ST. LOUIS MO ( KPLR ) -
Employees and volunteers at Delmar Gardens South Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in St. Louis go the extra mile to make sure residents receive the best possible care.
"Oh my god, you fall in love with them. It's not like taking care of a resident, its like taking care of Grandma, Grandpa," Says retirement community team leader, Patrice Taylor.
This holiday season, family and friends are giving thanks to caregivers who go beyond the call of duty to improve the quality of life of residents in long term care facilities. Alison Fornah, at Parc Provence in Creve Coeur is a musical therapist. She uses her voice and joy to uplift the 125 residents there. "It's very rewarding because you know I'm making a difference. They are smiling, they are singing along, and it's very rewarding for me, too," Said Alison.
Caregivers come in all shapes, sizes and ages. fourteen-year-old Brigett McKenna has been volunteering at Delmar Gardens South for the past six years. She puts in lots of hour, and loves every minute of it, "It's a lot of fun. people don't think so, but it actually is," said Bridgett.
And if residents have a problem or concern, volunteers with the long term care ombudsman program in St. Louis are there to help. The federally mandated non-profit agency works to educate residents about their rights and help solve any problems they may have.
Maureen Hill, the Executive director from the long term care ombudsman program Maureen Hill says, "Residents need a voice. we're their voice of compassion."
The long term care ombudsman of St. Louis is honoring unsung heroes of nursing home facilities December 4th at its annual caregivers award luncheon and silent auction. Tickets are available for the event.
"Oh my god, you fall in love with them. It's not like taking care of a resident, its like taking care of Grandma, Grandpa," Says retirement community team leader, Patrice Taylor.
This holiday season, family and friends are giving thanks to caregivers who go beyond the call of duty to improve the quality of life of residents in long term care facilities. Alison Fornah, at Parc Provence in Creve Coeur is a musical therapist. She uses her voice and joy to uplift the 125 residents there. "It's very rewarding because you know I'm making a difference. They are smiling, they are singing along, and it's very rewarding for me, too," Said Alison.
Caregivers come in all shapes, sizes and ages. fourteen-year-old Brigett McKenna has been volunteering at Delmar Gardens South for the past six years. She puts in lots of hour, and loves every minute of it, "It's a lot of fun. people don't think so, but it actually is," said Bridgett.
And if residents have a problem or concern, volunteers with the long term care ombudsman program in St. Louis are there to help. The federally mandated non-profit agency works to educate residents about their rights and help solve any problems they may have.
Maureen Hill, the Executive director from the long term care ombudsman program Maureen Hill says, "Residents need a voice. we're their voice of compassion."
The long term care ombudsman of St. Louis is honoring unsung heroes of nursing home facilities December 4th at its annual caregivers award luncheon and silent auction. Tickets are available for the event.
