Skilled Nursing Heroes - Whatever It Takes Winners for Jan. 2025
Life Care Centers of America's Whatever it Takes Champions program honors associates who go beyond their job descriptions in caring for our patients, residents, and their families. Here are four of our recent winners and their inspiring stories. These associates are certainly Champions of Care!
Ramsey McCoy, Physical Therapy Assistant at Life Care Center of Sparta
Sometimes, adjusting to a skilled nursing setting can be difficult for long-term care residents. That is why we value associates like Ramsey, who focus on the small but important details to boost residents’ spirits and make them feel seen and truly cared for.
Ramsey noticed that a new resident was having trouble keeping her bird feeder stocked with seed. This resident’s family has been ill and unable to visit her or help her adjust to life at the facility. So, Ramsey has been buying bird seed and stocking the resident’s feeder so she can keep one of her sources of comfort and joy as she adjusts.
Jesus Huerta, Dietary Aide at Life Care Center of Skagit Valley
Jesus spends his days ensuring our residents have delicious and nutritious meals, but he spends his evenings keeping them entertained with song. After his shifts, Jesus often stays at the facility to sing karaoke with the residents. According to sources, residents absolutely love it, and Jesus has quite the singing voice!
Life Care Center of Skagit Valley
Brett Letner, Assistant Business Office Manager at Life Care Center of Medina
Brett was nominated for the Whatever It Takes award by one of his residents. Here is the note they included in their nomination, which details the incredible support Brett offered them during a difficult time:
When I came to this facility, I had bills that I wasn't aware of and trouble getting my funds sent here. And my sister's health was declining, so she wasn't able to travel or help me much. Brett helped me by sitting with me to make calls to help get my funds sent to where I live and went beyond to stop charges and end harassment.
Now all my funds are accounted for and I'm paying my bills. Some people don't have much family to be there for them, but Brett treated me like his. Thank you again, Brett.”
Amber Burgos, Transportation Coordinator at Life Care Center of Altamonte Springs
Here is a message from a resident’s daughter that expresses her deep gratitude for Amber and the care she provides her mother:
“Amber is always attentive to my mother and her needs! Each time I have accompanied my mother to an appointment and Amber was her transportation aide, the nurses at the doctors' office complimented Amber and noted that she was one of the very few and rare transportation aides that are attentive to the patient and show care, going above and beyond.
She does her job well and makes sure the right paperwork is obtained, thinks ahead about what is needed, and provides a caring atmosphere for the patients. It provides me so much peace when I know Amber is taking care of my mother, especially when I can't go along to the appointment with her. Thank you!”
