Employee Spotlight
Q. How long have you been working for SSCHS?
A. Since. 2002. I've worked as a housekeeper, Activation, dietary aide, in pharmacy, and back in Activation. I've worn multiple hats! I started in Activation in 2007.
Q. Can you describe what a typical work day is like for you?
A. We are always doing activities, making sure all the residents are safe and enjoying their day, but that they also have time for relaxing.
Today we're playing a game where I show them a letter and they have to name a word that starts with that letter. We go around until we run out of words, then we move on to the next letter. It's a good activity because it's bilingual and makes them thinks. We're also doing banana splits and they can choose all their toppings. Then while we're cleaning they can individually work on their puzzles.
We play a lot of card and dice games. I also do the exercise program with them, music therapy, and a lot of crafts. We've started doing art classes on YouTube where they can learn how to draw a horse or a bird as example. I am really amazed at what they can do. We put all the crafts on the welcome board so people can see what they are doing. This summer I also held a photography contest. I was impressed with that too! The photos are posted at the Nursing Station and people can vote.
We try to do things that make them feel special.
Q. Who do you interact with the most at work?
A. The residents and my co-workers. I've been working in a lot of departments over the years. I like everyone.
Q. How would your co-workers describe you?
A. They would say I'm passionate about my work, organized, talented, a happy and respectful person. They'd probably say I'm creative and patient too.
Q. What's the best part about your job and working for SSCHS?
A. I love the residents. They make my day every day. I like to see them happy, it's so worth it. They always thank you for what you're doing. It's rewarding all the time. Let's say sometime I go away for vacation they ask, "Where were you!?"
Q. What is one part of your job that might surprise people?
A. The wide variety of activities that we can do with the residents. You can have so much in your day. What I like is that you have to know everyone and know the needs for everyone so you can tailor the activities to them.
Q. What made you decide to get into this field of work?
A. Actually, I was approached. They were seeing what I was doing in the community. I was doing sewing, doing music, and being creative, and all those skills you need for this job. They needed someone to lead the physical exercises at first, and when they had more hours became available, I started doing both.
Q. What are some of your interests outside of work?
A. I love music, I'm in piano, and I sing at church. I do exercises, I like to be at Borden Lake in nature and with my family, my grandchildren. I also like to meditate. I need that to balance my life!
