Today was the day for a shift change in dispatch. We sent one new nurse to an elderly care facility. The facility requires thorough COVID-19 testing for dispatched workers and only accepts them after confirming a negative result. This demonstrates their strong commitment to prioritizing the safety of their residents.
The HuMA nurse immediately joined in to assist with bathing residents. Thanks to a detailed handover from the previous dispatched staff, she was able to get to work smoothly from day one. HuMA nurse had the opportunity to interact with a woman over 100 years old and was impressed by how she bashfully smiled when the nurse complimented her cute outfit. The presence of residents who cheerfully struck up conversations helped to ease the nurse’s initial nervousness. As the cleaning staff was off today, the nurse also helped clean the changing room after assisting with bathing. She then assisted with changing diapers, bringing the day’s work to a close.
In the evening, while heading to a public bathhouse near the facility, the nurse was enveloped in a strange feeling. The streetlights along the seaside road were mostly out, making it feel like the middle of the night. There were hardly any signs of life, only the sound of waves echoing in the silence. We had heard about the severe staff shortage, but the stillness of this town felt like a stark reminder of this reality.
Even so, within the facility, the smiles of the residents never fade. The staff are dedicated to providing care amidst limited numbers, which is truly admirable. The nurse is excited to see what encounters tomorrow brings.
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| Heading to Noto. The sign says, “Thank you for your support” |