Insights
The Blog of UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation
Caregiver Spotlight – Melissa Williams, Gentle Compassion
Melissa Williams works the night shift as a Memory Care Support RCA (Resident Care Assistant) at UMRC’s Towsley Village Memory Care Center, a Positive Approach® to Care (PAC) “Participating” organization. A PAC certified coach, Melissa cares deeply about the residents she serves who live with dementia. “They are truly amazing human beings,” says Melissa. “To help…
Libby Brightman: New Experience and New Appreciation for Caregivers
“Direct care was not something I ever thought I would be doing,” says UMRC human resources business partner, Libby Brightman. But when the call went out to recruit other team members to assist as caregivers at UMRC’s Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center (Kresge Center), she answered that call.“I was nervous about it at first, but…
Nicole Adams: Returning to Her Roots as a Caregiver
A nine-year veteran at UMRC, Nicole Adams started as a resident care assistant in Glazier Commons Assisted Living before moving to scheduling and, currently, the marketing and sales team. “I began my career in 2011 as a CNA (certified nurse aide) working in a brain injury rehabilitation setting prior to coming to UMRC,” says Nicole.When…
Karen Owen: Stepping In to Help
They say when you need something done, ask a busy person. That is especially true of, Karen Owen, Director of Donor Relations and Services for the UMRC Foundation and Porter Hills Foundation.Several weeks ago, the call went out to recruit other team members to assist as caregivers at UMRC’s Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center (Kresge…
Answering the Call to Support Caregivers at UMRC’s Kresge Center
What do a human resources business partner (Libby Brightman), a director of donor relations (Karen Owen), a life enrichment coordinator (Josie Pezzullo), and a sales advisor (Nicole Adams) all have in common? It turns out, a very big heart for the older adults they serve at United Methodist Retirement Communities (UMRC). When the call went…
Exercise: Helping Residents Have Fun and Stay Physically Active at UMRC
Staying physically active plays a vital role in healthy aging. The McMullen Wellness Center at UMRC’s Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC), highly popular with CRC residents, celebrated its opening a year ago, but is now off limits due to COVID-19. Tony Maino, Director of Lifestyle and Health, and the Life Enrichment team were determined to maintain…
Not all heroes wear capes. Some, like Jamie Bell of UMRC’s Housekeeping team, wear gowns, masks, and face shields.
Jamie’s day starts at 7:30am in UMRC’s Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. Since COVID-19, her job as a housekeeper has never been more important to keep residents and team members safe. “I come in and put on my personal protection equipment (PPE), then get my cart, wipe it down, fill up my supplies, and get…
Bob and Stella Wolfe, 67th Wedding Anniversary
After 67 years of married life, it’s hard to keep Bob and Stella Wolfe apart. Formerly of Grass Lake, Bob and Stella now live at UMRC’s Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC). Stella had come originally for a short-term rehabilitation stay at Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and then for long-term care. Bob then sold their house…