Amana Living:
Reasons to be Joyful

Amana Living: Reasons to be Joyful

by Stephanie Buckland | Chief Executive Officer, Amana Living

2020 has been an undeniably tough year. Lives have been lost, families have been kept apart, and livelihoods affected. Who could have predicted the entire globe would be battling a virus we had never even heard of 12 months ago?

It would be easy to wish this year had never happened, but I think it’s important to remember what has given us joy. If being grateful can improve your mental health, then feeling joy is surely an antidote to the stresses and strains of 2020.

At Amana Living, I’ve found many reasons to be joyful. I’ve found joy in being surrounded by staff whose compassion and commitment to the people we serve is stronger than ever before. Celebrating staff achievements through our annual 3R awards has proven yet again that the best thing about Amana Living is its people.

This is evident in the way we responded to the pandemic with resilience and innovation. We relocated more than 100 office based staff to home working at warp speed, we quickly set up technology to keep residents in touch with families, and we ramped up infection control procedures to keep residents, clients and staff safe. We did all this while continuing to provide high quality care and support every day.

These efforts have not gone unnoticed. Residents and clients are thankful for our work, and praise the kindness and professionalism of our staff. We can take joy in the comfort we have provided to residents and clients this year, and the reassurance we provide to their families that their loved ones are receiving the very best in Christian care.

I’ve taken joy in the role we play in the community and the connections we’ve formed with people of all ages and backgrounds. Our chaplains are integral to this but I’m also thankful for the involvement of Anglican schools. The thoughtfulness of the school children who wrote notes and sang songs to our residents while visiting restrictions were in place made my heart sing.

Finally, my faith has also given me joy and comfort this past year. As we approach Christmas, reflecting on the birth of Jesus is a reminder that we have much to be happy for despite the challenges the year has presented.

Blessings to you all this Christmas and a happy New Year.