SOULcial Salute Was Always All About The Staff
The New Kid
Two months after starting here in the summer of 2021 I was asked to write one of these articles. Eunice Neubauer, our founder and owner, had already been publishing Choice Voice over 10 years. She certainly deserved a hand carrying the torch.
History
Looking over the topics covered, and revisited, over the years gave me pause. How could these topics be refreshed without years of experience to draw on.
An old business editor colleague came to mind. She always featured a line worker and it was always anticipated. Business publications uphold the topics of every profession but the ones that really get read regularly have some touch of “People Magazine” to keep things interesting.
Lightbulb Moment
It was the community staff focus that lit the way. These are the folks that create the daily experience for the residents, your clients and loved ones, in the communities’ care. So, we shined a light on them shining their light on others.
The best staff deserve far more than wages and benefits for the quality of life they create. Those in their care tend to thrive from heart felt attention to the little things as well as big things.
With that the need to be expert was exchanged for meeting the smartest, kindest, most creative, and effective care givers. Seeking out the brightest examples of caregiving and telling their, and some of their residents’, stories quickly became the highlight of my month, despite the deadlines ;-).
Off And Running
From Plymouth to Minneapolis, Woodbury, Savage, Bloomington, Golden Valley and a dozen other parts of the Twin Cities meeting these amazing staff and seniors became a regular inspiration.
Interviews included CNAs, housekeepers, nurses, social workers, executive directors along with directors of; activities, adult day services, Alzheimer’s care, childcare, fitness, foodservice, marketing and maintenance. Also there are stories of receptionists, chaplains, move managers, volunteers, and more.
Diamonds In the Rough
Sincere passion for elders is what produces the best performance and culture in these communities. For instance, the marketing director who after 13 years in her community genuinely described all of their residents as her “extra grandparents”. That sentiment is held by so many on all the front lines.
One resident assistant was a very accomplished artist whose work was in various galleries around town. And there is the former painting contractor who followed his passion for Parkinson’s care into college in his 30s. He is now a program director as well as a member of one of University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health Advisory committees.
It was humbling interviewing a Centenarian Veteran who made it clear he thanked God every day for never having to engage in live battle on his submarine patrols. He knew there was no glory in killing and proud to dispel myths to the contrary. He also apologized twice for momentarily forgetting a name or two! (Holy cow if I could claim only doing that twice.)
…And Pearls
There was the tale of a 92-year-old gentleman who couldn’t get through the medical provider phone tree to re-order his prescriptions. So finally he pushed the button for the suicide hotline. Then he got his order filled very quickly! He apparently stated afterwards that “At this age I may not have much time left. I don’t want to waste any of it on HOLD.”
One client couple slyly shared it was The Bistro ladies and their chicken salad that contributed to tipping the scales for their move decision.
It was a magical experience interviewing Eden Prairie’s famous Santa Arlyn of Santa’s North Pole Experience. And after an hour with him one Thanksgiving it left the distinct impression of an eight-year-old who’d been told they made the “nice” list.
These are just a few of the life-giving examples that prove the value of community living in a home setting with great food and company. And the occasional cocktail. These are truly robust and thriving people living in our continuum of care communities all over Minnesota.
On Business
Please note the depth of humanity throughout these communities when considering managing and caring for our, and everyone’s, seniors. They are literally the people who built our world and have handed it, and themselves, over to us to look after.
These resident and staff stories visualize and humanize what is gradually being corporatized by some private equity developing the industry. Some investors speak primarily in terms of “returns”. Talk about Karma…
Think long, hard and often about what we all owe them. We all might do well to imagine a “Gospel According to Caregivers” for guidance.
To Our Team
Eunice, thanks for taking a chance five years ago on this guy you didn’t know from Adam, and who was admittedly concerned about even passing the CSA exam. It has been an honor and privilege to join you and our team in this work.
Janelle, Megan, Libby, Tracy, Amber and Shari; You all held, and hold, me up in my efforts to learn and serve. I will always be grateful. And the same is true of all our fellow professionals serving seniors. Especially those of ERA and Eastside Marketing.
To my clients and their families, you all have a place in my heart. Thanks for filling my cup.
After starting my work life as a CNA quite some time ago, you all have made Choice Connections and this profession a great closing chapter for my professional life.
Thanks so very much~
Greg DeMarco