Physical Therapy Assistant
Orchid Cove at New Port Richey
“I love my job and what I do, our residents become family to us. If I can make them smile each day, I am a happy camper!”
FHCA Pulse
Physical Therapy Assistant
Orchid Cove at New Port Richey
“I love my job and what I do, our residents become family to us. If I can make them smile each day, I am a happy camper!”
Director of Wellness Programs and Activities
Orchid Cove at New Port Richey
“With purpose I chose Therapeutic Recreation, which allows limitless possibilities to person centered quality of life. My choice for gerontology comes from the passion to give to those who have given all of their lives to others. With purpose and passion, I strive to be the difference that makes a difference.”
Administrator
Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home
“As a nurse and an Administrator, caring for aging individuals and providing the best possible care, support and love has been the best reward that any person could have. I have been able to go home every day for 30 years knowing that I have made a difference in someone’s life.”
March 8-13, 2021 is National Long Term-Care Administrator’s Week. During this week, staff, residents, families, and volunteers have the opportunity to say “thank you” and honor the administrators who lead our nation’s long-term care communities. This year LTC Administrator’s Week takes on added significance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our state’s Long Term Care leaders have lead the way in the battle with this virus. The physical and emotional toll has placed undue strain on the profession. They have been thrust into an unwanted spotlight and often vilified in the media. Subject to a conflicting and changing regulatory environment, without adequate protective equipment and with the fear that they might carry the virus home to their own families, these leaders have been on the job since last March. Now the vaccine provides some light at the end of the tunnel.
Florida and the entire nation owe our Long-Term Care administrators a debt of gratitude. Let us take some time to show our appreciation to these leaders.
Administrators are key players in the care team and are entrusted with the responsibility of managing the care of our loved ones. They touch the lives of residents and families, and, most importantly, ensure that their staff provides the highest level of quality care to a vulnerable population.
To become an administrator takes commitment and dedication. They undertake a rigorous internship, followed by state and national exams. Upon becoming an administrator, they must continue life-long learning to provide the best care possible. They are masters of multi-tasking, taking into account every aspect of a person’s life, not just their medical needs, while building a sense of home and community.
Florida Health Care Association is honored and privileged to represent the hundreds of long term care administrators whose care centers are members of our Association. “We salute these leaders who are committed to providing excellent quality of care and quality of life for those entrusted to their care,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA Executive Director.
The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) is the sponsor of Long-Term Care Administrator’s Week
Two Sarasota long term healthcare heroes were part of history Sunday as they stood inside Raymond James Stadium and watched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers become Super Bowl LV champions.
The tickets were gifted to Heartland Health Care & Rehabilitation Center of Sarasota, a 140-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, which held a random drawing of twice-vaccinated staff to choose who would attend. Administrator Nicole Verdon and Physical Therapist Michelle Pahl were selected for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Before the game, Nicole and Michelle enjoyed a Healthcare Heroes tailgate party planned by the National Football League and a photo opportunity next to the original Lombardi Trophy at the NFL Hall of Fame display. Upon entering the field, they were welcomed and congratulated by everyone working and attending the game. A special tribute to healthcare workers, as well as premade signs, were all part of the experience to recognize their endless dedication to keeping Floridians, including our state’s seniors, safe during the pandemic.
“It is amazing to see and feel the recognition of health care workers at this level” stated Verdon, “The entire industry, including long term care, has been hit exceptionally hard. It has been a harrowing year.”
Verdon continued, “Michelle was especially deserving of this experience. She was working in our COVID unit 8+ hours a day, in full gear, with a smile behind her mask. She shows up every day, giving all that she can to seeing her rehabilitation patients improve their physical skills. She helped out at sister facilities when needed, without having to ask twice. She’s an amazing team player! Her story, along with every other person behind the closed doors of long term care, are deserving of this special recognition. It is our hope that they continue from the community, and people recognize the importance of wearing masks and vaccinations to move our industry forward.”