A Place for Mom’s Give Back Getaway for Partners
A Place for Mom partners with the most thoughtful and talented caregivers in senior living. People who share our noble mission of helping to uplift the lives of seniors by ensuring residents and/or clients receive compassionate and dignified care.
To say thank you, we want to award one exceptional caregiver with a rejuvenating getaway weekend that offers the chance to focus and “give back” to herself. This opportunity is only open to caregivers employed at an A Place for Mom partner organization.
Win a Weekend Getaway to Joan Lunden’s Camp
APFM will award one deserving female caregiver with full tuition for Camp Reveille, Joan Lunden’s unique summer camp for women located on beautiful Long Lake in Naples, ME.
The camp covers four days and three nights from August 20-23, 2015. The winner will be allowed to select one female friend or family member to attend camp with her. Camp tuition includes lodging, meals and an extensive list of camp activities such as:
- Fitness Programs (such as Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and Tennis)
- Water Sports
- Dance Classes
- Meditation
- Wide variety of Arts & Crafts
For a full list of camp activities and a sample schedule, check out the Camp Reveille website. http://www.joanlunden.com/camp-reveille
Who Can Enter?
Employees that provide daily care to residents or clients, and work at an organization that is partnered with A Place for Mom are eligible. You can also enter on behalf of a caregiver at your organization who you think deserves a weekend of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Please note that Camp Reveille is for women only, therefore only women are eligible to enter and win.
How to Enter:
By clicking in the box below, applicants must submit a short essay (500-800 words) with an introduction describing who she is, her age, where she works and her job position/title with the community or provider, why she works there, what she enjoys most about her job. Applicant essays should address:
- What advice would you give to others who are new to working in this field?
- What words of wisdom would you give to those who are caring for their loved one at home?
- For Nominations: How have you been inspired, or what have you learned, from the person you are nominating?
You can also enter by emailing your intro and essay to content@aplaceformom.com.
Deadline:
All essay submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. PDT, July 6, 2015. Please note camp dates are non-negotiable. A Place for Mom will pay for airfare to/from Portland International Jetport and shuttle to/from Camp Reveille only – other travel expenses are not included.
 
Michelle Freeman is a hard working and dedicated staff member. She is always trying to do her best to care for those we serve every day. We rely on her to not only pass meds and help with activities of daily living but we also rely on her to do the ordering of the medications for our staff members. Michelle is an Advanced Certified Medication Aide or ACMA. She works very hard to maintain good standing at work rarely if ever calling in or taking time off. As an advanced certified medication aide she is certified to not only pass oral medications but also to do eye drops, ear drops, nose sprays, as well as respiratory treatments and finger sticks and several other forms of medication administration. She has been with us for quite some time. Michelle has been through classes to help pass food in the dining room and has even assisted in the dining room. At our community our staff also does house keeping as well as laundry. Michelle has skipped breaks before to make sure and put the residents first postponing her breaks till a later time. Michelle has worked for Brookdale Oklahoma City West, formerly known as Sterling House of Oklahoma City West. for ten years or a little over. This amounts to a decade of dedication to serving our residents with dignity and integrity and trust. Here at Brookdale Oklahoma City West, formerly known as Sterling House of Oklahoma City West. we believe in our corner stones, here are some of them. We believe in putting the resident first and the bottom line will take care of itself. We also believe that you should have fun and celebrate life every day! Michelle is current on all of her continued education classes. She works two jobs and is a dedicated family person. This is a beautiful woman to know both inside and out. I am nominating Michelle without her knowledge because I believe that everyone needs someone to recognize them and all of the hard work that they do. I want her to know that we see her and her efforts and that all that she does is not in vain. That the good people in this world do truly make a difference and are the key to our success. This is another of our beliefs here at Brookdale Oklahoma City West, formerly known as Sterling House of Oklahoma City West. As well as providing meaningful rewards to residents, associates, and shareholders alike. Michelle is always in uniform and often goes above and beyond. Michelle was recently awarded employee of the month for her outstanding work here at Brookdale Oklahoma City West, formerly known as Sterling House of Oklahoma City West. We look very forward to working with Michelle for years to come as she grows with in our company and continues to set a wonderful example of a model employee for the new comers to this field. In closing I thank you for taking the time to read and consider my nomination of Michelle Freeman for this contest.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Spears – Resident program coordinator for Brookdale Oklahoma City West
Arlene is a loving,hard working, devoted co worker and care giver. Arlene goes the exrta mile to find ways to make each one of our client feel special and pampered. She make home made carmals. We had a client that would only take her pain meds if she could have a small piece of Arlene’s carmel after each dose. Another client refused to shower. Arlene agreed only to “wash her up” she would lather her up bottom to top and then explain she just needed to spray her off. Everyone was amazed. The client love getting “washed up”. She has gone in very early am to see clients that reques before breakfast showers. and will sit and talk until client feel comfortable with her so she can provide care. Our Brookdale Hospice team is very blessed to have Arlene on our team. Arlene is so loving and professional, l love it when we do our visits together. She always teaches me something about ea client and special things we can do to improve our care and make it more personal. sincerely, Joellen L. Justice RN
Jhoanna is 40yo and works as Business Office Director for 4 years for now known as Brookdale North Naples (previously Merrill Gardens at Naples, Emeritus at Naples). Jhoanna does HR, Training,work comp, accounts payable,account receivable,resident billing,payroll,resident contracts and occassional marketing walk in tours. It is a thankless job but she makes sure to always put a smile on her face, accomodate to the best of her ability each employee’s, resident family member’s and our current resident’s inquiry and requests. In all aspects of her job responsibility, Jhoanna favors how the other party would always leave her office happy, content and secure with the answers that they are given and all done in a timely manner.
