Carol Shafer
Reflections
One of the many joys of the Heart of Caring award process is watching team members celebrate their coworkers through the nomination process; in many cases, there are more glowing comments than we can fit in one post. Today’s featured nominee is one such example, so much so that we’ve decided to let her nomination forms speak for themselves:
“Carol Shafer exhibits all of SLC’s Core Values! She is consistently a CHART hero in all she does. Caring: Carol’s genuine interest for our residents is displayed daily by going above and beyond any of her daily duties. She often is seen quickly tying shoes, adjusting clothing or just giving a quick hug to Assisted Living as well as Independent Living residents in the midst of going to perform her next duty. Carol is quick to respond to every request no matter how big or small for the residents at Reflections. Her care for her co-workers is seen every day, as she faithfully goes to each department, door-to-door, just to say good-bye and tell everyone to enjoy the rest of their day. Honesty: in gratitude of her excellent care, families and residents are always trying to “tip” Carol with gift cards. In the few instances when families have left sealed Thank-you cards for Carol, upon opening them and discovering the tip, she marches directly to the office and gives the “tip” to the Executive Director or Business Office Manager to return to families or residents and re-educate on the policy.”
“Appreciation: Every day Carol can be heard affirming co-workers in their duties, as well as acknowledging them on a “job well done.” Often she has come to me directly just to “say you are doing a good job, thank you.” Her heart truly wants every coworker to succeed in their job. Respect: Carol’s respect for others is found in her everyday acts of civility toward others. it’s the continual hello’s, good-bye’s, thank-you’s, opening doors, or the “how is your day” and “let me help you with that.” Carol is mindful of all departments’ responsibilities and is open to any ideas that will ensure quality care of our residents. Teamwork: Carol’s initiative to jump in at any given chance to assist housekeeping, dining, activities, marketing or management is only surpassed by the continuous smile on her face.”
“She is a friend or family to every person she meets. I have seen her cry and comfort both independent and assisted living residents’ families after they have passed. I have seen her display concern and empathy for residents and their families during difficult times. I have seen her sit and assist a resident to put together a model airplane that his daughter sent from out of state for his birthday…If you asked our residents or family members about Carol there would not be one negative comment. They describe Carol as being the most caring person they know, the happiest person they know, the most thankful person they know, and are in awe of her energy and enthusiasm she puts toward enriching the lives of all those that come in contact with her.”
We couldn’t have said it any better. Thank you, Carol, for using your heart of caring to have such a positive impact on the lives of others. Congratulations on the nomination!
This spotlight is part of Senior Lifestyle’s 100 Days of Heart of Caring series featuring nominees from our 170+ communities across the country. All nominations are anonymous. Our nominees represent the backbone of our commitment to our core values: Caring, Honesty, Appreciation, Respect and Teamwork; without them, we could never fulfill our goal of providing best-in-class care to every one of our residents. Join us as we celebrate these caring, passionate individuals and their commitment to our residents.