We all have important jobs, valuable jobs, jobs that make us proud. Some jobs require analytical skill, some require brute strength, some care and compassion.

But only one job requires the superior combination of the heart and the mind.

That is the job of the health care worker. And never in recent history have health care workers been more deserving of our love and praise than right now.

Never in recent history have all available hospital beds and all medical offices been so full. And behind that demand for services is an army of doctors, nurses, and others who are asked to show their love, strength and compassion every single day.

Not only that, there is no such thing as kicking back in these jobs. No time to rest, and no room for error.

Here at The Willows we see this demonstrated every day as we take our residents to and from normal medical appointments. And I can also tell you that on the rare occasions when one of our residents needs middle of the night care, they ALWAYS receives top quality care no matter what.

This is Marshalltown Strong at its finest.

So please join The Willows in extending the biggest Thank You to all of our great Marshalltown health care workers.

They deserve our thanks, our prayers and our gratitude.

Oh, and feel free to call me anytime. My cell is 485-1672.

Come drive by The Willows some evening this month and enjoy the beautiful purple lights shining on our building at 2315 Campbell Drive. These lights will be on every evening in November. And you’ll find our care staff is often dressed in purple this month too.

Purple is close to our hearts here at The Willows. Because purple is the signature color for Alzheimer’s Awareness. And November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

This month we honor our loved ones with Alzheimer’s, and we honor those caregivers who lovingly help them through their days and those who work towards finding a cure.

I visit with and work with our Alzheimer’s residents every day. And our Willows caregivers dedicate their lives to caring for them 24/7.

And that care really shows. Though our Alzheimer’s residents have memory issues, their feelings are still just as deep and poignant. Though they might not recognize things around them in the same way these days, they recognize how people make them feel. So when you find things that make them laugh, or capture their interest, they feel that care, that love and they really thrive.

It is a heartening and rewarding experience for the caregiver too.

Here at The Willows 24 or our 58 apartments are devoted to residents with Memory Care issues. They have beautiful dining and entertainment areas, a charming courtyard filled with murals and flowers, and a full time Activities Director dedicated to keeping them living engaged and happy lives.

Most of all, they get round the clock care from our kind and compassionate Willows staff who are specially trained to work with residents with memory issues.

Join me for a November of Alzheimer’s Awareness and let your heart turn purple this month. Together we’ll raise awareness for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and help support efforts towards a cure.

I am Jennifer, Executive Director here at The Willows. Call me any time at 485-1672.