Q:What advice would you give to others who are new to working in this field? A:Be sincere, open and honest with everyone you meet, keep in touch with your network and love what you do…then it does not feel like work.
Q:What words of wisdom would you give to those who are caring for their loved one at home? A:Be kind to yourself also by taking care of yourself and your needs and health. Take time to relax and rejuvinate, Know when you need an extra hand and be ok to do so.
Q:For Nominations: How have you been inspired, or what have you learned, from the person you are nominating? A:Life is full of challenges and it will not change…although, how you receive and address those challenges is up to you.
Thank you for your entries! I’ll make sure to deliver them to the selection committee.
Pretty Dube works in Plano, Texas as a med tech. Not only does she always have a smile on her face, but she’s an inspiration to those around her. While balancing the demands of a family and career, Pretty gracefully administers care and meds to our residents. Her sense of humor, laughter and comfort in her own skin set at ease all who know her. Rising above her peers, she demonstrates all the characteristics of a true Brookdale professional. Families and residents love her. I can only hope that she remains with us for years to come. I believe Pretty is more than deserving of this wonderful weekend getaway. Her advice to others new to this field would be to keep your sense of humor when all about you is falling apart. For those families who care for Alzheimer’s patients at home, she would say, “Come. Let us take care of your loved one as if she were our own.” We see all too often stressed and overwrought family members who’ve waited too long to bring in their loved one–some event, fall, or occurence has brought them to our door in a panic. Pretty is there waiting. With hands patiently folded, a smile adorning her face, and a twinkle in her wisened eye, she waits for your loved one. Come home.
I would like to nominate Fredda Jones for the weekend getaway. She is one of our Resident Care Associates who is always willing to give a helping hand when it is needed. I have seen Fredda come in and work her shift, have staff members call in and she is the first to volunteer to stay and work a double. Her reasoning behind volunteering is very clear, she is not interested in the money, she is concerned about the safety of our residents. She has said to me personally, “I cannot leave these residents with no one to care for them”. Not only does she make sure that the residents are cared for, she goes above and beyond her job description. Fredda sometimes works herself too hard and I believe this weekend getaway would be beneficial for her to step back from work and care for herself. She is a very hard worker and is more than deserving of this weekend getaway.
I want to nominate Veronica Nelson. She is 41 years old and has been the Resident Care Coordinator at Brookdale Deptford for 9 years. She is extremely dedicated to her position and anyone within her presence can tell the love she has for her job and her residents. She is “on-call” every day, evening and weekend, including time off from work for staffing call outs, and any other issue that may come up within the community. She is not afraid to step into any position to lend a helping hand whenever or where ever needed from washing dishes to stepping into an aides shoes to care one on one for the residents. She is often called by family members to hear complaints and compliments, and she takes both personally and with determination to either fix what is wrong or congratulate a right. She has a very thankless job. Often going unnoticed. She thinks of those around her and her family way before ever thinking of herself or taking time for herself. With only being at Brookdale almost 2 years, I have learned a great deal from Veronica. She can defuse a bad situation quickly with her calm manner and yet be able to let that person know they are important and their complaint will be handled with upmost caring and compassion. Veronica lives our Mission daily and treats everyone from the residents to the aids and managers with respect, integrity, compassion and excellance. She is an inspiration to many including myself and in addition to her job here she works an additional full time job so she can provide her family with the extras that she loves to lavish upon them. Again, not taking the time for herself, but for others. She truly deserves a much needed vacation to focus on herself! And most importantly to relax!
Thank you for considering Veronica,
Sonia Shultz, BOC Brookdale Deptford
A Well Deserved Vacation
When I first read that we could nominate a care giver to go to the beautiful Camp Reveille on a weekend getaway it took me only seconds to name this person, Diana Hernandez. Diana has been with Brookdale Greenwood Village in Colorado for the past 5 years working in the memory care community, but has worked with the geriatric population for the past 10 years. She has a husband and two daughters. I know that there are going to be many people applying for this trip, but in my heart I know that none deserve it more than Diana; and it’s not hard to explain why.
Diana never comes to work expecting to make millions, nor does she come to work expecting that it will be an easy day (especially not in memory care), she comes to work each and every day wondering how she can make the quality of life in our residents the best it can be, and coming to work knowing that it will be long, sometimes frustrating, but amazing. Every morning when I come in Diana has a smile on her face. No task is too big or too small for her. As I am a new coordinator, Diana has shown me patience but also has shown initiative in acclimating me to the customs and rituals of Clare Bridge. She jumps at the drop of hat to assist a resident, and always does it with a smile. She may repeat herself to one resident a thousand times a day, but she never gets frustrated or upset. She desires to do activities with the residents even if she is exhausted from the previous day; because she knows that’s why she is here and it makes the residents happy.
