Washington State Association of Activity Professional Awards 2020

In the senior living industry the quality of your staff can make or break the reputation of a community.  Here at Caring Places Management we are proud to have each of our communities execute our vision of “Exceeding Expectations for Loving, Thoughtful Care”.  We are incredibly grateful for each of our staff members and the sacrifices they make to provide top-notch care for each of our residents.

Although caregiving can often times feel like a thankless job, occasionally we have a team member that gets the recognition and kudos they so rightfully deserve.  This year is no exception.

2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, but seniors have been impacted more than other demographics.  It has been an ever-changing dynamic in our communities. From implementing every infection prevention protocol, to working multiple shifts when needed, or staying away from family and friends to mitigate exposure to the virus, our caregivers have done it all.  Our caregivers have spent countless hours spending one on one time with each resident to help ease feelings of isolation and loneliness when group activities were suspended.  We couldn’t have survived this pandemic thus far without these heroes.

In September we had the honor of having 2 of our team members win the award “Support Person of the Year 2020”.  Each of these amazing women were nominated by their peers for their incredible work ethic and dedication to their jobs.  We want to congratulate Laura Conley for winning the award of “Support Person of the Year” and Shelly Sherman for winning “Activity Director of the Year”.

Laura Conley was nominated by her peers at Riverside Place a memory care community.  Here are a few words from her nomination letter.

“It didn’t take long for us to notice her ability to recognize emotions in others and to understand other people’s perspective in any situation, this is why she was offered the Resident Care Coordinator position.

If I had to use only one work to describe Laura it would be, COMPASSION.

According to the American Standard Dictionary compassion means:

1. A suffering with another; painful sympathy; a sensation of sorrow excited by the distress or misfortunes of another; compassion is a mixed passion, compounded of love and sorrow.

Compassion is a powerful emotion, it encompasses every single aspect of her, both personally and professionally.  Anytime the activities department needs help, guidance, or creative ideas she is there to help.  She is our to go girl, if we don’t know how to help a resident, we always know that if we ask her, she will give us direction.  Her greatest attribute, is her humility, if she does not know, she has no problem telling you, but in turn, is determined to find out how to help take care of the resident(s) in a more effective manner.

Thank you, Laura, we love you and appreciate you very much.” 

-Karen Stutesman, LEC

Shelly Sherman was nominated by her peers at Westhaven Villa an assisted living community. Here are a few words from her nomination letters.

“Shelly is the heart and spirit of our building. She gets everyone involved and helps everyone have fun. She has been exceptional through COVID-19 keeping resident’s spirits up and thinking of creative social distant activities.  Our building wouldn’t be the same without her.  She is always happy and cheerful and can make everyone around her feel the same way.”

-Moriah Fieldstad, RCC

“Shelly has been an activity director for 27 years; her experience, kindness, compassion and dedication to the residents’ wellbeing has been instrumental to me as a new activity director. 

I can call Shelly anytime of the day if I need help with crafts, supplies, decorations or just some moral support.  I admit I would have never made it this long without her wisdom and knowledge of the job. I have learned so much from her and I truly believe that I am a better activity director because of her. She is a true inspiration to all Activity Professionals. I hope to be as good as her someday, thank you Shelly for being my rockstar!”

-Karen Stutesman, LEC

Please join us in congratulating these two amazing women.  We are blessed to have such amazing staff members.  We appreciate their peers taking time to recognize those in their communities who excel at their jobs.  We know that our team of caregivers and staff are the heart and soul of each of our communities.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

 

-Home Office, Caring Places Management

Laura Conley

Shelly Sherman

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