Enriching lives one day at a time

Rebecca began working at Skyline Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Floyd, VA only five months ago as a temporary activities director. But it wasn’t long before she proved herself and took on the job full-time. Today, she has already made huge strides in the types of activities that take place at the care center. Having had the influence of some great existing programs, Rebecca knew that this was a place that was open and willing to do really amazing things for the residents.

Right away, Rebecca began to look for ways to help the residents feel more independent. She set up clubs for them to join where they could play games such as dominoes and cards. She put together several types of arts and crafts specific to the memory care unit, and even added storage cabinets to it so that the CNAs could keep the residents stimulated with coloring, folding clothes, and other engaging activities. She has also developed a “shop till you drop” event where the residents can shop through donated clothes that were once taking up space in the laundry room.

In addition to the many activities that Rebecca has set up for the residents, she has also built relationships within the local community and has visitors and groups that come out to the care center to meet with residents in person. Staff members from the local library come once a month and allow residents to check out books.  Some of the books even spark conversation with particularly quiet residents. These individuals also do arts and crafts with the residents and participate in special events such as trick or treating.

Overall, Rebecca has made it clear that she is willing to go above and beyond for the residents. She truly loves what she does and that shines through in the events and activities that she hosts constantly. But, Rebecca attributes her success to the atmosphere that Skyline has created for her. When we asked her what she likes most about working there, she said, “The center is extremely family-oriented and anytime that I request anything, the care center, the families, and the community all support me. If I have an idea, they are very open to trying new things.”

That kind of environment creates a comfort and space to grow and do great things.  Rebecca said “I don’t feel like I have to be an advocate for the residents all of the time, because everyone in the building is an advocate for the residents.” Rebecca is grateful that the team she works with and the entire staff at the care center are  all on the same page. She wants to make sure that everyone enjoys their time at the care center, no matter who they are or how long they stay.

Rebecca doesn’t plan to stop there; she hopes to work on doing some activities outdoors for the dementia unit. She has a sincere passion for the memory care residents that she works with and would like to do as much as she can to better their lives and enrich their experiences to help them mentally and emotionally.

We are thrilled that Rebecca has been able to flourish and do so much in such a small amount of time. The sincere enthusiasm and drive that she shares with Consulate Health Care is beyond expectation. Keep up the great work, Rebecca!