COVID-19 has changed, is changing, and will change the way the world works and the way older adults search for “home”, meaning, purpose, and value in the coming months and years.
Thanks to those who have invited me into their most sensitive conversations in how to best manage the line between safety and autonomy in these volatile times. Thanks to those who invited me to work on research into demographics and consumer preferences that will shape the evolution of their communities and services. Thanks as well for invitation to focus on the margins that will support missions going forward.
I am humbled and invigorated by these invitations to live up to the needs and high expectations of this moment. It is challenging to lift our heads from the work of making sure our residents, members, and team remain healthy and safe from the virus that causes COVID-19… but it can be a relief to look forward to the lessons we will have learned in a year or so.
Will the the support and delivery systems of communities and programs be even stronger, more redundant, and of even higher value to customers in a year? It is hard to imagine a world where there is not greater appeal to having a relationship with an experienced, dedicated, professional team with the mission to serve older adults in the post COVID-19 world. Many of the organizations best positioned to answer that call have been preparing for this moment for decades. Here’s to the continued focus to do everything you can, with what you have, where you are in this moment.
Prayers for those who are sick, those who love them, those who care for them, those who work on treatments and vaccines, and those who provide food and supplies… and the toilet paper!
Stick Together / Stay Apart,
Perry
