Touchmark’s memory care service provides compassionate support for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related dementia illnesses. For family members, it is a godsend, freeing them from 24-hour caregiving.
For the professional care partners who work around the clock providing care, the work is challenging — and rewarding.
“When you work in memory care, you are dealing with emotionally charged matters that require a special knack to handle with ease,” says Angela Stewart, memory care administrator. “You are constantly put in a position where you must exercise compassion, speak kindly, think creatively and focus on making someone happy.”
Staff come from various professional backgrounds and life experiences. There are nursing students and previous teachers. Individuals with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Grandmothers, mothers and fathers.
Sarah Elliott chose to work in memory care so she could be of service. “I am touched by the appreciation that we receive from the residents who recognize they are not alone; they now have people who genuinely enjoy taking care of them.”
Her colleague Dave King, who wanted to work with seniors, agrees. “You can see and feel the gratitude expressed each day in the eyes of those you serve,” he says.
Maggie Bussard enjoys helping residents overcome challenges and believes laughter can be healing. “I love doing activities and helping people be successful,” she says.
“I love to make a difference in people’s lives and the way I feel when I go home — how I made somebody else’s life better by just being me,” Jonathan Ferns says. He also values “all the wisdom and patience that you learn from the residents.”
The care partners have varying reasons why they chose this work. Heidi LaVoie says the job is an outlet for giving boundless compassion: “It chose me.”
Jacqueline Gallinat had done this kind of job before. “And they offered me full-time hours with benefits.”
All encourage others to consider this work. They mention the teamwork, values, support, fun and many rewards it offers. “I love my job here very much. My team of management is one of a kind,” LaVoie says.
Indeed, the breadth of experience found in Touchmark’s management team is rare in the retirement industry. Combined, the team of 11 professionals has worked at Touchmark over 85 years. Their overall experience is equally impressive with more than 230 years among them.
Sharon Dickson, a care partner, speaks for many when she says, “All the people here love being here and what we do. We love being a team, and we get great encouragement.”
Care partners: A unique job offering people the opportunity to make a difference in others’ lives— and their own.
To learn more, visit TouchmarkBend.com.
Touchmark is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a broad benefit package that includes medical, dental, flexible spending, 401K and paid time off for full-time positions (upon eligibility).
