Theresa Prokop, Housekeeper, Brookdale – Eagan
The best barometer of senior living quality is the culture of the community. Creating that care magic is a team sport, right down to the housekeeping. Every instance of resident contact is an opportunity. Theresa Prokop embodies this spirit of opportunity with gusto. Both with the residents and the cleaning itself.
Theresa came to Brookdale in March of this year. She was recruited by her daughter Chelsie who is an aide. When the housekeeping position came open Chelsie knew her mom would be the perfect fit. “Mom, you have to apply for this!” With years of food service experience and other cleaning work she had the chops for the job.
Seniors with a fair amount of time on their hands tend to notice the tiniest things and Theresa is up to the scrutiny. In fact, she likes it. “I have an eye for cleaning!” she said as she described herself to be a bit fanatical about it. “Being a little OCD is helpful, to a point. I know when to stop.” And the residents take notice. “They recognize me all the time. It’s neat that they appreciate my work.” Seeing the opportunity Theresa reciprocates with good banter and thoughtful interactions. “I have one guy that likes to help vacuum so I always make sure to let him pitch in.”
With a building renovation dragging months long through covid delays Therese kept the mess of construction to a minimum – a helpful effort supporting tours/sales – and put the finishing touches on the final clean up last month. Tough work by some standards but as Theresa said “It’s less stressful than foodservice, better hours and much more appreciated. I love my job here!”
Kellie Pacquette, Sales and Marketing Director appreciates Theresa’s all-in approach too. “Theresa goes above and beyond every single day. She absolutely LOVES our residents and it shows. She is a true blessing to our community and we’d be lost without her!”