I have had the joy of working with Seniors for the past 15 years. I take great pride in making a difference in their lives through dining. We all have traditions, recipes, and ideas of what makes a great meal. I enjoy the stories behind each and every patron that dines with us. The importance of breaking bread together and enjoying a good meal is a daily routine. I strive to make life comfortable, familiar and most of all fun for our seniors.
Laura Blakeman, Director of Dining Services at Legacy Reserve
I love the adventure that awaits me every day in working with residents in memory care. At a young age I watched my great grandfather’s journey through Alzheimer’s and was amazed at the patience and love each caregiver had for him. As I got older my love for caring for the elderly grew. There has never been a question of where I belong and what my calling is. It is a great honor to care for someone at such a precious time of transition in their voyage through life.
Christen Willcox RN, Resident Wellness Director at Madison Heights Memory Care Community
“There are many reasons why I chose to work with memory care residents. Some residents need a voice to express how they are feeling when they are unable to do so for themselves. I am that voice to say “ I am in need of help or I am in pain for those unable to communicate. My compassion, gentleness and quiet demeanor gives me a connection on meeting the needs of the residents. I enjoy observing a resident smile, dance and laugh to show people life can be enjoyable in different phases of life. I learn even the smallest gestures for residents makes a huge impact on their daily lives. The Geriatric population has so much history and wisdom that I came to respect and appreciate in my thirteen years as a nurse. The emotional attachment that I share with the residents is the greatest reward and the reason that I chose to stay in this field.”
Jackie Colson Resident care coordinator at Madison Heights
“I am so fortunate to not only be able to help families in their challenging time of need, but to also get to know them, their loved one, and hear amazing stories about each of them and their lives. Each family is different, each resident is different, as is each dementia. Every story is different, but the needs are the same; To have a family member in an environment where they will be cared for, they will be safe, and they can thrive through socialization and activities. There are not many places where you can go to work and know you have helped multiple people, while gaining new friends. I am thankful for what I do every day because the people I meet make me and my heart smile!”
Laura Brown; Marketing Director at Madison Heights
“Working with seniors is all I have ever done and really all I have ever wanted to do. From an early age I enjoyed going to the coffee shop with my great uncle and grandfather and just eating breakfast and listing to all the “old men” talk. In high school I helped to start a prayer partner program parring students with seniors in our church. I majored in Health Administration and quickly found senior housing. From the first day of my internship I was hooked. There are not many industries out there where you can serve others and daily truly make a positive difference in people’s lives. I have learned so much over the years from serving seniors and look forward to learning more and more from them throughout my entire career. It is great to be in an industry you love and are passionate about, it is a joy going to work every day!”
Wyman Hamilton; Atlas Senior Living.
We believe in partnering with associates that are passionate about Senior Living; that truly understand the difference they make in people’s lives every day and find joy in that. Watching the interactions and our team serving seniors everyday reminds me of this quote:
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as if Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well…… If you can’t be a highway, be a trail. If you can’t be the sun, be a star. It isn’t by size that you win or fail, be the best at whatever you are.”
Martin Luther King Jr
Find your passion and pursue it relentlessly; it will show in your work everyday.
