Dec. 19, 2006

Last week, I was privileged to keynote a unique event hosted by the Life Services Network (LSN), AAHSA's Illinois state partner. Dennis Bozzi is the executive — a creative, devoted leader with passion for members and their mission. The event was called "A Legacy of Quality." Our members presented "Legislator of the Year Awards" to Illinois policy leaders committed to the elderly. Dozens of our members were also recognized for their advocacy work, and their presence was reinforcing to the elected officials present.

The tone of this event was wonderfully different than you might expect. With politicians and constituents present, you could imagine a back-slapping, flashing of capped-teeth occasion with the faint smell of campaign commitments wafting through the air with a hint of holiday spices. No, far from it...

Instead, the dominant theme was the personal stories of why people — politicians and providers alike — are committed to the cause to which has such a claim on our lives — caring for our elders.

One state senator said she had a passion for the elderly beginning with her youth volunteer work at a member home. Others spoke to similar personal experiences.

In the chit-chat surrounding such occasions, personal "why" stories were prevalent. Judy Amiano of Riverside Senior Living Center in Kankakee, Ill. was a public relations (PR) bundle of energy when her hospital system CEO asked to meet with her a number of years ago. Judy thought a pink slip was in the offing because she had a habit of being outspoken. To the contrary, this wise CEO offered her an executive director position at a new facility under construction. He saw the "why" in her.

At our Annual Meeting & Exposition in San Francisco, we asked members to go online to tell personal stories. The "why" came out. Sandra Fenn of the Good Sheperd Home in Golden, Ill. tells of a Christmas occasion in November for a resident.

"We are a small home (42 beds) and we are in a very small community of 500 people. Staff found out one of our residents did not have long to live. We also found out her favorite holiday was Christmas. So, here it is a warm day in November. Staff had set up a Christmas tree strewn with ornaments and lights. Her room was decorated to the max with Christmas decorations. Staff went to her room and sang Christmas carols. Every department was represented. There were so many they couldn't all fit in her room so they spilled out into the hallway. After the caroling ended here comes Santa in full attire down the hall to her room bearing a gift. I can tell you when it was over there was not a dry eye in the home. You don't have to be big to be the best. We don't have the best nor the most updated equipment. However, we do have the best staff and happy residents. We work from our heart and are known for our quality of care. Thank goodness there are homes like this. I am proud to be the administrator of this small home and have staff like this."

Sandra's why is simple: "We work from our heart."

Barbara Leasure, who teaches new administrators in Westminster, Md., talks of getting into this work "completely by accident."

You've heard the "by accident" story many times — only, I believe it is "providence," not accidents, that call people like you to this work.

Andrew Larpent, a colleague from the United Kingdom, spent 30 years in the British Army. "Three jobs later," he writes "I arrived in my present job which is the most satisfying yet. I work with great people, serve great people and am well rewarded for my contribution... Professional life doesn't get better than this."

Says Michele Brague of PHI in Camp Hill, Pa., "A long time ago while my grandfather was in a nursing home in our area, I made a promise to him that I would do the very best for all elders in whatever capacity I served in."

And there's Ruth Tietz of Baptist Health Nursing & Rehabilitation Center's (BHNRC) in Scotia, N.Y.'s story: "After a busy, successful 20-year career in broadcast media, I decided it was time to do something a bit more meaningful with my life... Serendipitously, BHNRC was in the process of looking for a PR and Marketing Person and the rest is history! I have a new puppy, Kieran, who I take to work with me everyday. He is a therapy dog in training. I can't imagine doing anything else!"

Vickie Stotler of Hover Community in Longmont, Colo. says "I chose this field because I know that every single day I touch another life."

And with a seven-year-old and a busy family life, Laura Garner of Westminster Manor in Austin, Tex. says that the residents she works with "...make me want to be the BEST "me" I can be!"

Barbara Hudson of ACTS Retirement Life Communities in West Point, Pa. says she is "...bridge to connect the hearts, souls and the spirit of residents and employees."

And Barbara Hopcroft of Boston, Mass. has a saga that is especially touching, though perhaps more common than we know:

"When I was a teenager, my mother became ill with Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS). It was before Medicare, Medicaid or OBRA. We were bankrupted trying to care for her and she needed nursing home care as my father needed to continue working. Conditions were so bad that my dad had to cook food for her, put it in the blender so that she could swallow it and stay all night with her so he could suction her. Then he came home, changed his shirt and went to work... I remain committed to providing excellent services to all those who find it difficult to receive the specialized care they need."

Rich Olson, a seasoned veteran of our field and CEO of Fairview Ministries in Downers Grove, Ill., commented at the "Legacy of Quality" event, "I think most of us are in this field because we can fulfill who we really are!"

Compassionate, caring, competent, committed people... doing what we do because of a deep "why" based on who we really are.

In this season of reflection, the people we serve help remind us of who we really are.

Wishing you blessings in this holiday season and the best "you" you can be in the new year.

Larry

William L. Minnix, Jr., D.Min.
President and CEO

Share your "why" story with us.

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