08/11/2020
Hero of Chesed: Kim Pidala
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The Jewish Federation of Cleveland recognizes and thanks frontline workers at our beneficiary agencies.
Meet "Hero of Chesed" Kim Pidala, life enrichment coordinator for The Weils of Menorah Park.
Q: Why did you choose your current position?
A: I didn’t … I started at The Weils in 2010 as an STNA (State Tested Nursing Assistant) in the rehab pavilion, and after about three years the administrator at that time pulled me off the floor and told me, “I think you would be great in our activity department.” He was instrumental in putting me in the perfect place. I became certified and stayed in the activities department ever since. He was right – I love my job.
Q: What do you love most about working with the elderly?
A: I love getting to know the residents and learning about their lives – they are fascinating. I really love that they are “real” in that they have no inhibitions and they tell it like it is. The residents make me laugh – they can be so funny and a lot of times don’t even try. Our residents are so nice to me and I have a wonderful connection with them. I really love helping them. I am very close to my own family and extended family, so I know how important it is to have close connections with the elderly.
Q: How has your typical day changed since the COVID-19 outbreak?
A: My typical day has changed dramatically. I used to be involved with so much programming and now we are limited to outside small groups and social distancing. We had a very full schedule with exercise, lectures, happy hours, art classes, book clubs, one act plays, balance classes, ceramics class, bus outings, and so much more. I did all the scheduling for that and I also taught chair yoga, meditation, and balance class, served at all the happy hours, and fun with Jazzy, I also oversaw some health and wellness lectures -- our days were full of activities.
Now I deliver chronicles, puzzles, menus, and mail to their rooms every morning. I check on the residents to see if they need help with anything or just need to talk (they like to talk). In the afternoons I schedule and coordinate in-person family visits, FaceTime visits and telemedicine appointments with some of our residents. Sometimes I help with care if they need that, too. I keep my nursing assistant license current. So my day is very different than it used to be, but I am still very busy and involved with the residents, helping them with their needs and keeping them engaged and active.
Q: What are the biggest challenges that the residents you work with are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: Isolation, loneliness, and loss of mobility for some, and not being able to get their hair done at our beauty salon. These are very challenging times for all of us and some were becoming depressed, so my co-worker Andrea and I would spend a lot of time with residents and give them things to do in their apartments like woodworking, reading, doing puzzles, and knitting – whatever we could to make their day better and brighter. They really miss the socialization they had from going to the dining room for meals and seeing their friends every day, to our wonderful group activities and programming. It was tough on them, but now they are doing great! They are able to come outside, wear masks, socialize six feet apart, and do some chair yoga out by the garden, play trivia games, putt-putt, and bingo all outside, and visit with their families. We also added outside entertainment once a week. They are so much happier and energetic now!
Q: Where do you gain your strength in times like these and what do you do to recharge?
A: I gain my strength from seeing the smiles on the residents’ faces. If I can make a difference in their day, I am happy. A big part of my strength comes from the amazing team at The Weils! My co-workers are very encouraging, supportive, creative, resourceful, and awesome to work with. I am blessed with great co-workers across the board in every department and, of course, my life enrichment team. Personally I have to recharge everyday … exercise, yoga, meditation, enough sleep, and a three-mile walk in the park down the road every evening with my daughter. I like to connect with nature, it keeps me grounded.
