I would like to take a moment to recognize several members of the care team who have made a very meaningful difference in my father’s recovery during his extended hospital stay.

In particular, I would like to commend Viviana, who

has been providing much of my father’s day-to-day care. Initially, I had to spend some time explaining the particular ways my dad needed to be handled and cared for, given his condition and limitations. What impressed me was her willingness to listen, learn, and adapt. Once she understood what worked best for him, she immediately put that knowledge into practice. The difference was noticeable. She became much more confident in caring for him, and the care itself became easier and more comfortable for both my dad and those assisting him. I truly appreciated her openness to learning and her willingness to apply what she was taught.

I would also like to recognize Mario, Becky, Bill, Farsana, Fetu, Malaika, Cameron along with others whose names I may not have had the opportunity to learn. My father has been through an extremely challenging period, including significant changes in his cognition and mentation, so the fact that he recognizes individual members of his care team speaks volumes. He specifically remembers Mario, Becky and Bill, and that recognition tells me that their interactions with him have been consistent, compassionate and meaningful.

Over the past two weeks, particularly while I have been present at the hospital much of the time, I have seen a significant improvement in my father’s overall care and condition. It is clear that the right approach, consistency and genuine attention from the care team can make a tremendous difference to a patient who is vulnerable and struggling to communicate or advocate for himself.

I am very grateful to those members of the team who have taken the time to understand my father as an individual rather than simply treating him as another patient. Their patience, kindness and willingness to adapt have not gone unnoticed.

I also believe it is important for hospital leadership to understand just how much these individuals contribute. Families may not always have the opportunity to express their appreciation, but when a patient is in the hospital for an extended period, the people providing that daily care become an important part of the patient’s recovery. In my father’s case, the improvement we have seen over the past couple of weeks has been significant, and I sincerely appreciate everyone who has contributed to that progress.

Thank you to Viviana, Mario, Becky, Bill, Farsana, Fetu, Malaika, Cameron. Frank and the many other team members who have treated my father with patience, dignity and genuine care. Your efforts have made a difference to him and to our family.

Michelle Brown