A caring community at Hillcrest

Dear Editor,

At age 90, I have observed caring staff doing their very best over the last 50 years at several health care facilities.

Recently, my experience as a volunteer visitor to a resident at Hillcrest Nursing Home was most rewarding. He was a Christian example that brought me to the comfort zone of prayer. The Rev. Jim Nelson opened a wonderful relationship for nearly a year before he died peacefully surrounded by family members at Hillcrest.

During that year of weekly visits, I observed a caring staff provide professional and caring care. I once found myself wanting to jump to a conclusion about the care, until a staff member explained the reason in an understanding and caring way.

There have been times that I have heard negative comments about something at the nursing home. I sincerely believe that a family will feel much more comfortable when they share concerns with staff. It is their responsibility to thoroughly review and explain any actions of concern.

The bottom line of this message is to thank all those in the health care industry for dedication to their residents. The bond between resident, family members and staff is tender and there is emotion of hurt when their loved one is taken Home.

God Bless you, Rev. Jim, and thank you for your prayers.

Don Harpst

McCook, Neb.

P.S. We all appreciate family members who have a burden with the emotion of a loved one having to move to a care facility.