Compassion is her business

When Clara Melendez picked up her phone to talk with us, the first thing she said was, “please hold while I remove my mask.” This is the new reality during COVID-19. As the business office manager at Consulate Health Care of Brandon, in Brandon, Florida, Clara has a private work space. But it’s not Clara’s style to hole up in her office. Instead, she loves to get out and talk with the residents, especially during this time when everyone is craving social interaction. Of course, she is following all of the required protocols due to the pandemic. 

Taking care of the elderly and vulnerable is not a new thing for Clara. She started in this field in 2005 in New York, and joined the Consulate Health Care team when she moved to Florida. She spent some time working in the corporate office as an accounts receivable specialist, but her true passion is for working in the care center, surrounded by residents. “I see the need and the joy when I visit them. They need interaction with other people besides the caregivers,” Clara explained. This couldn’t be more true than now, during the coronavirus pandemic, when family and visitors are unable to enter the care centers.

Cindy Zampino, regional director of business office services nominated Clara for the CHIRPs spotlight and said, “Clara is very invested in the care center, and passionate about every part of her job. She gives a hand to others without being asked. Her dedication to the company is refreshing.” Cindy’s words were validated when Clara told us that one of her favorite things about working at Consulate Health Care of Brandon is the family atmosphere. “We work together. We help each other and cover for one another when someone is out sick.” She feels this bond more strongly at Brandon than she has in other work environments.

Of course, being the business office manager isn’t all fun and games, and Clara has a unique way of burning off stress. In her free time, she likes to read and dance. Some of her favorite dances include face-paced merengue and salsa. “You have to let it go so you can come back with a fresh attitude,” she said. Clara said the dances are a wonderful way to refuel and re-boot. Without the physical and emotional outlet, the job responsibilities could feel overwhelming.

Clara said that working through the pandemic has been “hard, but manageable.” It can be difficult and frustrating because some of the residents might not understand the new social distancing restrictions. But, with the use of phones, lots of communication between staff and family members, and innovative activities for the residents, Clara is confident that everyone is going to get through this just fine. Thank you to Clara and all of our healthcare heroes, who are forging the way through this particularly challenging time. We appreciate you!