I am nominating Diana for this getaway because she deserves it. She works long hours, and spends her weekends just as busy taking care of her kids and taking them to sporting events and making sure that they have everything that they could need or want. I nominate her because she would never nominate herself. Every day I work with her I feel lucky and humbled. Everyday her patience and kindness to the residents continues to rub off on me and inspires me to be the best at what I do because she is the best she does. I nominate her because it is time that someone took interest and gave back in Diana’s quality of life, because she spends her life caring about our residents and making their lives the best they could truly be.
Whether she wins this getaway or not, I feel honored that you were able to get to know her. I also hope her story will inspire other care associates to do the same great work. Thank you in advance for your consideration on the nomination of Diana Hernandez.
-Olivia Staton, CTRS Brookdale Greenwood Village Clare Bridge Coordinator
I am picking Kat Phillips at brookdale littleton. She is a qmap that does go above and beyound in helping out in every departnment in our community. She knows every resdient needs and wants. Stays after work just to make sure a resident needs are handle last minute. Kat has been here at brookdale littleton for over 5 years. All residents and family goes to kat with concerns cause they know how passiouate she is about her job and cares about what she is doing she always no matter what has a smile on her face that lights up the room. She has tought me so much since i have started here three months ago as the RCC. I truly believe this lady has done and been here for the good and bad times and well deserve a nice vacation for all she does.
Kat Phillips-Gleason is our Lead Certified Medication Assistant at Brookdale Littleton in Littleton, Colorado. Kat has been with Brookdale for 5-years, and is always such a joy and inspiration to all residents, family members, guests, and even staff. Kat cares deeply for all our residents and goes out of her way to ensure they receive the best possible care. Kat is an inspirational leader to her team of Med Aides, and also oversees our Resident Assistants. Kat is loved by all our residents and loves caring for them. Kat is also very dependable and trustworthy. On many occasions, Kat has spent her off time visiting residents who are out of the community, and she keeps up with their progress until they return to the community. If anyone wants to know how a resident is doing, all they have to do is ask Kat. Kat’s advice to others working in this field is to “stay positive and care for each resident as if they were family”. Kat would tell those who are caring for their loved ones at home that “we would love your family as our own”. Kat is more than deserving of this weekend getaway.
For this weekend getaway, I would nominate a Resident Care Associate that works at my community, Brookdale Mariana Butte. Her name is Bonnie Halsey, and not a day passes that I am not amazed by her commitment to our residents. Bonnie is 36 years old and works in our Clare Bridge (memory care). She has proven herself to be not only an exceptional care associate, but an exceptional leader as well. Recently her father has suffered a number of medical emergencies, and Bonnie herself is currently battling a serious disease. Nevertheless, she never lets the stresses and difficulties of her own life affect her demeanor at work. She constantly brings smiles to the faces of our residents, and every ounce of her being is committed to enriching their lives while she is at our community. Given the fact that she works in our memory care community, Bonnie has also gone above and beyond to console many of the family members whose loved ones call our Clare Bridge home. Her exceptional care and attention to detail allow our families to have the peace of mind that their loved one is receiving the highest quality care possible.
When I’ve asked Bonnie how she is able to do this, given the challenges she faces personally, she’s always replied that the reward of caring for our residents provides her endless motivation. And if I were to have to say what I’ve learned from Bonnie I would repeat that exact statement. The motivation and energy it takes to care for another should come from the reward one finds in enriching another’s life, in providing care when one is most vulnerable, and in knowing that you’ve made a difference for that person and their family. I‚Äôve also learned that one can gain solace in their own life by caring for others. Bonnie has told me on several occasions that it is a relief and a sort of sanctuary to come to work and forget about everything in her own life. As a former caregiver myself, I can attest to the veracity of this statement. It‚Äôs not just that work becomes a ‚Äúwelcome distraction,‚Äù but rather that a passion for caring becomes a way to soothe one‚Äôs self, and to reduce the pain of everything one may face in life.
Knowing Bonnie and her incredible dedication, my only concern is that she doesn’t always take enough time to reward and care for herself! That’s why I feel she would be a deserving candidate for the weekend getaway at Camp Reveille.
Thank you for your consideration,
Greg Brown
Executive Director
Brookdale Mariana Butte
I am pleased to write this nomination on behalf of Ute Mayo. I have worked with her for over 6 years and she has worked at Brookdale Willows Sherman for over 10 years. While Ute has held a number of positions-currently she is the Resident Activities director-each position she has applied herself, she has excelled and gone above and beyond the normal call of duty. Ute is among the very top in her field and the satisfaction of our residents is the result. Ute continues to inspire me because despite personal adversity, which she keeps to herself, she continues to do a great job at her work as this is her ministry ‚Äì no job is beneath her quiet dignity. Ute deserves some time to relax and reflect– and this would be a lovely opportunity for her to be rewarded for all her efforts.
