Lore Newton, CNA
It’s not often in life that someone finds their true calling, but when they do the result is usually something special. Of those special few is Lore Newton, CNA.
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) for the past 23 years, most recently in her career Newton has been a part of the team at the Suncoast Hospice Care Center South Pinellas, a member of Empath Health.
As a hospice health aide, she helps her patients meet the needs of everyday living. This can include everything from bathing and feeding to checking vitals and making sure they are comfortable.
“Being a CNA helps keep me humbled and focused,” says Newton. “A lot has changed recently, but it’s important we are still here for our patients.”
These changes include new restrictions on visitation. The Care Center is located inside of Bayfront Health St. Petersburg and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, new safety measures have been put in place. To protect patients, staff and visitors alike, family and friends are currently unable to visit their loved ones in the hospital, including those in the Care Center.
Just as families are adapting to overcome the separation, Newton, too, is adapting to fit the evolving needs of her patients.
These days she finds herself doing more of the little things that can make a big difference in someone’s mood. That might be as simple as spending a few extra minutes listening to a patient talk about their grandchildren or bringing a favorite snack.
Newton adds, “I have one client, a long term patient, who has always liked pastries and coffee, so I’ll bring that to him. Even though family can’t visit, we can still find ways to show that someone cares.”
That’s why she has made it a point to not just care for the clinical needs of her patients, but to look out for their emotional wellbeing as well. These little gestures of comfort all add up to a bigger picture: families may be apart, but no one has to feel alone.
Everyone is a part of the family at the Suncoast Hospice Care Center. And with every simple act of kindness, Newton is proving that together we can make it through anything.
