This week, Aging Services of Minnesota will be showcasing people who work in the senior living industry at their annual Institute. The goal of their program, called “Stars Among Us”, is “to shine a light on the people who are the backbone of our support system for seniors in Minnesota.”
The campaign is their effort to share as many stories of individual caregivers and aging services professionals. Officially launching on February 8th, they will create an online gallery to showcase the stars. They will also be sharing them on their social media channels and lawmakers.
Here is a link directly to the Stars Among Us campaign page if you’d like to submit someone: http://www.agingservicesinstitute.org/starsamongus.asp
For the past three years, Welcome Home has honored an individual that shows leadership abilities in their community or in the organization with the North Star Leadership Award. With Aging Services of Minnesota’s program, we thought it would be a great opportunity to showcase not only our North Star Leadership award winner, but to all of those team members who were nominated throughout our company.
Our next Star Among Us is Linda from Potter Ridge Assisted Living in Red Wing, Minnesota.
Linda is the RN at Potter Ridge and was nominated by two family members, and she states:
“My parents have been residents of Potter Ridge since April 010. I could fill a few pages of anecdotes regarding Linda and her interactions with my parents in meeting their needs. Her positive attitude certainly trickles down to the Care Providers, who interact with the residents throughout the day and night. Linda works at making things work out for the residents, if at all possible. She has exhibited patience, upbeat good humor, compassion and such a caring attitude in working with my folks and other that I have observed on my visits to see my parents.”
As part of Aging Services Stars Among Us campaign, they asked the following three questions. What inspires them, why do they serve, and what do they advocate for?
Inspire:
I desired to be with older adults from childhood on. Older adults are beautiful inside and out. I’m inspired by their strength, endurance, trust and their life stories. I have been encouraged and motivated by many over the years. Previous directors, and co-workers, those that believed in my skills when I didn’t. I have had challenges as many have, I’m able to keep going on tough days by using humor along with my faith. My husband and grandchildren are an inspiration.
Serve:
My career serving older adults has truly been a blessing. My life is richer because of those I have cared for over the past 30 years. Taking care of older adults is my passion. The most meaningful/rewarding part of my job is being part of a very large family. Older adults desire to learn. Hosting “Coffee with the Nurse” monthly has provided education and empowerment to our residents, which has been a joy to be a part of.
Advocate:
I advocate for attentive medical care for aging adults. In the past few months I have experienced negative outcomes when sending residents that are ill to Urgent Care of Emergency Room. Public policy makers need to realize older adults can make decisions for themselves. The work we do is not work, it is all about serving one another as we age. This is one of the most rewarding occupations.
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