Flagpole prayers

Our nation is facing unprecedented challenges because of COVID-19, and frontline healthcare workers aren’t able to stay at home and wait for the storm to pass. They are the ones taking care of our most vulnerable friends and relatives. This stress and responsibility can seem overwhelming at times, and so many of us are turning to our faith to see us through these challenging times. That’s exactly what the staff at Cardinal Cardinal Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, in Lincolnton, North Carolina, did when they gathered for flagpole prayers.

Ideally, the staff would have loved the residents to participate in the flagpole prayers on the beautiful, sunny day, but because of social distancing restrictions, the residents were unable to join the group outside. Executive Director, Ryan Jernigan, explained, “We gathered outside to pray for our residents, country, and world during this challenging time.” The flagpole seemed like an appropriate site to lift their prayers. They originally planned for silent prayer, but Lisa, from the medical records department, volunteered to lead a prayer for the group. Silent prayers followed.

Cardinal has also been embraced by organizations in the community. A local church group usually volunteers at the care center on the weekends. Because no visitors are allowed in the care center, the group recently showed up with colorful signs that they held up to the doors and windows of Cardinal. The inspiring signs had messages including: We miss You! Be strong! We are with you! We can’t wait to be in-person with you again soon! The signs of support and love warmed the hearts of the residents and the staff.

Family members have also come up with creative ideas for communicating because visitors are prohibited from entering the care center. Like many care centers, Cardinal is using FaceTime and Skype to help residents see and talk to their loved ones. For residents who are confused, some family members have found it helpful to use window markers to write longer-lasting messages that remind the residents that they are in the hearts and minds of their loved ones.

Indeed, “it takes a village,” and everyone has been supportive of Cardinal staff and residents during the pandemic. Families are so thankful for all of the efforts made to keep the residents safe. As Ryan Jernigan put it, “Their number one goal is for their loved one to be safe and taken care of, and that is why they entrusted us with their care in the first place.” With the support of staff, family, community, and vendors, it’s clear that there is an abundance of love and caring to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.