Caregiver: Shenay A.

A Caring Champion 2014 Nominee

By Nominated by Doreen Campbell, employer/supervisor

Employer: Angel House Assisted Living & Daycare

Location: Pembroke Pines, FL

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Inspiration for This Nomination:

This young lady had never worked in an ALF before, but she came in and made it a mission for the improved life of several elderly people. She's only 23 years old, but as a consummate multi-tasker, Shenay has made the many things we must do daily at Angel House, look like she grew up doing them. ?I only have to talk about hydration, and Shenay begins to get everyone on a schedule to drink more daily. She sees how our elderly family of Residents and Daycare clients respond to a walk to the park, and a game of bingo. This makes her smile and she does it more often, just because it makes them feel good. ?Our Residents and clients may be reluctant to ask for help, but she appears by their side as if by magic, with just what's needed in hand. ?Mornings are busy at Angel House, and they used to be a bit hectic and harried. Enter Shenay, with preparations the night before, to make things easier for the morning caregiver, without being asked. Laying out clothes, pull-ups and other items makes things smoother, so everyone gets to the table on time. And Shenay has never yet been late. Responsibility, Reliability, Compassion and Organization are her buzz words. But far from words, they're her commitment to the elderly people she serves at Angel House. And always with a smile and a kind word, always calmly to make them feel at home and safe. Never do her elderly charges believe they're a chore or she is too busy to help them. The home has a feeling of "hanging with the folks", and Shenay gets so much work done, the house is spotless, smells nice, it's a pleasure to supervise someone like her.

Caregiver's Best Skills and Attributes:

Some caregivers take elderly people at their word - when they say they don't need help, they simply walk away. Shenay lets them do things themselves, but she goes ahead making sure their change of clothes or pull-ups is ready to use, easy to reach and that the bathroom is ready, the bed turned down, that things are prepared ahead of them to make their 'independence' easier, and lingers behind to be nearby to help as needed, with a smile. Organization, preparation and attention to detail are Sheney's best attributes in caring for the elderly.

Feedback About This Caregiver:

I've heard from our Residents, "That's a keeper!" and, "I like that girl, she's very nice." I don't hear complaints on her, even from our fussiest Residents. There's one who clashes with almost everyone eventually... Somehow, so far, she has not done so with Shenay.

When it's her day to work, as recently when she went to a concert, they ask about her. "She's coming back, though, right?" Big smiles when I assure them that, yes, she is coming back...

What Others Have Learned From This Caregiver:

Preparation and organization. I know this in theory, but Shenay does it, so things are easier for Everyone in the morning. She doesn't blame others, and rather than ask for help from her teammates, Shenay just does it all, unless someone pitches in or offers help. Leading by example, she makes things happen.

More About This Caregiver:

Shenay doesn't have a car, so she must walk from the somewhat distant bus stop or get dropped off to work. But she never complains, just comes in a bit early to avoid letting anyone down. I really appreciate her hard work and would like her to be rewarded above and beyond, the way she does her job.

Inspiration for This Nomination:

Caregiver's Best Skills and Attributes:

Feedback About This Caregiver:

What Others Have Learned From This Caregiver:

More About This Caregiver:

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