July 09, 2020
Behind the Mask: Lok, Community Health Worker
As a Community Health Worker, Lok is one of KC CARE’s important links between healthcare and the community of patients we serve. Here is his story Behind the Mask:
I am worried. Being a new parent, I can’t help but think that the world is changing, and I hope it is for good. More than anything, this pandemic has taught me that health is wealth and self-care is important. I am enjoying the perks of working from home. I get to be around my family often. More than anything, I am very grateful to KC CARE and its leadership for keeping us employed during these difficult times.
It has been challenging to be working from home with limited resources. Not being able to access things like the fax machine and the printer is not easy. Regardless, I am still able to follow up with all my clients over the phone. Even if it is just to check on them. In the past few months, I was able to successfully link clients to different resources for things like food and groceries, housekeeping services, transportation services, and so on. The big difference is that before COVID-19 I performed home visits daily, but now all of my encounters with clients are over the phone.
I work with the elderly population. During these past few years of working with them, I have learned that they are the most isolated group of people to begin with, and now with the pandemic, they are even more isolated. I recently talked with a client who lives in a senior housing complex. The whole complex is in lockdown due to the pandemic. Residents are encouraged to stay inside and if they go outside, they are told to self-isolate for 10 days. The client reported not being able to see her family for a long time. I can’t even imagine the toll this would take. I am glad that I can talk to clients over the phone and try to meet their needs as much as possible.
To support the work of Lok and his team – and all of KC CARE’s staff, text HELPKC to 44-321 or click here to make a donation today.
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