I would like to nominate Jaime Weinhardt as an exceptional caregiver. Jaime is 35 years old and has been with Brookdale Northampton in Richboro PA for 9 years. She is a careful med tech and dedicated care giver. Jaime truly lives Brookdale’s cornerstones each day by being a trusted co-worker, an inspirational leader and a loving and patient caregiver.
Jaime inspires me every day because she brings a smile to work EVERY SINGLE DAY! If she someone without a smile, she gives them one of hers. It is absolutely so refreshing! If we are short-handed Jaime will always be available, not for the pay check but rather for the resident. Our residents will always come first to Jaime. She has sat with hospice residents as they took their last breath. She has welcomed new residents as if they were her own parent.
When I read of the opportunity for a caregiver to be “celebrated” I did not even have to think about it, Jaime Weinhardt is exceptional!
I am proud to nominate Donna Davis ,a resident aid here at Brookdale Willows Sherman for over 10 years. Donna inspires me to watch her work tirelessly, rarely ever missing a shift, to assist our residents. If you see her she always has a smile for everyone and no job is too small to be noticed by Donna. At home, Donna is the full time caregiver for her adult mentally challenged sister. I would love to see Donna get a well-deserved rest and relaxation as this is something she could or would never provide for herself, since she is too busy caring for everyone else!
I would like to nominate Christaleen McElvane for this Weekend Getaway. I have heard residents comment that Christaleen takes such good care of them. “She makes sure I have a good breakfast in the morning.” I watch her take another resident to the Bistro to get a fresh cookie in the afternoon. She is just so caring towards each resident that she cares for individually. Christaleen would benefit greatly from a weekend to re-energize.
I am nominating Ariel Gonzalez. Ariel is a harworking, dedicated employee. She treats the residents like family. We have never had a complaint about her. She is always positive, never complains. She comes to work ready to get her day going. Ariel is a positve force within our community, setting the standard for other employees and because of that, I have made her our dedicated trainer. Ariel has rarely, if ever been late, taken vacation or called in, rain or shine, she shows up on time. She treats all our residents with respect and love.
Beatrice “B” Harris, is the definition of compassion and dedication to her residents at Brookdale Burlington. Despite, her health, her sisters hospice stay, and a brother who recently had a stroke, B steps up and into a care giver role – everyday. This is a second career for B. She reminds me of a grandma who gives everything…and then more. In the last week B has lost her sister and had a brother who had a stroke – both of whom she was caring for while she was also caring for our residents.
B’s faith and smile never waiver. She is an inspiration to those she works with and the residents love her. It is a daily occurance while B is working to see her hug a resident, share a prayer, and simply give of her heart – something that inspires her co-workers to go above and beyond too.
B is our inspiration and deserves to be recognized – she is the heart of our community.
I would like to publicly acknowledge and nominate Linda Seydel from Brookdale Parkplace in Denver Colorado. I have worked with Linda in many aspects over the last 6 years. She is literally the best caregiver I have ever met. Her compassionate and loving demeanor partnered with her top notch skill set allows her to fully serve each and every resident and patient she comes into contact with. Every family that comes through our community comments on Linda’s stellar care and support and specifically seeks her out for help. On top of the amazing job she does each and every day of work she is a dedicated loving mother. Having raised and supported five children on her own I consider Linda to be one of, if not the, strongest woman I have met. Linda works two jobs 7 days a week and rarely can afford to take time for herself. Of all the people I know I would say Linda definitely deserves a vacation.
Thank you for your consideration
Laura Martinez Clare Bridge Program Manager Brookdale Parkplace
I would like to nominate Tina Sample. Tina has been with Brookdale for three years. She is dedicated to providing the best possible service to our Residents and the Team. She was elected Associate of the Month for two consecutive months. She is concientious, efficient, and eager to assist in any way. Yesterday, I asked her to get a resident’s menu, and she was half way up the stairs before I finished the sentence! I have never heard her say no or not right now. She exemplifies the Yes, I can philosophy Brookdale promotes.
Laura Goepfert
Lead Cook, Broadway Plaza Westover Hills
Fort Worth, Texas
It is my honor to nominate Ms Ora Jean Daughrity. Ora Jean is employed by Brookdale Plaza 2 in Lisle Illinois. She is 64 years old and works as a CNA on the Sheltered care unit. Ora Jean is one of the best caregivers I have worked with in my years in health care. She has been working with Brookdale since 2006, and has demonstrated the qualities that make Brookdale an exceptional place to work. Ora Jean works here because she has a real connection and love for the residents. Throughout the years, I have watched Ora Jean taking care of the residents as she would her own family. She goes above and beyond by having seperate and unique relationships with each resident. She is the silent, calming force of the afternoon shift. The residents love her and I have witnessed on occassion, a resident waiting at the door step for Ora Jean to come in for duty. I have recently gone back to school, and as I pursue my studies, I do see Ora Jean incorporating some of the technics and concepts that I am learning in an academic setting. She does it with kindness, ease and genuine affection. She may not realise this, but she manages to implement and execute evidence and best practice nursing by the way she uses touch, calming voice and reassurance and giving individualized, holistic care. One of the things I love the most about Ora Jean is that she has won the trust of the residents. She communicates with each one and has successfully established a routine with the majority of them, which is critical with this population. Ora Jean lets the residents participate in how their days will be planned such as what time their shower will be and when she will be going on break so that the residents know when to expect her. This has established trust between her and the residents and contributed to the home atmosphere that we all enjoy here at the Plaza. Ora Jean was nominated Employee of the Month in October 2014, and Safety employee of the Quarter. She shows pride in her work and her environment and is instrumental in making suggestions about improving work systems and our residents safety.
