I am thankful for all the staff, in all departments, that come to work everyday to do their jobs in order to make the quality of life so much better for the those we care for. Every person makes such a big difference in our Residents lives. Healthcare workers are true Heroes!!!!!!!
– Michael J. Whitford, BSA, CALA, Compliance Officer and Director of Purchasing
Celebrating Our CNAs!
It takes a special person to choose a career as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). These dedicated professionals help our residents with daily tasks from bathing and dressing to grooming, feeding and more. In the process, they become more like family members than caregivers.
“The aides take on the role of daughters or friends,” said Keren Zepeda, Human Resources Coordinator. “They always take that extra time to listen to our residents. They bring them their early morning coffee and then stay to chat, following social distance guidelines. They have provided that much-needed face-to-face human connection during the pandemic.”
“I love the fulfillment that it gives me to care for someone else and making them happy,” said Tamia Howard, CNA. “Families can’t always be there, so I feel that we have become their family. They enjoy learning about my life, as much as I love learning about them.”
CNAs must complete special training and pass a board exam. At SGLC, they work under the supervision of our LPNs and RNs, taking direction on daily needs for each resident. Caring and compassion are key attributes of our CNAs who typically go above and beyond for our residents. When our beauty salon was closed, our aides styled hair, including some who washed and set the styles with rollers they had purchased for the residents with their own money. One of our CNAs dressed up and went from room to room, dancing and singing to entertain residents.
“It is really hard to pinpoint why exactly I chose to be a CNA, but I know that I love being able to help people,” said Brittany Emerson, CNA. “I have been working in the Dementia unit for almost 10 years. Not everyone understands Dementia, but I love working with them. They may not remember you, but they remember what you do for them. I honestly care for them like if they were my own family.”
As for Adia King, CNA, her current career is a springboard for future learning. “I have a passion for caring,” she said. “I am also going to begin taking LPN courses soon and becoming a CNA has provided me with an opportunity to learn.”
This Thanksgiving, we are thankful to our caring, creative and dedicated CNA staff. Thank you for all that you do to enrich elder lives.
Housekeeping Heroes
Cleanliness has always been of utmost importance at SGLC. In a pandemic, it’s taken to a new level. Just ask Maria Cardona, Housekeeping Supervisor. “It’s not just cleaning, it’s extreme cleaning,” she said. “We disinfect the public areas two to three times a day. We rub down the door handles, elevators, keypads and other highly touched surfaces with a special chemical. We also sweep and mop the floors. We clean residents’ rooms without them in the room, so that we may disinfect the bed, clean the toilet, thoroughly clean the room and replace the bedding. Staying clean is staying safe.”
The housekeeping staff also handles laundry, which now includes washing any clothing dropped off by families. “It’s a long process,” said Maria. “We pick up the laundry at the front desk and bring it back to be washed. Then we take the clothes to the residents. It’s an extra precaution that goes toward protecting our residents.”
She and the housekeeping staff don’t mind the extra cleaning or laundry. “This is my second home,” she said, “and the residents are my second family. Whatever we do, it’s to keep them safe.”
What Are You Thankful For?
With the way things are right now in the world, I am thankful for health! – Brittany Emerson, CNA
I am thankful for my family and friends. – Adia King, CNA
For my health and having a job. – Tamia Howard, CNA
I am thankful for my co-workers who are a great group of people, that special someone in my life that has made it fun again and my family who has been there during all the joy and stresses in my life. – Susan A. Thomason, Controller
I am thankful for all the staff, in all departments, that come to work everyday to do their jobs in order to make the quality of life so much better for the those we care for. Every person makes such a big difference in our Residents lives. Healthcare workers are true Heros!!!!!!!
– Michael J. Whitford, BSA, CALA, Compliance Officer and Director of Purchasing
First of all, I am thankful for the health and well-being of my husband and children. But I am also extremely thankful to be able to work in a facility who has always put the safety of the residents and employees first. We have truly been blessed. It has not been easy, but we have all worked side-by side and I believe we have all grown closer throughout this pandemic.
– Keren Zepeda, Human Resources Coordinator
Giving Thanks to Our Staff
We are often asked by residents and families about Chanukah and Christmas gifts for the staff. To show appreciation for our loyal and dedicated employees, we established the Staff Holiday Fund. This is a special way for you to say “thank you” to the staff that care, or have cared, for your loved one. Staff members will receive cash gifts from the fund. All donors will be listed in the first issue of the Boardwalk Times newsletter following the holiday season.
You may donate to the Staff Holiday Fund online at the link below. If donating by check, please make it payable to “Seashore Gardens Holiday Fund” and mail it to Seashore Gardens Living Center, 22 W. Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway, NJ 08205. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and holiday season!
