| It’s Careers in Aging Week! | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/It’s-Careers-in-Aging-Week!.aspx | It’s Careers in Aging Week! | | | | | 3/28/2023 4:00:00 AM | | <div>This week is Careers in Aging Week (CIAW), a week dedicated to bringing greater visibility and awareness to the wide-ranging careers in long term care and aging services and to celebrate current employees in the profession. A perfect way to celebrate Careers in Aging Week is to amplify your hiring efforts! <br></div><div><br></div><div>AHCA/NCAL recently launched “Careers in Caring,” a national campaign to equip long term care providers with the resources they need to successfully recruit new caregivers to the field.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Careers in Caring has a dedicated website, <a href="https://careersincare.org/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">CareersInCare.org</a>, where providers and professionals can find a one-stop-shop of resources and tools to support their hiring efforts. The campaign is research-tested, with proven practices to reach potential candidates. The website houses:</div><div><ul><li>A content guide to help you talk about the long term care sector and the benefits of choosing a career in the industry.</li><li>Pre-drafted content that you can post on your own social media channels, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. You can copy and paste this content directly or edit it to fit your needs.</li><li>Informational handouts for job fairs or open house events.</li><li>Common questions and answers about working in long term care.</li><li>Photos that depict different types of long term care careers.</li><li>And more!<br></li></ul></div><div>While CIAW is officially March 26-April 1, any week can be CIAW! How you participate needs to work for you, so feel free to choose what works best! You can also visit <a href="https://www.geron.org/programs-services/careers-in-aging-week" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">careersinaging.com</a> for more CIAW resources, and use the hashtag #CareersinAging to share how you’re celebrating. Happy Careers in Aging Week!<br></div> | Careers in Aging Week is dedicated to bringing greater visibility and awareness to the wide-ranging careers in long term care and aging services. | |
| Get Ready & Celebrate Careers in Aging Week! | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Get-Ready-&-Celebrate-Careers-in-Aging-Week!.aspx | Get Ready & Celebrate Careers in Aging Week! | | | | | 3/14/2023 4:00:00 AM | | <div>Careers in Aging Week (CIAW) is just around the corner, taking place March 26-April 1! The goal of CIAW is to bring awareness to the numerous career opportunities available in long term care and aging services, and to celebrate current caregivers in the industry. Join us in promoting these rewarding careers! </div><div><br></div><div>Working in long term care provides endless opportunities, including the chance to serve one of our nation’s most vulnerable, special populations. The focus in these roles is on treating the whole person, not just a medical condition, and there is amazing potential for career advancement. Along with these benefits and more, working in the long term care community truly improves the lives of millions in positive and supportive work environments. A career in long term care brings a sense of purpose, turns residents and caregivers into family, and can be a great steppingstone to kickstart a successful career in health care.</div><div> </div><div>During CIAW, AHCA/NCAL will share stories, resources, and more -- spread the word by retweeting us on Twitter or sharing our posts on Facebook and using the hashtag #CareersinCaring.</div><div><br></div><div>Learn more about <a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Get-Involved-in-Careers-in-Aging-Week.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">how you can participate</a> or visit <a href="http://www.careersinaging.com/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">www.careersinaging.com</a> for more resources. <br></div><div><br></div> | Careers in Aging Week (CIAW) is just around the corner, taking place March 26-April 1! | |
| Get Involved in Careers in Aging Week | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Get-Involved-in-Careers-in-Aging-Week.aspx | Get Involved in Careers in Aging Week | | | | | 2/28/2023 5:00:00 AM | | <p></p><h3>Save the date for Careers in Aging Week (CIAW), March 26-April 1, 2023</h3><div>People are living longer, and the demand for caregivers in our profession is growing rapidly. As our sector continues to face a historic workforce crisis, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in CIAW and raise awareness about the incredible opportunities available. CIAW is dedicated to bringing greater visibility to the wide-ranging careers in long term care and aging services and to celebrate current employees in the profession. Join us in celebrating, starting March 26 through April 1 -- here’s how you can plan to participate and spread the word during CIAW: </div><div><ul><li><strong>Amplify your hiring efforts with Careers in Caring. </strong>Careers in Caring is a national recruitment campaign, launched by AHCA/NCAL, to educate job seekers about the careers in long term care and to equip providers with resources to successfully recruit new caregivers to the field. CIAW is a perfect opportunity to highlight your hiring efforts. Visit <a href="https://careersincare.org/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">careersincare.org</a> to learn more!</li><li><strong>Host a facility tour.