Excellent Skilled Nursing Care – Whatever It Takes Winners for April 2024

Life Care Centers of America's Whatever it Takes Champions program honors associates who go beyond their job descriptions in caring for our skilled nursing patients and long-term care residents, their families and fellow associates. Here are four of the inspiring stories from our recent winners. These associates are certainly Champions of Care!

Chelsea Leon, Nurse Manager at Valley View Villa

Chelsea was nominated because she does all that she can to make our residents and patients feel seen and valued, even beyond their immediate care needs. Chelsea often paints female residents’ fingernails and helps others with various grooming and cosmetic needs and preferences so that they feel pampered.

Thanks for giving our patients and residents the special one-on-one time they deserve, Chelsea!

Ashley Phillips, Physical Therapist at Life Care Center of Sparta

Ashley took special steps to encourage a dementia patient to participate in her short-term therapy program. This patient had recently suffered a bad fall and required physical therapy, but when Ashley first approached her, the patient simply told Ashley “no.’ She was in no way willing to undergo therapy.

So, Ashley decided to offer the patient some fudge rounds and connect with her on a human level. That sweet treat and personal time was all it took to inspire the patient to jump into therapy and achieve her recovery goals!

Thanks for your creativity and patience, Ashley.

Debra Velasquez, Licensed Practical Nurse at Villa Manor Care Center

Debra does more than just care for her patients, residents, and their families; she contributes to their special memories. Recently, Debra cared for a resident who was in her final days. One of the resident’s family members was so moved by Debra’s kindness, attention, and compassion that they personally nominated Debra for the monthly Whatever It Takes award. Here is what they had to say about Debra:

“Thank you for all the care given to my mom during her last days. I will never forget the nurse who called my mom “LeeLee.” We will cherish all these memories.”

Thanks, Debra, for giving our residents and families precious moments they will never forget.

Shawn Carroll, Wound Care LPN at Life Care Center of Blount County

Shawn clearly knows what heals body and soul. Recently, a resident told Shawn that he’d wanted to go fishing on a boat for a long time. So, Shawn decided to bring his own boat to work one day. And after his shift, he took the resident out on the water for an afternoon fishing adventure! The resident has not stopped talking about how much fun he had fishing with Shawn.

Thanks, Shawn, for your thoughtfulness and effort in caring for our residents.