Careers in Aging Caregiver Profile
Ginny O’Hare, Activities Director of the Clifford C. Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Panama City
My long-term care career began in 1991 as a housekeeper at Lisenby Retirement and Nursing Facility. It was there that I fell in love with the recreational aspect of the field. I watched as the Activity Director played games, organized parties, and spent her time just having fun all day long with the residents. I knew that was what I wanted to do.
When she left the facility, the administrator asked me to step in and help until they could find her replacement. I quickly found out what I needed to do to be her replacement, went to school, and obtained a certification from the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals. That’s when my dream job became my dream career! I worked at Lisenby for 13 years and loved every minute of it.
I now work at Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home where I have had the pleasure of entertaining our nation’s heroes for the last 20 years. The facility is blessed with overwhelming support from Bay County and surrounding counties, which provides a rich and satisfying quality of life for our veterans.
Sims’ residents participate in several special events every year, including the annual Miracle League Baseball Game, sponsored by the Emerald Coast Rotary Club. We have a close working relationships with Tyndall Air Force Base, AMVETS, American Legions, VFW, Fleet Reserve, Women’s’ Clubs, and the Hope Project, which continue to afford Sims’ residents the opportunity to enjoy fish fries, motorcycle parades, fishing trips, dinners at several restaurants in town, and most importantly the camaraderie of other veterans in the area.
My goal at the facility is to make sure every Sims veteran feels loved, needed, and valued as a person and that they know every day we are grateful for the sacrifices they made for our freedoms. Every time I get a smile or a hug that lets me know that I am on the right track. I am passionate about what I do and I believe many of my coworkers feel the same. What better way to spend your day than by serving others who have already served you?
