"You don't get what you want. You get what you negotiate."
Harvey Mackey
Today I am thankful for the ability to edit myself and rant in a tactful way.
Yesterday morning I had an experience that turned ridiculous and I couldn't just let it go without a fight.
As many of you know, my sister-in-law Connie is in the independent living side of a long term care facility. The COVID guidelines on these facilities are quite restrictive. The good news is I have received approval as a caregiver for Connie so I can come and go as I please. I do have to check-in and be screened every time I enter which is just fine.
Anyway, yesterday I called the facility to inform them I would be visiting Connie on Thanksgiving Day so could they please deliver an extra meal for me when they bring her meal. It was then that things went south. I was told they aren't providing additional meals for family or caregivers due to COVID. I was told, yes I could go see her and I could bring my own food. When I was told that I asked to speak to someone else. I got told the same thing. That pretty much set me off but I kept my cool and simply said "That seems a bit petty, but thanks anyway. Goodbye."
I hung up the phone and went straight to my computer to compose a letter to the management. The following is a copy of the letter I sent. This is the revised version. The original version included words that didn't fit the "tactful" approach I ultimately wanted to go for. You can use your imagination on that. LOL
I understand you're not making the rules but whoever is making or interpreting the rules is not thinking clearly. I encourage you to do what you can legally do to make this crazy time a little more bearable for your residents.
After sending the letter, I texted the recipient to tell her it was not directed AT her but I knew she would get it to the proper person. She immediately replied to say she had printed it out and hand-delivered it to the Executive Director.
What was the outcome?
Within 15 minutes of sending the letter, I received a call from the Executive Director indicating there had been a misunderstanding among the staff and I would be provided a meal.
So, as I said, today I am thankful for the ability to fight in a tactful and effective way. You just never know when those negotiating skills will come in handy.
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