People Who Go Above And Beyond

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Yesterday, I was scouring the web looking for topic ideas for future blog posts. Soon, I came upon a fascinating thread of articles about a program at Life Care Centers of America. They call it “Whatever It Takes And Then Some.”

The program rewards employees who go above and beyond their job description in caring for residents, family members, and each other. Monthly and yearly winners receive a cash award besides being honored by management and co-workers.

As I read through the stories of the winners, it touched my heart to see the love and caring demonstrated by these employees. Today I want to share several of my favorites.

• Marvin Fonseca, an environmental services director, makes towel animals and places them on the beds of new residents. If you would like to do this in your senior care community, you can find lots of tutorials on YouTube. Here’s one example.

• Karen Downs, a CNA, brought her sewing machine and supplies to the nursing home so a resident could teach her grandchild how to sew.

• Carol Lyle, a rehab assistant, does mending for residents. (For all volunteers out there, I find that this is a massive need at most nursing homes. If you’re skilled at mending, I hope you’ll volunteer your services!)

• Donnie Vincent, a CNA, arranged for a resident’s favorite local newscaster to pay her a visit.

•  Cliff Clark, assistant nutrition services manager, donated 14 of his vacation days to a co-worker going through treatment for an illness. (That’s a lot of days!)

• Tammi Conner, a marketing director, arranged for furniture donations through her church. Her actions allowed a resident to move into a furnished apartment after completing her rehab stay at the nursing home.

• Joann Rodriquez, a CNA, arranged for her mom, who is Korean, to visit the nursing home. She came to provide a warm welcome when a new Korean-speaking resident arrived at the home.

• Allen Phillips, a CNA, cared for a resident’s service dog during the resident’s short-term nursing home stay. On his days off, he also brought the dog to visit the resident.

• Katy Fournie, an occupational therapist, worked with a quilter’s guild to create patriotic lap-sized quilts for veterans. Local active-duty service members presented the quilts to the residents on Veterans Day. (Looking for other ways to honor the veterans at your nursing home? Check out these ten ideas.)

• Chelsee Brown, an assistant director of nursing, brightened the life of a resident who had no family in the area. She invited the resident to join her family for dinner, and Chelsee also brought the resident along to her children’s sporting events.

I’m willing to bet that there are days when these employees go home feeling as if they gave and gave—and can’t possibly give one thing more. Yet, they still go that extra mile to touch the hearts of residents, families, and co-workers.

I know that many of you out there are also heroes who go beyond the call of duty. And perhaps you rarely receive any acknowledgment or praise. So, today I want you to know that what you do makes a difference. We never know what a profound impact those acts of kindness may have on someone’s life!