Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1248303
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 MAY 2020 10 COMMERCIAL MEMBERS of the team at Borm- la Home have one thing in com- mon – they are happy only if they see that their residents are happy too. The elderly home, one of nine operated by CareMalta, has been locked down for the past eight weeks in a bid to protect the vul- nerability of the residents dur- ing the COVID-19 pandemic. A precautionary measure taken by the company in tandem with the lockdown saw a number of work- ers voluntarily moving into the homes to ensure residents were cared for and safe. Lead carer Glenda Busuttil Risi- ott, 33, says her four-week jour- ney during the pandemic was an amazing one, full of ups and downs, and emotions she will never ever forget. "I missed my family, especially now that we are separated from my father, who is undergoing treatment at the Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Hospital," she says. Glenda, who has been a lead carer at Bormla Home for seven years, is married, has a daughter who is four years old and lives in Cospicua. She also worked at the Zejtun Home for nine years. "Not all days were the same; sometimes we laughed, sometimes we cried, especially in moments when we had to revise our practices due to particular circumstances. We worked with colleagues we never worked with before, but we suc- ceeded as one team." The most important part of Glenda's work is to lead by exam- ple, as well as to be dedicated to residents and staff alike "by lend- ing them an ear to listen". "One needs to be engaged, compassionate and profession- al. There were times when I felt like crying but had to show a bold face and be strong for the resi- dents and staff." Glenda praises the great team- work: "This is the recipe for the excellent care we give. I thank our CEO, Natalie Briffa Farru- gia, for being a role model to us all, the senior management team, especially Noel Borg for his constant guidance in care, and facility managers Maria Xuereb and Josette Grech for their con- tinuous support and for being a shoulder to lean on." Nurse Manuel Antony, 33, from Kerala, India, has been part of the team since March 16. "Initially, it was a new experi- ence for all, as no one had ever been through such a situation. But as time went by, most of the residents, together with their loved ones, accepted us as family. This made me more than happy. Manuel's three-year-old son lives in Kerala with his wife, who is expecting their second child in August. "We (all the staff) try to give as much care to the residents as possible, irrespective of their backgrounds. Bormla Home has become like a second home to me." Carers Ghassen Salhi, 36, and Romina Mintoff, 35, of Ħamrun, say that despite the many diffi- culties encountered, their experi- ence was a positive one. Ghassen, who has worked for CareMalta since 2016, says he loves his job because "I feel happy when I help others, especially the elderly, who need so much dedi- cation and care". He spent seven weeks with the residents. "It was quite stressful at times, especially my second three-week stretch, but when I see that the residents are happy, safe and healthy, I feel I'm carrying out my work in a professional way," the Tunisian says. Romina says it was hard not to see her two-year-old daughter for three weeks. "Surely, there were stressful moments, but hav- ing worked together as one team helped us overcome all obstacles. The end result was that our res- idents felt satisfied with the care we provided at all times." She admits that the lockdown hasn't been easy, "both for the residents, who are missing their loved ones, as well as for us work- ers who consider the residents as our second family". For Ruby Pace, 52, of Cospicua, who was a carer for 13 years be- fore taking up the post of recep- tionist, it was a four-week jour- ney. "Stress levels were high, but it was such a huge comfort seeing the residents safe and healthy," says the mother of two, who also has two grandchildren. "Being close to the residents is the most important part of my job. I am the first point of contact for them, as well as their families. I really try to fulfil their wishes, making sure they all feel happy and comfortable." With all the difficulties the team have had to face, all employees from all operational areas did their best to cooperate with each other and to work hand in hand. "As a team we are unified and work in the best interest of our residents, who are our topmost priority. Therefore, the level of service we offer is of the highest standard." Working hand in hand: all for one and one for all Rollercoaster ride of emotions for team at Bormla Home during lockdown with residents Glenda Busuttil Risiott Ruby Pace The team at Bormla Home: nurse Manuel Antony and John Sciberras, head chef, Cateressence (sixth and seventh from left), together with nurse Susan Camilleri and facility manager Josette Grech (seated, second and fourth from left), carers and residents.