Dr. Abraham Mathew

Our seniors deserve service with excellence. Their living communities—like Buckner—are their home, so we treat them as such. The last few years have been tough years for everyone. Nursing homes and senior living communities across the country were widely affected. 

Throughout this pandemic, most seniors were affected physically and psychosocially. The senior living workforce had to shift and adapt strategies and cope with the demand. The associates serving in this industry were celebrated as heroes, and they deserve it. The frontline staff caring for our seniors are real heroes. 

More than mere challenges

The current turnover across our industry is a primary stress affecting our ability to serve our seniors. Buckner communities strive to provide the best service to our seniors and continue to grow in the right direction. Despite what is happening in this world, our seniors have not experienced service delays or any other issues. At times, they tell us they did not know that food prices have increased or appliances have been delayed. 

Inspiring happiness is the motto we practice in serving our seniors. Elevating the life experience for our seniors is a calling for our teams instead of a challenge. The population we serve sees our staff caring for them with humility and inspiration. In return, they give us a smile, a word of prayer, donations, a kind word, and even a hug at times. The commitment to continuous progress by our associates is incredible. 

Many remember the Texas freeze that happened in 2021. Our associates came in and resided inside the community to ensure there wouldn’t be any service delays for our seniors. Flood and storms? They come into the community, leaving their loved ones and homes behind to ensure they are available to serve our seniors. This unique industry requires dedication, perseverance, and sacrifice to wear that smile and serve others. Kudos to these incredible hard-working and dedicated individuals. 

More blessed to give

When walking the halls of our communities, I hear friendly conversations between our staff and residents: 

“How are you and your family doing?”

“I didn’t see you yesterday, are you OK?”

“I want you to know I’m praying for you!”

“I brought you these nice goodies.” 

“I’d rather stay here because I trust the people here”

“Everyone is so nice.”

As it says in Acts 20:35 (ESV):

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He himself said, it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

These blessings are the biggest reward that goes with us. 

Our seniors' family members constantly share their gratitude to our associates. The frontline staff serves seniors in a way that creates family and connection. When family members are not around, it is that frontline hero who may be the last person to hold a senior’s hand when they say goodbye to this world. 

We prioritize keeping our older adults active and independent while ensuring their physical, social, and spiritual aspects of life are maintained. Functional independence through excellent wellness programs specifically designed for seniors are offered in the communities. The staff work toward the seven dimensions of wellness (environmental, physical, intellectual, occupational, emotional, social, and spiritual). 

Our society often views aging very negatively, disempowering our older adults. To combat that mindset, we seek to uplift and serve seniors to ensure they receive the best quality of life and feel at home. Even though our staff comes from different cultures and backgrounds, they come together to serve our seniors and create community with energy and a smile.

Dr. Abraham Mathew is the Senior Executive Director at Buckner Parkway Place

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