year, one tradition remained in our house: the annual Santa Letter.

It started over 20 years ago, when our boys were young. Every year, they would find a letter carefully hidden in the Christmas tree, and then embark on a treasure hunt, following the clues to a group gift.

As the boys grew older, the letter evolved into a retrospective of the year’s events. It became a document full of nostalgia and humor. The tradition continued over the years, and eventually, the boys began writing letters of their own. Together, they provide a unique “year in review” from both Santa and the elves.

We had two letters again this time, but something was different. Both letters recalled the events of 2020, but the one by our oldest son, Adam, was more than just a look back. His words gave us a glimpse of how he and his wife have navigated life as healthcare workers. Their workplace has become full of uncertainty, and they face challenges they never expected.

Our world has been turned upside down, and the rules have changed.

We are all making sacrifices as a result of COVID-19. While it can be frustrating at times, the safety protocols have been established for our benefit. They were put in place to protect us, not to inconvenience us. This is uncharted territory for everyone. We are all adapting and adjusting to the challenges.

Telemedicine has become part of many care plans, but hospitals, clinics, and laboratories remain open. Many of the healthcare workers who face the pandemic every day are genuinely fearful on several levels. They’re scared for themselves, their families, their patients, and their colleagues.

But they continue to go to work and serve their communities. Why? It’s simple: We are counting on them until the battle is over and everyone is safe.

2020 has had a profound effect on everyone. The impact on our communities will be far-reaching into the future, especially regarding the workplace. Face-to-face meetings may be replaced by virtual platforms. The remote home office may become the workplace of the future. Telemedicine will continue to expand into different areas. But there will always be a need for human touch.

Many of us have an incredible care team. They have traveled with us on our unplanned journey and have provided support as we face the challenges of life with Parkinson’s disease. Now, they are facing fear and uncertainty, and we have been given the opportunity to support them.

How can we help?

It doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep it simple. Continue to support them in ways you think best, and encourage others to do the same.

Keep them safe. Wear a mask. Be patient. Be kind. Be grateful. And say, “Thank you.”

Yes, they are healthcare workers. But they are also husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters. Most importantly, to someone waiting at home, they are everything.

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Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.