Our Community 2020 | Page 9

safety of the staff and the residents more than ever,” she said. “I have to wear a mask all day, and I get my temperature taken three times a shift,” she said. The most difficult part of Thomas’ job, however, was explaining to the residents why their daily routines had changed and not being able to reassure them when everything would go back to normal. “I had to explain to them why their loved ones can’t visit them,” she said. “That was hard.” The new protocols also make daily life significantly different for the residents. “I take the residents’ temperatures three times a shift. They can’t eat in the dining room,” she said. “They have to be 6 feet apart to play Bingo.” Being in the health care field, Thomas said she is more careful to follow Centers for Disease Control safety protocols and monitors herself for any COVID-19 symptoms. “I’m more aware of washing my hands and my symptoms and staying at home if I need to so I’m not passing my germs to anyone else,” she said. Her COVID-19 concerns don’t just stay with her until the end of the work day. Thomas fears possibly bringing the virus home to her family. “I have younger children, so I worry about them,” she said. “I’m stressed every day that there is a risk here. Honesty Thomas, CNA at work at Arcadia Care of Danville, with Jasmine Jones, RN, behind the desk. Honesty Thomas, CNA at Arcadia Care of Danville, kneels near resident Bobbie Pilot at the health care facility. “The minute I get home, I strip down and get in the shower,” she said. If anything, Thomas said the pandemic has made her miss and appreciate the little pleasures in life, especially activities with her children. “I’ve always been a homebody, but my kids miss going to the parks and McDonald’s,” she said. To help her pull through the tough times, Thomas said she finds time to read and get some exercise when she can. “I’m a workaholic, but I walk a lot, go to the gym and read,” she said. “I read to educate myself about CO- VID-19 and the symptoms.” A piece of advice from her dad also helps put her at ease and gives her strength as she starts each day. “One of his sayings is, ‘It will be greater later,’” she said. “I wake up every day and say that to myself. I keep pushing through.” Thomas said she will always remember how the pandemic affected her life. “I think the lesson is, don’t take the small things for granted,” she said. “Appreciate family, going to the park, all the little things.” OUR COMMUNITY 2020 9