The advice I would give to new people in the field is, be passionate about serving and taking care of people. Nursing is a fulfilling profession because we serve people during their time of weakness,vulnerability and sorrow. It is a blessing and a priviledge that cannot be taken for granted.
The advice I would give to those taking care of loved ones at home is to be humble enough to recognise and accept help when it is needed. Life is a circle that we all go round, at any given time, we all need help, giving this help is our calling in the Nursing profession. Just remember that you are not alone and through life, one inherits and adjusts to many homes. Brookdale Solutions may be home next to home.
Carolyn Nyandika
LPN
Brookdale Plaza 2, Lisle, Illinois
I would like to nominate Isabel Duffy from Brookdale Briargate in Colorado Springs, CO. I’ve worked with Isabel for the past year and she is an amazing caregiver. She’s compassionate, loving, hard-working, and gives her all to not only our residents but our other caregivers. She’s very dedicated to our residents here. Whenever we have a resident pass, she’s always willing to take care of them and have them presentable for family and other staff. The ones still with us she goes out of her way to do whatever they ask. She’s an inspiration to everyone. Towards other new caregivers, she’s always willing to help them get through their their first week successfully. I can’t say enough about her and her dedication to us.
Thanks for your consideration,
Cheryl Greenwood
Business Office Coordinator
Brookdale Briargate
I would like to nominate caregiver Karen Porter. Karen is a very hard worker that is very dependable and really loves our residents. She always takes the time to stop and go out of her way to meet their needs no matter how busy she is. She’s very compassionate, loving, reliable, and hard working. Even though we maybe short handed Karen devotes her days off and comes to work so, that our residents needs are still met. She’s an inspiration to everyone here. Her friendly smiles lights up the room every time she enters in the building. It’s a pleasure to work with soomeone who is very friendly, nice, compassionate, and always helpful to others.
Thanks
Cheryl Hicks McCrary
Dinning Service Coordinator
Brookdale Hixson
I would like to nominate Heather Servin for the weekend getaway. Heather is a Med. Tech/RA at Brookdale Eden. She has been working here for seven years. Heather has a sister Andrea who also works as a Med Tech/RA at Brookdale Eden. They both are fantastic! It was hard for me to choose which sister. They both are caring, devoted, loved by all, take ownership and pride in their jobs, put our residents first, great team players and they also have fun and celebrate life each day with residents, associates and families.
Now, on to Heather, she’s 31, a single mother of two. Heather loves helping others. One day after about a month working here, she started feeling like maybe this wasn’t the right job for her. She said she’ll never forget how a simple word of wisdom from declining resident named Ruth inspired her to not give up and keep going. Ruth told Heather she knew God had put her at Brookdale Eden for a special reason to help Heather realize she had what it took to be a real caregiver, “a heart of gold”. Heather said, she’ll never forget Ruth and how her simple words of wisdom are with her each and every day. Heather enjoys getting to know all our residents. Her favorite thing is talking to residents learning about their life and what interests them.
Heather’s advice to others who may consider working with seniors. Always put yourself in their shoes. How would you want to be treated if it was you? Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.
For those who are caring for loved ones at home, Heather stated; remember to take care of you also. Don’t feel guilty for asking others for help, that’s what we’re here for.
When I received this email about nominating someone for this getaway, I automatically thought of Heather.
She has not always been dealt the best of hands but she has always surpassed what she was given. She always has a good attitude no matter what trials in her life she may be experiencing. Heather’s a great single mother and soul provider for her two young children. Extra funds for vacations and trips are not available but she never seems to let it get her down, she’ll just say; maybe one day.
Heather lost her father four months ago; he was very important part of her life. She told me she really misses him and worries about her Mom being all alone. She always puts others before herself. Heather is a very special person, who has so much to give and ask for nothing in return. I hope one day Heather will be able to further her education. I tell her all the time she would make a great nurse (RN). She’ll just smile at me and say, maybe one day… I am proud and honored to be working alone side such a caring, devoted and strong individual. Heather’s inspires me each and every day I see her caring for our residents at Brookdale Eden.
