Spotlight: Life Care associates have built Careers in Aging
April 18-24 is Careers in Aging Week, and at Life Care facilities across the country, numerous associates have been with our company for many years. This week, we honor some of them and the choice they made to invest in a career that serves our seniors!
Donna Bisol, licensed practical nurse at Life Care Center of Leominster, Massachusetts – 45 years of service
What do you enjoy about your job? “Every day is an adventure – one minute you could be reassuring a family member, and the next you could be helping a resident to their next journey.”
What would you say to someone who is considering a career working with the aging population? “If you like helping and impacting lives, then this is the job for you.”
Why is Life Care where you have found fulfillment in your calling? “I have always enjoyed taking care of people.”
Linda Cornell, laundry assistant at Life Care Center of Orlando, Florida – 37 years of service
What do you enjoy most about your job? “My favorite thing to do is to put a smile on our residents’ faces and make them laugh. I love to listen and chat with them and hear about their life stories.”
Elizabeth Curry, activities specialist at Life Care Center of Altamonte Springs, Florida – 35 years of service
Why do you enjoy working with seniors? “As people age, they are often unable to do some of the things they used to do. I enjoy being by their side and helping however I can. Seniors also have a lot of wisdom to share. If you listen, you will always learn something about life.”
Joan Donnelly, certified nursing assistant at Alameda Oaks Nursing Center in Corpus Christi, Texas – 32 years of service
What do you enjoy most about your job? “I chose to work in long-term care so I could make a difference in how people are being taken care of.”
Is there a memorable resident who has especially impacted your life? “I tend to draw near to the residents who have no family because they deserve to be loved like family.”
What would you say to someone who is considering a career working with the aging population? “You have to be patient, be willing to work hard and to treat the residents like they are your own family.”
Lucy “Von Niese” Hansen, CNA at Life Care Center of Boise, Idaho – 32 years of service
What do you enjoy most about your job? “The camaraderie with residents and my co-workers.”
Is there a memorable resident who has especially impacted your life? “One gave me kitten Christmas calendars every year until she passed away.”
Why is Life Care where you have found fulfillment in your calling? “Every day is different, and every day I learn something different, but the thing I enjoy the most is talking and listening to the residents and their stories. I can relate to their experiences.”
Terry Henry, senior vice president of accounting at Life Care’s corporate office – 38 years of service
What do you enjoy most about your job? “Working with other Life Care associates. Life Care has always attracted staff who are highly talented and principled.”
What motivates you? “I am motivated by working for a great company, having a very enjoyable job, being entrusted with important responsibilities and working with great fellow associates.”
What do you like about Life Care that has made you stay with the company? “Although the company has grown, there is still a small-company, family atmosphere here. I was in public accounting for six years, so I saw firsthand how companies large and small operate. That experience allowed me to more fully appreciate what Life Care offers its associates.”
Nancy Hicks, CNA at Life Care Center of Waynesville, Missouri – 37 years of service
Why do you enjoy working with seniors? “I just like to help people. When I first started, they reminded me of my grandma and grandpa, but now at my age they are like brothers and sisters.”
Is there a memorable resident who has especially impacted your life? “One resident would follow me around everywhere. Any time her family would come and want to take her out, she would tell them to wait, that she needed to go ask me first.”
Why is Life Care where you have found fulfillment in your calling? “I started working here within the first year the facility opened. I really got used to the residents and didn’t want to leave them because I got attached.”
Blanca Kim, certified nursing assistant at Bel Tooren Villa Convalescent Hospital in Bellflower, California – 34 years of service
What do you enjoy most about your job? “I love working with the elderly residents and taking care of them, listening to them, making sure they are happy.”
What made you choose Life Care? “I like working with Life Care. They have good training, and they’re a great Christian company.”
What keeps you coming back each day? “Each day, I like to see my residents getting better, smiling.”
Kerry Moffat, dietary aide at Life Care Center of Andover, Kansas – 32 years of service
What do you enjoy most about your job? “I enjoy working with my co-workers and residents.”
What would you say to someone who is considering a career working with the aging population? “Have patience, always be kind and courteous and remember this is their home.”
Why is Life Care where you have found fulfillment in your calling? “I’ve been here for almost 33 years, just a few years after the building opened, so I think the building and I have grown together. This place feels like home. I can’t imagine working anywhere else.”
Gail Nelson, business office manager at Life Care Center of Tullahoma, Tennessee – 43 years of service
What do you enjoy most about your job? “I enjoy the people I work with. We have a lot of great camaraderie. The residents are great to get to know and work with.”
Is there a memorable resident who has especially impacted your life? “One of our residents came to us from home and had not been cared for by her sons. She was the sweetest person but very timid; it appeared that she had had a horrible home life and had no joy. My heart just bonded with her, and she became my favorite.”
What would you say to someone who is considering a career working with the aging population? “Pray and pray some more. Make sure this is God’s work for your life and not your own will or you just taking a job.”
Why is Life Care where you have found fulfillment in your calling? “I truly believe that God put me in the right place for just the right time.”
Brenda Quick, director of reimbursement at Life Care’s corporate office – 35 years of service
What do you enjoy most about your job? “Knowing that what I do makes it possible for us to serve residents and interacting with the people around me who are also serving, in many different ways.”
What motivates you? “Feeling like I’m contributing to Life Care’s mission.”
What do you like about Life Care that has made you stay with the company? “The spirit of service. I’ve talked to people who worked for other companies before coming here, and they remarked that Life Care is definitely different in that respect. Also, knowing my work has an impact (albeit indirect) on every resident we serve.”
