During trying times in long-term care, how do leaders and staff stay focused on what’s most important—caring for seniors? I wonder that pretty much every day, as I see great care somehow still being delivered, while all around uncertainty, dissension and distraction swirl.
But after last night, maybe I understand a little better how it’s possible.
It was symphony night, and I was perched in seat J-12, anticipating a mind-blowing performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 by a world-famous pianist. It’s one of the most difficult pieces ever written in the classical piano repertoire, one that strikes fear in the hearts of any who attempt it, as immortalized in the movie “Shine.”
The first movement was barely underway when a pulsing, high-frequency sound began reverberating through the hall. It wasn’t a cell phone ringing or a smoke alarm; it was more like feedback from a malfunctioning hearing aid. But it went on for close to 30 minutes as ushers scurried about trying to identify the source. The noise wouldn’t have shattered wine glasses or sent dogs yelping from the room, but it marred what should have been a sublime experience.
On stage, the conductor and musicians seemed understandably agitated, and I could see them occasionally whispering to each other and scanning the audience. But somehow they were able to stay on track, still delivering a sterling performance and spectacular finish despite the horrendous disruption. Later, I overheard one of the violinists talking about it, and she freely admitted it put them on edge. But they were able to shut it out and stay focused for one simple reason: the music was all that mattered.
Whether you’re a facility leader, clinician, caregiver or any other role — as the pandemic continues and vaccination, funding, staffing and census issues threaten your very existence — your ability to serve your residents with absolute clarity and focus is no less amazing and admirable. After all, these are critical issues that affect you deeply, and permeate the air with a deafening and distracting screech. Who could blame you for an occasional drift in concentration and priorities?
But somehow, in every interaction, you power through. Because like that orchestra, you’re all about what really matters.
From the December 2021 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
