Well today marks exactly 3 years employed by the seniors residence as the Singing Chauffeur. The residence actually opened for residency on February 7th of 2013.
A cake was made for the staff including the twenty 'originals' remaining from about fifty hired to start the building systems and procedures back on this date in 2013. We had two solid weeks of orientation back then. The new hired staff now gets a day and a half. We didn't have many residents back then but we learned their names fast as the place started to take more in. Now there are over 170 people and with the exception of maybe the latest twenty newcomers, we know them all. The newer staff watch in disbelief as we communicate with those we know as friends in a comfortable and respectful way on a first name basis. The van used to move two or three times a day (and not far). Now I switch from van to bus and back every half hour from 8-4 Monday to Friday with an average of 70 kilometres daily just on the peninsula of Halifax.
I would like to say "thank you" for the experience I have gained in a seniors' environment while doing what I love - driving. The extra alertness required helping seniors has taught me to be a very careful and an alert driver, not to mention patient. Taking precious cargo like an 85-103 year old has a lot of responsibility attached to it. I am watched very carefully as I drive the streets. It is gratifying to receive comments on my patience, capability, and skill at driving. Every corner has to be smooth, every street navigated gently, and every start and stop, without a jerk or squeal. Road rage is not possible (I have almost bitten my tongue off and have clenched my fist many times to not lay on the horn). After all the van is well marked and well-known in the city. It would be hard to not be seen next time.
It is not just a 'hop in and let's go' kind of chauffeuring either. There are steps to be taken to get a senior comfortable in the van or bus; there are the steps and sidewalks, the ramps and wheelchair concerns, the accessibility issues around entry ways and medical facilities. Many seniors have a walker, are in a wheelchair, or have a disability of some sort. That all requires extra time and patience - both for them and me. Getting them door to door becomes habit and the route makes sure their door is at the destination door. No crossing any streets on my watch.
I really have loved dealing and gaining the trust and respect of the seniors I transport. It is a pleasure to serve them as I can. My Dad always said I had a "ministry" with my job and in many ways the van is a place where these fine ladies and gentlemen can tell their life story without judgement and with complete privacy. "What's said in the van - stays in the van". Giving back to those who have given so much to the generations after them is the very least we all can do.
Now onward into year number four.
No comments:
Post a Comment