National Skilled Nursing Care Week associate spotlight: Jessica Hall

There are many different seasons of life, but some seasons are more challenging than others. Although last year presented one of the most difficult seasons Life Care facilities have ever faced, associates across the country banded together to protect their residents and proved that they would go above and beyond to make sure that residents were provided with the highest quality care.

Life Care Center of Elizabethton Activities Director Jessica Hall demonstrated her willingness to go above and beyond for residents by rolling up her sleeves and brainstorming ways to keep their spirits up during the trying times.

“Back in January, I was asked to go [manage activities] over the North Hall side,” Jessica said. “The North Hall was blocked off and considered our COVID unit. My assistant was managing [activities] on the other side of the building. So, preparing activities for both halls from opposite sides of the building was challenging, but we did it!”

Brandy Grindstaff, executive director at Life Care Center of Elizabethton, boasted of Jessica’s reliability and willingness to go beyond her duties as activities director to help residents.

“Seeing great potential in Jessica, I stationed her on our North Hall,” Brandy said. “At the time, our North Hall was really struggling. Her presence on the North Hall has decreased resident, family and staff concerns significantly. She is the definition of a team player. Anything we do here – whether it be family relations, assisting with CNA duties or welcoming new admissions – she is always the first to step up to the plate.”

Prior to COVID-19, there were a lot fewer restrictions on resident activities. Jessica and Life Care Center of Elizabethton Activities Assistant Sally Halliwell had to put their heads together to come up with ideas for games that allowed residents to interact while social distancing.

“[Sally] helped me so much!” Jessica said. “I could not have managed that time without her help. Sally and I came up with ‘doorway activities,’ in which residents would sit in their doorways and play games like bingo. We recently came up with a new doorway game called “Balloon Tennis.” We attached paper plates to long painter’s sticks, and we blew up balloons for residents to hit back and forth. They absolutely love it! My favorite thing about working as activities director is getting to work with residents and see that they have meaningful activities to do. I want there to be a purpose for them.”

At Life Care Centers of America, we are proud of our compassionate staff. We are honored to recognize associates who, despite the challenges of the past year, showed an incredible and steadfast commitment to providing quality care and ensuring the safety of residents and fellow associates. We celebrate their influence on our lives during National Skilled Nursing Care Week, May 9–15.