Roxanne Hammack
Program Coordinator
Brookdale Eden
I am excited to nominate Beverley Bryant. She is 67 years young and is also my sister. Beverley is a fitness technician at Brookdale Imperial Plaza. She has just celebrated 10 years with Brookdale. She has always been a wonderful example to me and my family. She gives of herself so willingly to our residents and to her family & friends. She has the wisdom to see each person as an individual and treat them with dignity and respect. Beverely consistantly puts others needs ahead of her own. It would be wonderful to see her interests placed first. Thank you.
Colette Woods
Fitness Technician
Brookdale – Imperial Plaza
Richmond
I would like to nominate Denise Egger ACMA for the caregiver award. Denise has worked for Bradford Village for over 30 years. She is very dedicated to her residents and shows them great kindness & caring.Denise works the overnight shift when most of us are tucked safely in bed. I am able to sleep at night knowing she is here to care for my residents. I can always count on Denise to volunteer for extra shifts and to do any extra tasks that I need her to do. She always has a smile and cheerful attitude. I would be lost without her
We are very pleased to submit the following nomination for Janice Stevison, who has demonstrated exceptional direct service care, compassion and resourcefulness in providing community based care. This nominee exhibits extraordinary compassion and dedication in her caregiving duties; she has expanded her knowledge of caregiving skills and techniques and has worked to support other caregivers in the community. But most of all Janice has made real differences in the lives of her care receivers.
Janice Stevinson
Janice Stevison is a Certified Nurses Assistant and the Personalized Living Coordinator/Supervisor at Brookdale Niles, an independent retirement community in Niles, Illinois that is managed by Brookdale Senior Living. (BKD Personal Assistant Services LLC, a Delaware company, d/b/a Personalized Living by Brookdale.)
Janice was hired by Brookdale Senior Living in January 2012. Janice is an exemplary associate, whose leadership abilities and team spirit has greatly influenced the unity and productivity of the associates she oversees. She supervises her team members, guides them with encouragement while making them accountable, and inspires them to serve the residents with compassion and patience.
Janice is organized in carrying out her responsibilities and takes the initiative to resolve any problems that she encounters with good judgment and emotional maturity. On occasions when Janice was short-staffed, she effectively re-scheduled the caregivers’ tasks and prepared a plan of action that resulted in meeting the needs of our residents with minimal disruption to their services.
Janice has developed a strong sense of trust and loyalty amongst the associates she supervises by treating them with respect and meeting the commitments she makes in her relationship with them. She operates with integrity and the residents she serves know they can rely on her.
Janice provides hands-on care services to our residents with expertise, compassion, patience and respect. Her first and foremost attention and focus is on meeting the needs of the residents she serves. She does this by understanding their perspective and responding with empathy. By doing this, she quickly identifies the source of the issue and acts to resolve it.
Janice is dedicated and a highly ethical person with great interpersonal skills and a delightful sense of humor.
A testimony to Janice’s customer service is the strong and trusting relationship she has with the residents and her co-workers. Janice’s spirituality, positive attitude, her supportive team spirit, her dedication to serving others, her compassion and faith make Janice an exceptional associate who lives the Brookdale Mission!
I am writing this essay to nominate Nicole Obrin for the Joan Lunden’s Camp Reveille give away sponsored by A Place for Mom.
Nicole is the type of person who has a natural ability to care for others. At age eighteen, she discovered her passion for caregiving when her mother became ill. She and her family worked tirelessly to provide her mother with love and support during her final days. It’s during this trying time that Nicole decided to pursue a career in healthcare. Tragedy would strike Nicole’s family once again as her grandmother and grandfather passed away in quick succession. Even in the face of personal, emotional and financial hardship, she strove to achieve her goal of becoming a Certified Nursing Aid.
Nicole Obrin has been working in healthcare for over 12 years. The residents at our community look forward to seeing her on a daily basis. They describe Nicole’s service in glowing terms, frequently saying that she is a “God send”. We, in management who depend on our staff, would agree. Nicole instills a sense of ease and comfort while meeting our resident’s needs and exceeding their expectations. Nicole exemplifies dedication which must have its origins in those long ago family tragedies. It’s this innate quality and belief in our share of humanity along with her humble nature that allows her service to truly shine.
Her coworkers describe her as dependable, consistent, adaptable, and positive. Nicole’s positive energy radiates and is contagious. When her residents are experiencing even their darkest hour, Nicole is present and brings that positive energy. She is consistently available for extra shifts when our community is in need. Frequently, she volunteers for additional duties, always with a positive attitude. Her coworkers, our community and its residents can depend on her steadfast commitment to quality care.
Nicole is one of the most humble, hard working women I have ever met. Her incredible loyalty to our community and its residents is unparalleled. When our community is in need, we know who to turn to. Nicole always says “Yes” with a smile. One of our cornerstones is to recognize that good people make the difference and are the key to our success. Nicole embodies this success and it is returned exponentially to our residents. Her compassion and devotion is beyond compare.
Life has not always been easy for Nicole and she rarely has time away from family responsibilities for even meager self-indulgences and luxuries. It is often these unsung heroes who quietly toil away enriching the lives of others who need moments of self-indulgence the most. We urge you to give your utmost consideration granting the Joan Lunden’s Camp Reveille give away to Nicole Obrin. It would be a welcome and much deserved oasis.
