Communications Director, Connecticut Hospital Association
110 Barnes Road, Wallingford, CT
rall@chime.org, 203-265-7611
Connecticut Public – Friday, May 23, 2025
By Sujata Srinivasan
Natasha Forester laughs indulgently as her toddler plays with a bowl of water in their backyard in Meriden, Connecticut. “Rock,” the girl squeals, dunking a tiny stone that lands with a splash. More stones, and more squeals follow, dissolving mother and daughter into giggles.
Forester, 34, is a licensed practical nurse (LPN). She works a nightly job caring for dementia patients at a long-term care home.
“The whole reason I work nights is [to] be home with my two-year-old every day, so she does not need to be put in day care,” Forester says. “I’m exhausted, but just wouldn’t have it any other way.”