Column: accepted job offer for the assisted living to help make a difference during covid-19

by Konstandina Martucci

Tula Ikonomu received a job offer to work for the elder community in Stuart, Florida. She wanted to help the older generation by applying for a job that was extremely low staffed for an old folk’s home. She knew older people were struggling the most during the covid-19 pandemic, and she knew her contribution would make a difference. 

Betty Capolla is an 86 year old woman with no family around to help her. She had been living in the Summerfield assisted living for the past 3 years. Betty got around by wheel chair, and is a woman who needs help with most daily activities such has bathing, cooking, shopping, and medications. But most of all she relied on the staff to keep her company during the long lonely days.

Tula arrived for her first day of working with Betty and described her as a sweet little old lady with a quick temper when something isn’t done correctly. Tula got herself accustomed to the apartment. She saw the mechanical bed that helped Betty get up, and the endless list of medications she needed throughout the day. 

Tula asked Betty, “what would you like me to make you for lunch today?” Tula reached for the refrigerator door handle and was shocked to see an empty fridge. Betty responded, “did you expect for me to go out and stock up, that’s what you are here for.”

Tula smirked and grabbed her car keys, she assured Betty she will be back soon. Betty said, “you wish to leave me here all alone, I don’t think so, grab my chair I’m coming with you.” Tula felt hesitant to let her come and was nervous for her health by going into a grocery store. Betty said, “honey I don’t have a death wish, I just need to see the world, nobody lets me out of this place, I will stay in the car.”

Tula pulled in front of Publix, she said, “wait right here I’ll be back.” Betty gazed out the window and watched the locals go in and out of the store.Betty seen the news during the past couple months and knew how bad things were in the world, but didn’t expect for people to act so morbid. 

Once Tula got back into the car Betty demanded to be driven around. She wanted to know if everyone in her community is treating life as if it had already ended. Tula drove around the streets of Florida and noticed Betty getting angrier. Tula brought Betty back to her apartment. 

“It is interesting to see that I’m on the verge of my life being over and people all around are treating their life as if it’s already ended. People need to start counting their blessings and make every moment the best they can. Even if were living during the apocalypse,”Betty said.

Tula finished giving Betty a bath, gave her the mandatory pills and helped her into bed. As Tula was getting ready to leave Betty said, “It’s amazing that you are taking on a job to help the older genesis. This is a job that most people turn down. Especially during this pandemic, people are scared of life, and it is good you are still living it.”