A Place for Mom demonstrates true dedication to assisting family members with senior placement challenges. It is organizations like A Place for Mom, it’s individuals like Nicole Obrin and all those on the front lines of senior care that brighten the futures and expand the imaginations of generations yet to meet that destination. We from Brookdale, graciously thank you for that commitment.
I would like to nominate Kim Pope, Human Resource Generalist. Kim is 52 years old. Kim Pope has been an L.P.N. for 33 years. She works at Brookdale of Bedford (formerly Woodside Village) in Bedford Ohio. She started as a Resident Care Coordinator. She did resident assessments to see what care they would need help with. She would discuss these needs with resident and family. A care plan for the resident was developed. She also had to take staff call-offs once a month. To cover the employee calling off she would be the L.P.N. passing medication to the residents and doing treatments for the residents and also had to cover Resident Care Associates if they called off. Kim would answer call lights, change residents, and feed residents that needed assistance. She was always very kind to the residents and did her work with a smile on her face.
In July 2014 Kim became our Human Resource Generalist. She does new employee orientation, keeps employee files up to date. Kim helps the staff with personal and professional issues. Kim arrives to work at 7:30am and will help feed residents their breakfast. She is always pleasant to be around. In October, 2014 Kim was diagnosed with 2 different kinds of breast cancer developing in each breast. Only 5% of women have cancer in both breasts at the same time. Kim also was diagnosed with HER2 Receptor which is an aggressive cancer. Because of this she had to have 6 chemo treatments before surgery then chemo treatments every 3 weeks for a year afterwards. Kim scheduled her chemo treatments on Wednesday so she could return to work on Monday. She was sick on her days off. Sometimes on Monday we would tell her to go home because she was sick and weak but Kim said “I have to work. My co-workers cover me while I am having my chemo treatments.” She would stay at work and did it with a smile on her face. Kim had a Bilateral Mastectomy on March 22, 2015. She only took 7 weeks off because she new our community was short staffed. She returned 3 days a week for the first month. She is now working full time. She continues with her Chemo treatments every 3 weeks until November 2015 which makes a year of Chemotherapy treatments.
Q. What advice would you give to others who are new to working in this field? Treat the residents and your co workers the same way you want to be treated. Caring and compassion are the keys to you doing a good job.
Q. What words of wisdom would you give to those who are caring for their loved ones at home? Know what the loved ones wishes are about long term care. Do the best you can but remember there are in home agency that can help. I cared for my father the last 6 months of his life. He choose Hospice. My father died at home in his recliner chair with his family at his side. This was his wish.
Q. How have you been inspired or what have you learned from the person you are nominating? Kim has been very courageous throughout her ordeal with dealing with her breast cancer. She has kept a positive attitude and never showed how scared and sick she was at work. Kim always has a smile on her face and she is such an inspiration to her all of us who work with her every day. She has been through a lot and I would love to have her win this prize for her bravery and hard work.
Thank you,
Terri Krul, Resident Program Director Woodside Village
I am nominating Althea Robinson. When I saw this give away she was the first person that came to mind. She is committed %100 percent to caring for the residents in this community. Compassion and dignity are the minimum when it comes to the care she provides. I am truly blessed to have her on my team. She wrote this short essay to send in.
I have taken all the negatives in my life and turned them into positive….
My name is Althea Robinson, I was born in Kingston Jamaica
I am Forty nine years old, I have two children and a wonderful husband
I am a christian and know first hand that without my faith I would be the most negative person alive.
I had a father who was verbally and physically abusive, I was told that I was a dunce and would not come out to be anything.
My Mom could not afford to send me to High School so I dropped out at age sixteen.
As life went on I got the opportunity to go to evening classes, where I pursued Computer studies, English Language and Typewriting.
I also got another opportunity to come to America, where I went back to School
I was successful because two of my teachers told me I have the potential and that I can be anything I choose to be.
They were so proud of me when I got my diploma
I told myself that I would be a positive motivator for anyone whom I come in contact with that need positive encouragement.
After my first achievement I decided to go back to school to study for a career and I chose to become a certified nursing assistant.
Why? Helping others was one of the good qualities I’ve gotten from my Mom
At about age twelve my mother would take me with her to bathe and feed the elderly.
I did know then that I was being prepared for my future.
There is so much of our Elderly who is sick, lonely and depressed.
Here is where my ability to show love and compassion to those who are hurting.
BRIAN CLAY QUOTES SAY:
I was blessed with certain gifts and talents and God gave them to me to be the best person I can be and to have a positive impact on others.
Well, I could not stop there so I went back to school again, this time to study Phlebotomy, Sad to say that at the end of my studies my teacher/professor told me that I would not pass my State test, But I had already cleared my mind of “Cant’s and Wont’s” All negatives.
Suffice to say, I was again successful and proved him wrong.
Being positive and optimistic is the key.
I’m now working at Brookdale Senior Living Solutions for eleven months now
I love my job and the people I take care of, and I’m proud to say they all love me.
My advice to all workers in this field is ……
If your not a people person
If you don’t have a Heart of love for the Elderly or patience, compassionate and caring, or have an ear to share
This job is not for you.
