Family members who work together at GlenFields help create a homelike environment for our residents.
When Pat Schilling, TMA, NAR, was 17 years old, she began working at Glenhaven, the original nursing home at GRH before GlenFields was created.
“When you look back at it all now, there are so many memories,” said Pat. “We did things so differently then – there have been a lot of good changes and remodels.”
One such change has been the implementation of the household model of care, which means residents live in “households,” or living units made up of 18 private rooms, and shared community spaces such as a kitchen and dining room, living room, and sunrooms. The household model of care is geared to help GlenFields create a true homelike feeling for our residents.
This is easy to do when many of your staff are actually family!
Pat’s daughter, Sam Thompson, RN, grew up watching her mother work at GlenFields, eventually deciding to pursue a career in healthcare herself.
“I always felt a pull in that direction,” said Sam. “Nothing else felt right – it just felt like nursing was meant to be.”
Sam began working as a CNA before becoming an RN in 2016. She went on to get her BSN, and began working as an RN Care Coordinator at GlenFields in 2018. Pat and Sam both worked together in the same household for a year and a half during the pandemic.
“It was nice because we’re on the same brain wave,” said Sam. “We’re just in tune with one another, which makes problem solving even easier.”
Now, Pat primarily works in our short-stay household in GlenFields, Fair Winds, but sometimes covers shifts in other households, where she and Sam get to work together.
“It makes coming to work a little more fun,” said Pat. “Knowing that you’re going to bump into each other is always something to look forward to.”
Pat and Sam aren’t the only mother-daughter duo at GlenFields – and they’re not even the only mother-daughter duo in their family! Pat’s mother, Phyllis, once worked at our nursing home and is now a resident with us. Pat and Sam don’t often work in the household Phyllis lives in, but know that she’s being cared for like family.
Part of the Household
In the household model of care, employees typically work in the same household each shift, which allows them to develop closer bonds with the residents who live there.
“You form closer relationships with people, from the residents to the staff,” said Sam. “You’re also able to pick up on the little things even more – you can tell when a resident’s mood is off one day, which can make it even easier to tell when they’re not feeling well or something is bothering them.”
For Pat, the best part about working at GlenFields is that connection to the residents and other staff.
“We have such a good group here,” said Pat. “The whole community at GRH is so friendly.”
“Everyone is supportive of each other here,” Sam agreed. “The GlenFields team is exactly that – a team. We’re all each others’ cheerleaders. It’s a great place for our residents to live and our staff to work.”
All in the Family
Pat and Sam aren’t the only family who work at GlenFields – among many other family duos, Melissa Sanchez, RN, and her niece, Bianca Espinoza, CNA, also work at GlenFields. Melissa has been with GlenFields for 9 years, and Bianca recently went through our Nursing Assistant Training program and began working at GlenFields in December.
“Seeing Melissa go through her schooling and begin working at GlenFields sparked my interest in healthcare,” said Bianca. “She was really my inspiration.”
Both Melissa and Bianca enjoy the opportunity to help others and get to know our residents.
“It’s rewarding getting to know our residents in every aspect. We not only know them as a whole, but what molded them into the person they are today,” said Melissa.
While Melissa and Bianca work in different households, both agree that having dedicated households helps build a warmer environment for residents.
“With the household model of care, the residents are able to direct their own lives. This enables staff to learn their routines, habits, and interests, which really aid in getting to know them on a deeper level. Quality of life is so important at GlenFields, and we want to make sure that every aspect of their lives is met safely so they can feel their best,” said Melissa.
“These aren’t just our residents, they’re also our family.”
“It’s a very comforting environment,” Bianca agreed. “It’s always so warm and inviting, and the household coordinators decorate for every season in each household.”
Bianca and Melissa noted that staff involve residents during their holiday celebration planning.
“For example, during Halloween, the community is invited to GlenFields. The residents are able to hand out candy and see everyone in their cute costumes,” said Melissa. “Seeing how this excites the residents and how it’s talked about in the following days is truly so amazing – an event like that can really make their day.”
The duo agreed that as much as GlenFields is a warm environment for the residents, it’s just as welcoming for our staff.
“It’s been a great experience working at GlenFields,” said Bianca. “There’s great teamwork here. If anyone is feeling behind, other people pitch in to help them out. Everyone is so welcoming, and we all do whatever we can to support one another, just like a family does.”
