Born to be great

Denise Foster has 19 years of experience in the healthcare industry and has spent nine years as an activities director at Consulate Health Care of Pensacola, in Pensacola, FL. After so much time, you would think she would be winding down and maybe even set in her ways. But, Denise is nothing like that. If anything, talking to her seems like talking to someone who started working only days before. Her excitement and energy about all of the activities she has planned and has done in the past is insurmountable.

Denise is truly one of a kind. Hearing her over the phone, her passion and true dedication to her work reflects in her voice. With each sentence she gets more excited than before, and it’s clear that she just really loves what she does. Having this kind of passion is not uncommon, but having so much positive energy about your work is. Denise just oozes energy and commitment to her patients and residents.

Denise began her career as a CNA, and she is still a certified CNA to this day. But, after she moved her way up to central supply, she decided to sign up for an activities course to see how else she could help out at the care center. She passed the test, and has since been the activities director and has never looked back. We asked Denise why she likes being the activities director so much, and she said, “I want to be great for my residents. I know getting my nails done makes me feel good, so I want my residents to have their nails done too.” She also loves music and wants her residents to be able to enjoy the same activities that she does.

We asked Denise where she gets the ideas for her events, and even though she gets many from school (she is now enrolled in college courses to further her activities knowledge), she mainly gets her ideas from the residents. Her main goal is to make them happy and to do what they want to do the most. Denise has heard several residents say that they never made it to their own prom. So, she is now planning to throw them a “back to the future” prom. She wanted to host a dance like the ones you see in movies from the 1950s. She has received several dress and suit donations for her residents, and even has a red carpet planned. An added activity for the residents is that Denise will be showing them how to make their own corsages and boutonnieres as a craft prior to the dance. Denise said that with the support of several volunteers and the dietary department, they will be able to have delicious food, good music, and a fantastic prom for the residents.

We asked Denise why she is so motivated to do something so large for her residents. With a lump in throat, she said, “I really care about my residents. I know there is a reason that I am in this position. I want to make sure my residents are engaged, socializing, and are just happy.” Denise holds back several tears throughout her interview and often said, “I’m so emotional, I get tired of crying so much.” It’s evident that Denise truly means what she says and genuinely cares.

When asked what motivates her to come to work each day, Denise said, “I’m excited to work on the next thing that I have to offer the residents. It’s supposed to be my job, but it’s just so much fun!” Denise takes pride in creating fun events that the residents can look forward to and that aren’t boring. She even finds ways to spice up everyday activities such as bingo. Denise wanted to change up the game a bit so she decided to host Mexican bingo for Cinco de Mayo. The residents shouted out “Ole” instead of “bingo”, and that small touch changed the whole game for them. It’s these details that sets Denise apart from the rest. She really takes the time to make sure what she does for her residents goes above and beyond what is asked.

Although Denise plans to stay at Pensacola for a long time, she does hope that when she eventually leaves that she is remembered for her great work ethic, and the compassion she gave to her residents. Thank you Denise for enriching the lives of our residents and for going above and beyond your call of duty!