An experience of hospitality

For me, living hospitality means welcoming, accepting and valuing the other.

In my work at the center for the elderly of the Saint John of God Brothers in Neuburg, Germany, I am confronted with very different (existential) situations and this calls for a global vision of “everyday life”, combined with good humour and the ability to find joy in small things. The complexity of people is reflected in the complexity of situations. During the periodic visits I come directly into contact with the guests of the center which allows me to identify their individual needs. It is not just a matter of checking their health or conducting an interview; what is required is a real dialogue.  And the patient must be at the center of this dialogue, for he/she knows what are his/her desires and needs.  Needless to say, space must be dedicated to problems and concerns. “Needing assistance” often means being strongly limited in one’s personal autonomy.   Nothing is the same anymore. Even the smallest routine gestures require the help of someone else. When a new guest is scheduled to arrive, regardless of whether he/she is to be admitted as a resident or is to receive daycare services during a limited period of time, I make an effort to work with the person concerned and with his/her family in order to understand what is needed. Months can pass before the elderly person actually moves into the center. In order to best meet the needs of all the people concerned, I inform them about all the services we provide. The staff is the heart of the center and the key to good care. That is why it is so important to have a qualified and efficient team in every ward. This means that all workers must be valued and appreciated for what they have to give – every day!