Over the past few weeks, you may have seen FHCA social media posts filled with captivating photos that reflect the close relationship between our amazing nurses and the wonderful residents they care for. National Nurses Week is May 6-12, and there’s no better time to thank these heroic caregivers who do so much to make long term care residents’ lives better.
In truth, a single week—even one this special—may not do justice to these sensational nursing professionals. They give their heart and soul, not to mention their time and dedication, to people who depend on them for so much.
Anyone who has visited a skilled nursing center knows just how incredible these nurses are. The list of tasks they handle each shift is too long to mention—but it’s safe to say that without them, quality care simply wouldn’t be delivered.
They certainly don’t do it for the glory. Not for the glamor, or for the fame and fortune. So why do they do it? Because they care—it’s as simple, and as complex, as that.
Nurses possess a special something, deep down inside, that drives them to help anyone they can, in whatever way they can. Especially in the setting of a skilled nursing center, they can make all the difference on a daily basis for residents who are unable to do many things for themselves—and who might not have family to visit, love and support them.
Florida faces extraordinary challenges to address the needs of the aging Baby Boomer population. Florida already has the highest median age in the nation, and by the year 2030 an estimated 57 percent of Florida’s new residents will be 65 or older. Already, the Sunshine State is dealing with a population where one in five residents is 65 or older, a total of 3.9 million people—more than the entire population of 22 individual states.
The challenges associated with these seniors will be many: limited and fixed incomes, Alzheimer’s and other dementias, a greater risk of injuries from falls, and more. And as these residents require the services of care centers, nurses will be the ones providing those services.
Every Floridian who has a loved one in a skilled nursing center, or may have one there at some point, owes much to the commitment and hard work of our outstanding corps of trained nurses. Throughout the year, and especially during National Nurses Week, please take a moment to thank a nurse.