News About Kindred People and Places
Here are some current happenings at Kindred facilities across the country.
Maine/New Hampshire District Honors Outstanding Employees
By Michael Speidel
AIT, Westgate Manor
The famous football coach Vince Lombardi once said that the quality
of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence,
regardless of their chosen field of endeavor. On February 12 and May
7, the Maine/New Hampshire District celebrated both commitment and excellence
by honoring the long-term care employees who have, year after year, worked
so very hard to care for those who can’t take care of themselves.
Because of the size of our district, the event was held on two separate dates
and honored both the northern and southern facilities respectively. The employees
who had worked fifteen or more years were recognized at the banquet and both
events each exceeded 50 attendees.
District Director of Operations Michael Beal and Regional Director of Human
Resources Wayne Mackey addressed the groups and personally thanked the attendees
for their years of service and commitment to their facilities and to the
residents whom they serve.
Lynn Dumont, a 19-year employee at Westgate Manor (Bangor, ME) said, "I
didn’t realize that there were so many long-term employees in this district!" Because
of the success of this event, the district staff intends to continue to honor
its long-term employees annually and plans to recognize those who have worked
five to fifteen years next year.
Residents (and Cats) Love New Bird Aviary
By Jessica Brock
Staff Writer
Lafayette, IN --- Early this year, residents at Regency Place of Lafayette
noticed a unique new addition to their facility. A six-by-six foot bird
aviary had been added last December, but the baby birds inside did not
appear until January.
Since then, the birds have been very popular with residents and staff.
" It’s very relaxing and soothing," resident Laverne Stevens
said. "They’re fun to watch."
Activities Director Debbie Washington added, "It’s been the best
thing we've ever done. If we have a resident who’s upset, we can put
them by the birds and that fixes it."
The aviary currently houses six species of birds: blue-capped wax bills, orange-cheek
wax bills, diamond doves, society finches, zebra finches and a canary. Most
residents choose to observe the birds during the birds’ feeding and bath
times, but some residents, like John Brown, are around more often.
" I think they’re wonderful," John said. He also mentioned that
he likes to watch the birds build their nests.
Regency Place has encouraged pets for some time. In addition to the birds,
they also have a cat, two cockatiels and an aquarium of fish. Administrator
Jane Smith even brings her dog to work every day. The pets are a part of the
Eden Alternative, a program the facility utilizes that strives to connect residents
with living things, like animals and plants.
