Turned Tables

We were all seated at our dining table- husband, third daughter, fourth daughter, and me. The appearance of our two youngest daughters sprung from an urgency to see and spend time with their father. A year of hospital visits and doctors, procedures, prescriptions, and medication ignited the above urgency.

We had somehow realized that the family had become overly concerned about our well-being. They had conferenced together to discuss our future! This materialized from the doctor’s orders to my husband that for the next two weeks, he was not to drive or step out for his usual marketing spree.

At the same time, he had to adhere to a custom-made menu made up of nutritious and healthy food choices. My third daughter is a Nutrition, Health, and Wellness Coach. So, yes, you guessed it, she took charge of this aspect and had long, in-depth chats with her father on the importance of carefully prepared meals, both nutritious and with healing properties. She has the perfect student in my husband, who would listen intently to every word she said. She even plated a sample serving so he could get an idea of the approximate amount of food he was supposed to consume.

Supplements were scrutinized, generic ones were discarded , and only the ones that indicated the precise contents were included. Changes were made in the kind of coffee he was to drink, sugarless and decaffeinated. Daily blood pressure and sugar readings were recorded and a simple exercise regime was implemented.

As parents, we were initially amused by this reversal of roles. We laughed about it in the beginning, but the shooting stares from our daughter silenced un to incoherent giggles! This is serious business, she hollered! We quickly suppressed our laughter and posed all ears to what she had to further say.

Daughter number 4 churned out some amazingly delicious smoothies which were healthy and so good to the palette! I was bowled over, never having been a fan of smoothies in the past. She uses avocado generously in her smoothies, which are healthy and so good on the palette! I was bowled over, never having been a fan of smoothies, something I wouldn’t be able to afford, I told her. She says that’s all taken care of. I said, huh, what do you mean? She says ‘I have made arrangements for fruits and food items to be brought to our home regularly ! I said, what! I couldn’t help feeling a cloak of gratitude at all this attention, and yet at the same time lapping it up!

I have to admit it’s refreshing to be on the other side of the table, on the receiving end! I guess this is what life and family is all about, to care and to be cared for. I’m kind of enjoying it, and at times feel spoilt by so much attention. Never question a good thing, is one of my favorite mantras, and this attention and outpouring of love needs getting used to.

My friends ask me, ” Don’t you feel old with all this fussing about?”, and I say,”No!”, quite vehemently! Instead, we feel extremely privileged! To top it all, my children have taught me the usage and convenience of modern technology . I now know how to pay my bills online, how to transfer funds, how to book a GrabCar, how to order food, groceries, and anything else, you name it! There is still a whole lot more I could learn, and I’m enjoying the journey!

So here’s to ‘growing up’ and ‘tables turned’ !

Front Office Etiquette.

Picture this – you’re at a medical clinic for an appointment with a reputed doctor. The first time you visited, the clinical staff was friendly, warm, and caring. You were impressed with the initial welcoming encounter. But, when you returned for your follow-up appointment, you saw a different side to the same cheerful staff. One of them wore a sour and grumpy expression, didn’t even lift her head to look at you in the face, and answered your queries nonchalantly. Would you be shocked and disappointed? 

I bet you would be, just like my friend who experienced this firsthand. She tried asking the receptionist if she was alright, but the response was a silent nod. It’s not just about one bad experience, but also about the fact that such unpleasant behavior can drive patients away from the clinic. 

This begs the question – should grumpy, sulky, and disgruntled people be front desk personnel? A good front desk receptionist is energetic, friendly, and provides excellent customer service, and builds relationships. She assists walk-in clients, schedules client appointments, answers phone lines, and helps clients with their questions and issues. 

It’s not just about being polite and courteous, but also about providing a sense of comfort and reassurance to patients already dealing with health issues. A smiling and friendly reception is probably the first medicine administered to the patient. Instead, imagine being given a dose of quinine when you don’t need or deserve it! 

So, what do we do when faced with such unpleasantness? Do we report it to the doctor or just let it slide? The decision is up to us, as patients, but we should not have to put up with unprofessional behavior, especially when we are paying for the service. 

Let’s pull up our socks and bring this matter to light. By reporting such chilly and inhospitable conduct, we can help clinics improve their services and build lasting relationships with their patients. After all, a good front desk receptionist is the first step towards a positive and successful treatment.