However, the reward is seeing the patient happy and well.
In Closing my Motto is:
I will keep smiling
Be thankful
Be Patient and Positive
conduct myself accordingly
never give up
and I will give 100% each day at work
These are my goals and attitude, A positive attitude causes a chain reaction, which sparks extraordinary results.
Thank you!
A.Robinson
The residents and associates of Brookdale Highlands would like to recognize the outstanding dedication and service provided by our Resident Care Coordinator, Agatha Jean-Baptiste.
Agatha has been with Brookdale Highlands since September 2013. She began her career with Brookdale as one of our staff nurses and has become an essential part of our team. Each day, she embodies our Brookdale mission of Enriching the lives of those we serve with Compassion, Respect, Excellence and Integrity, and she applies this philosophy not only to the care of our residents but in her interactions with our associates. In the completion of her “normal” duties, she takes care of our residents’ activities of daily living and coordinates the efforts of our care associates. She provides medication management and monitors response to care treatment plans.
Agatha also develops and maintains the schedules for our two buildings, our assisted living and Clare Bridge Place. We all realize that managing schedules for 45 associates can be a challenge! In addition to all of her responsibilities, she has taken on the task of placing orders for the supplies needed by our clinical team.
Agatha is a true team player. You can frequently find her in the dining room at mealtimes, assisting the residents and associates by serving in whatever capacity to meet their needs. She has even done laundry for residents and washed the linens from the dining room. When it comes to meeting the needs of our residents and associates, there is no task too great or too small.
Agatha can also be counted on in an emergency. Not only is her attendance exemplary, but she will fill in when the need arises. Recently, while we were searching for a Health & Wellness Director, Agatha stepped up to the challenge, taking on many of the responsibilities of the HWD as well as completing her own duties. She continues to be a tremendous support for our new Health & Wellness Director and a vital part of our clinical and care team. And even with these demands, Agatha has achieved another pinnacle in her profession. She began as an LPN with us, but just this week, she finished all of her classes and is ready to take her boards to become a Registered Nurse.
We have outlined many of Agatha’s responsibilities but above all we know that Agatha provides clear communication and open dialog with our residents and their family members. This is critical to building and maintaining positive relationships and creating exceptional experiences for families. After speaking with Agatha, families know that they have chosen the best place for their loved one.
It is with great honor and pride that we nominate Agatha Jean-Baptiste as the winner in your generous contest.
Thank you for considering Agatha,
Rosemary Renzetti, Business Office Manager, Brookdale Highlands
Galleria Woods is proud to nominate Certificated Nursing Assistant Linda Adkins.
Linda is a sixty something widowed mother, grandmother, and friend to all. She is an Alabama native and before working for Brookdale she was her elderly mother’s sole caregiver, who suffered from Dementia. After the passing of her husband and mother Linda began to work fulltime as a Certified Nursing Assistant on the Skilled Nursing Unit. With so many nursing facilities in our area, Linda chooses to drive further than most (a round trip is an average of 2 hours) because of her desire to not only work with great people but to care for great people too.
Linda began her commitment to a service of excellence in June 2009. She took to heart Brookdale’s mission of enriching the lives of those we serve with compassion, respect, excellence and integrity and because of that she quickly became a resident favorite, and was recognized by management as exceptional in providing quality care. She illustrates daily how all associates should strive to serve.
Linda enjoys and looks forward to her many conversations with the residents. Linda is always found to be smiling and her calm tone of voice offers comfort, kindness, and direction to all around her. You will often find Linda taking time to make sure that all resident feel safe, confident, and are happy by having casual conversations that always end with a smile and a laugh. Linda consistently taking time with each resident she serves to ensure that all their needs and wishes are met by being gentle in both her talk and her touch and always ensuring that the residents are completely satisfied with their care. Not only does Linda have a commitment to the residents she serves but also to the resident’s families. She is always extending the same care to resident’s family and this in turn helps the residents to feel even more secure. Linda never hesitates to work extra, whether it’s in activities or with one on one resident care, and still does it with a smile, which shows her commitment to provide the best care.
She maintains a positive attitude with all situations, no matter how challenging. She is a natural problem solver and optimist. This dual combination makes Linda a team leader and is just a part of what makes her such an asset to our team and why so many request to have her service. Residents enjoy Linda’s overall approach to caregiving. She is an inspiration to residents to be able to live daily with purpose and is an inspiration to associates to serve with purpose.
Linda also has a pledge to up hold policy and procedures at all times. She is determined to master the best techniques of care in accordance to policy and procedures because she knows that our residents deserve only the best. She often trains new employees with ease and considers it a pleasure to teach newcomers Brookdale’s mission because it is her mission also. New employees are grateful to have a teacher who is patient but thorough.
In caring for others her philosophy in providing care is one that is heard often but rarely carried out consistently, “treat and care for everyone as if they were your most cherished loved one”. I believe that this is her greatest piece of advice to all care givers because this along with her many years of caring for family and caring for others has formed her into our most valued and exceptional employee.