38 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com MEN WI N HEALTH Kristen Cusack Life Enrichment Coordinator - Memory Care THE VILLAGE AT SUMMERVILLE Summerville 843-873-2551 prescommunities.org/senior-living/sc/ summerville/the-village-at-summerville/ Describe a moment you felt like giving up. Why didn’t you? When I started this position in memory care, everything was new, from initial interviewing and opening preparations to the rush of our first residents and families sending emails and setting meetings. On my way home at night, I would ask myself, “What are you thinking? It's just too much.” I was so blessed that Amy Laughlin believed in me. She has gone beyond her job description to help me and learn the Montessori approach. Our seniors with a proud look or a smile make all the bad days worth it. Seeing them happy and trusting me or a family member thanking me for that smile on their loved one's face is why I don’t give up. What routines and habits help you prepare for or recover from a day’s challenges? I typically like to listen to music to unwind, but the challenges of my day are not challenges as I enjoy what I do. The truth is the residents make my heart feel full. Tonya Shelton, RN Director of Memory Care Describe a moment you felt like giving up. Why didn’t you? I felt like giving up during the COVID pandemic. Rules/guidelines for nursing care were changing daily and families were losing loved ones. When your facility has 46 COVID positives and 22 die, it just takes a toll on the heart. Instead of giving up, I put the residents first. They deserve care and, if I left like most seasoned nurses, who would provide the care? So I continued on with more passion to provide great care. What or who inspires you? Dr. Varela in North Carolina was my biggest inspiration to become a nurse. He was a leader, mentor, advocate and a wonderful physician who is loved by everyone he touches. He encouraged me to pursue nursing from a “can” position. He always listened to my perspective of my residents that I cared for, and I feel valued as a nurse/human. He is what I strive to be. Evergreen House memory support neighborhood at The Village at Summerville is uniquely designed to provide a supportive environment using the Montessori for Aging and Dementia philosophy – the ONLY one of its kind in the nation. Here, residents enjoy: • Care Partners who are specially trained in the Montessori for Aging and Dementia philosophy • Private room with private bath • Three meals daily plus snacks • Weekly housekeeping and linen service • Personal laundry… and more! The Village at Summerville is a well respected and long-established compassionate Christian ministry serving people of all faiths. 201 W. 9th North St., Summerville, SC tinyurl.com/SummervilleMemorySupport Memory Support as Unique as Each Resident (843) 879-4040 [email protected] Photos by Jenn Cady.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1