For a person with dementia, whether due to Alzheimer’s disease or another cause, the world can become an increasingly confusing, complex and frustrating place, leading to what are sometimes termed “behavioral expressions.”
For a caregiver, these behaviors or expressions — ranging from agitation and wandering to withdrawal or aggression — can be especially challenging. On-the-job training to understand what’s behind these expressions — and the best approaches to care for people with reduced cognitive function — are greatly appreciated by Azura Memory Care employees like Noella Corona.
“It’s just really helped me when I was working with the residents to step into the position that they’re in and approach them the way that I would want to be approached if I was in their position,” said Corona, move-in coordinator — and previously, quality of life coordinator — at Azura, which was named a Top Workplace for the first time.
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Along with formal training, staff describe an unbroken support network from leadership to a cohesive team that allows caregivers to be a rock — and a soft place — for residents. According to employee survey responses and interviews, that includes an environment where coworkers and managers provide needed, timely assistance, care about the well-being of staff and set a tone of kindness — which in turn is reflected in the way residents are treated.
“Any time I have felt that I was stumped on what to do, there’s so many people at Azura that have been there for so long that have this amazing education on how to handle those situations,” Corona explained. “There’s always somebody that can help you and teach you and give you that right approach.”
For Jessica Schober, a caregiver and house supervisor at Azura, caregiving runs in the family, but that didn’t mean it was intuitive for her. “I was scared to death when I started here 15 years ago. My mom actually worked here,” she said. At the time Schober was simply looking for a job; now it’s a career. “I would never do anything else,” she said.
The regular training opportunities, selfless coworkers that stepped in when she needed a break and just the overall supportive culture has helped her grow and rise to meet daily challenges, Schober said.
Fellow caregiver and house supervisor Lane Pearson echoes that.
“You never know how the day will go because dealing with memory care is not easy,” she said. “I think just having a strong team helps me a lot.”
In addition to recognizing employees like Pearson for embodying the core values of commitment, love, innovation, compassion and kindness, Azura offers opportunities for members and residents to experience mountaintop moments together. Corona has been able to help residents achieve “dreams” ranging from getting an honorary degree from a local university to going out for ice cream — nothing is too big or small, and all based on what residents want.
Such out-of-the-box opportunities are a highlight for residents and represent growth opportunities for employees.
“I don’t know where I would be on my career path without Azura and everything they’ve done for me,” Pearson said.
It all comes full circle in the goodwill generated — employees who feel the love, share it.
“It’s not just us caregivers that are a family … our residents are our family too,” Schober said. “This is a very loving place to work.”