</strong> Open your doors to the community and host a facility tour for local students, parents, and teachers to showcase the day-to-day operations in your facility. </li><li><strong>Visit your local schools and talk about careers in aging. </strong>Informing the next generation about the opportunities in this profession is critical to meet future workforce needs.</li><li><strong>Participate in job or educational fairs. </strong>The overall goal of these events should be to spark the interest of students and give them a sense of what a career in long term care is all about.</li><li><strong>Plan a community celebration. </strong>Community events can be organized by local businesses, Chambers of Commerce, economic development groups and more. Talk to your community partners about how to best organize a celebration.</li><li><strong>Contribute to the conversation on social media. </strong>Share how you’re celebrating and showcasing careers in aging on social media using the hashtag <strong>#CareersInAging</strong>. Ask your staff, ‘why do you love to work in long term care?’ and share their story on social media!<br></li><li><strong>Host a virtual event. </strong>Offer an easy way for your community to engage, learn more, and ask questions about the career opportunities available in your organization. </li><li><strong>Celebrate your staff. </strong>Host a party to celebrate/thank your staff members, and invite families of staff, residents and their family members. Recognize your staff for accomplishments, like tenure or outstanding customer service.</li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>While CIAW is officially March 26-April 1, any week can be CIAW! How you participate needs to work for you, so feel free to choose what works best! Visit <a href="https://www.geron.org/programs-services/careers-in-aging-week" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">careersinaging.com</a> for CIAW graphics and more resources. <br><br></div><p><br></p> | Save the date for Careers in Aging Week (CIAW), March 26-April 1, 2023. | |
| Careers in Aging: Mary Watkins, Director of Nursing | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Careers-in-Aging-Mary-Watkins.aspx | Careers in Aging: Mary Watkins, Director of Nursing | | | | | 4/19/2022 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Mary%20Watkins%20(3).jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-1" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:300px;height:225px;" />Mary has worked at Wolfe County Health and Rehabilitation Center for 29 years, starting in 1993. She began as a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked at the facility as she finished the Registered Nurse program at Lees College in Jackson, KY. At Wolfe County, she has held many positions, including Charge Nurse, Unit Supervisor, Clinical Coordinator, MDS Coordinator, and currently Director of Nursing. She has dedicated most of her life to caring for the elder population. Due to COVID-19 and the lack of well staff at times she volunteered to work as a charge nurse and nurse aide to care for her facility’s residents.</div><div> <br></div><div>Mary has always been a strong advocate for her resident’s overall well-being, making sure all their needs are met not just physically but also mentally and spiritually. She has been a friend to many residents over the years bringing them fun items that they would not have normally received otherwise such as special candy, clothes, perfume, yarn, puzzles, books, and lotions. Over the years, she made sure residents received Christmas and birthday presents when they did not have family to buy special gifts for them. She makes it a point to become familiar with the residents’ personal choices. She has always been a strong advocate for person-centered care and consistent care assignments. Mary makes her residents feel as though they are loved and gives them her total attention. She encourages them to be as independent as possible. Residents and families have witnessed her strong compassion and empathy. She has a way of calming and reassuring families and residents when they are making the tough decision to place their loved one into the nursing facility. <br></div><div><br></div><div>Mary has worked tirelessly to manage the nursing department during the pandemic, sacrificing many long hours of personal time to ensure adequate staffing. During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when the facility was shut down to visitors, she had her pastor come and pray for the facility’s residents and staff. She also helps elder individuals in her community that may call on her for assistance as it relates to their help concerns. She often takes food to her church elders, helps them manage their medication, and give them sound spiritual and medical advice. <br></div><div><br></div><div>Prior to becoming a nurse, Mary owned a small grocery store. Even then she showed her compassion, love, and generosity toward others. Her compassion towards long term care has encouraged others to enter the field. Many have referred to her as an Angel on this Earth!</div><div>Mary is a mother of two, and Nan of 5 grandchildren plus a bonus grandchild. She has dedicated her life for the service of others. It takes individuals like Mary who possess a life-long dedication and compassion for the elderly population to truly make a difference in their lives. The residents and staff genuinely treasure her. She is a tremendous positive influence and has a way of bringing out the best in people. She goes above and beyond in her volunteer work in the community and her facility. Mary has gone above and beyond in the field of elder care for almost 30 years.<br></div><div><br></div> | AHCA/NCAL highlights Mary Watkins for Careers in Aging Week. | |
