Call the MINA hotline: (313) 444-0614
Call the MINA hotline: (313) 444-0614
Sometimes we do what comes naturally, and sometimes we must use our acting skills. Usually, when a person is using their acting skills, it is apparent that they are acting. Developing a natural outlook on life takes time for those who might have had some tough experiences in life. Always being on the defense is what comes naturally to some. Always being kind comes naturally to others.
I cannot say that my life has been easy. If you know me well, you know I have been through things that no one should ever have to go through. I could be bitter, and I was, for a very long time. But I softened when my parents started showing signs of aging. The things that our elderly population must endure are things no one should ever have to go through. This is a time to shine! To celebrate each year! We don’t know how long we have on this earth, so make the most of it!
People who are unable to get out of bed, or out of the house need us to help them. Family isn’t always prepared for what they are watching. For many people, this is the first time they watched a loved one age. It’s hard! They don’t want to admit that mom and dad aren’t the strong leaders they once were. They want them to do the things they used to do, but sadly, they can’t.
In many instances, mom and dad think they still can. Their minds work fine, but their body has betrayed them. They are mad at their body. It’s all so hard to accept.
So, when a notary is called in to notarize for our elderly, we need to be able to chat with them, show compassion that the family doesn’t expect, and make a fast friend of the signer. Sometimes we are the only non-family-non-medical person they have seen in weeks. We can’t be in a hurry; we need to be patient.
Patience is a virtue, and I was blessed with patience from a very early age. Understanding is something I have had to develop. Acceptance is so much needed in the notary world, and I have figured that out too – with a lot of hard work.
When we have all three – Patience, Understanding, and Acceptance, we can put the family at ease; better assess the patient for willingness and awareness of what they are signing; and create a relationship with the family that will stick with them long after we get paid and leave.
When we exercise these attributes, we will be referred, we will get repeat business, and our business will thrive.
Leslie Hocker is a contributing editor for the Michigan Notary Association blog. Leslie is the President and co-Founder of the Michigan Notary Association, and runs her own mobile notary business, Mobile Notary of Macomb, in Chesterfield Michigan.
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