| Careers in Aging: Amanda Woods, Activities Director | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Careers-in-Aging-Amanda-Woods.aspx | Careers in Aging: Amanda Woods, Activities Director | | | | | 4/19/2022 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Amanda%20Woods%20(7).jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:125px;height:248px;" />Amanda has spent her whole career in the health care community, working as a CNA for more than 11 years to an Activities Director for going on six years. “My heart is in this world fully,” Amanda said. Amanda loves and cares for every resident she works with, and strives to make their days a little brighter and bring their families a little closer every day. <br></div><div><br></div><div>Amanda finds joy in making the little things that residents appreciate happen. “I find that remembering small details they like in their day to day lives is very important. If they like 3 tissues in their pocket or their hair parted to the left. These are the things that make me happy to take care of them.” </div><div><br></div><div>“Taking care of someone else's loved one is one of the most rewarding and hardest jobs there is. I am grateful every day that I got chosen to be one of those people,” Amanda said.<br><br></div><p><br></p> | AHCA/NCAL highlights Amanda Woods for Careers in Aging Week. | |
| Careers in Aging: Kazar Lewis, LPN, Unit Manager | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Careers-in-Aging-Kazar-Lewis.aspx | Careers in Aging: Kazar Lewis, LPN, Unit Manager | | | | | 4/18/2022 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/kazar%20(9).jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-1" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:200px;height:267px;" />Kazar has always had a passion for taking care of others. Kazar's grandmother had Alzheimer’s, and she took care of her until she passed away. Kazar started her career in long term care as an aide, and worked her way through nursing school. <br></div><div><br></div><div>“I love being able to help people and make them smile especially when they are at their lowest. I enjoy making people feel special.”<br></div><div><br></div><div>“You have to have a heart and compassion. I love it. Just to be there for people when they don’t have anyone else. It is a life changing career.”<br></div> | AHCA/NCAL highlights Kazar Lewis for Careers in Aging Week. | |
| Careers in Aging: Amy Malkin, Chief Operating Officer | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Careers-in-Aging-AmyMalkin.aspx | Careers in Aging: Amy Malkin, Chief Operating Officer | | | | | 4/17/2022 4:00:00 AM | | <div><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Amy%20Malkin%20(2).jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:239px;height:239px;" />Amy started her career in long term care in 1991 as a dietary assistant in a skilled nursing facility. She was quickly promoted to the cook position, after receiving on-the-job training. Amy was then taught how to do nutritional charting and was promoted to a dietary manager. Soon after, she was asked to take over management of ancillary departments, such as housekeeping, laundry, and activities. Each department Amy worked in, she learned on-the-job how they work which allowed her to be a good support system for the department employees moving forward. Eventually, Amy was promoted to the Chief Operating Officer of a health care group that operates skilled nursing, assisted living and home health. <br></div><div><br></div><div>“I feel my story can be inspiring. Throughout all of this, I have never received any formal education. I have no university or college degree. I was able to learn on the job and be promoted from within,” Amy said.</div><div><br></div><div>Amy now serves on the Arizona Health Care Association Board of Directors, and on AHCA/NCAL’s committees and Future Leaders Program. </div><div><br></div><div>“The most rewarding part for me is when I get the opportunity to see employees grow professionally, and when you can help a resident and/or their family members. Family members will often come up to me in the community and thank me for the care provided to their family member, long after the family member has been discharged from our center,” Amy said.<br></div><div><br></div><div>Amy is a quintessential example of the growth opportunities that careers in aging present.<br></div><div><br></div> | AHCA/NCAL highlights Amy Malkin for Careers in Aging Week. | |
| Careers in Aging: Jerry Keller, Maintenance Technician | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Careers-in-Aging-Jerry-Keller,-Plant-Operations.aspx | Careers in Aging: Jerry Keller, Maintenance Technician | | | | | 4/22/2021 4:00:00 AM | | <div><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/JKellerPicture.jpeg" class="ms-rtePosition-1" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:194px;height:293px;" />After working at Lucy Corr through a painting contractor for over 2 years, Jerry Keller joined the Plant Operations team in April 2018. Responsible for all wall repair, painting and woodwork, Jerry heads up many projects for the facility's nurses station, front lobby in the Health Care Center, and bathrooms in the front of the Health Care Center. <span style="font-size:11pt;">Jerry also helps with important tasks, like installing window blinds, renovation of the cottages and apartments, and replacing floor tiles. The aesthetic and functionality of the facility all have Jerry's magic touch, and his work is so critical to keeping Lucy Corr looking pristine every day. </span></div><div><br></div> | Responsible for all wall repair, painting and woodwork, Jerry heads up many projects for the facility's nurses station, front lobby in the Health Care Center, and bathrooms in the front of the Health Care Center. | |