The scene is almost always the same – it opens in a crowded bar, or a restaurant, even at a live event someone is in trouble, then someone nearby yells out, “is there a doctor in the house?” That scene is proof that some jobs will find you far beyond the office, far beyond the uniform, and far beyond the desk. When you are dealing with the safety of others, you are expected to answer that call, even at a football game, or while enjoying a meal, or even, during a major storm. Here are some examples of our heroic employees and how they helped keep our residents safe during Hurricane Ian.
Cynthia Ladue-LPN- Healthcare Coordinator, Aston Gardens At Tampa Bay
Cindy was ready for Hurricane Ian, she was one of several team members of Aston Garden At Tampa Bay who packed up their backpacks and an air-mattress, ready to help our Assisted Living and Memory Care residents who had been told Tuesday morning we had to follow a mandatory evacuation to another community. Cindy, along with the first group of evacuees, loaded up her personal vehicle with supplies and was on her way. She made sure our residents felt at home, safe and loved, even though they were far from their home. Cindy worked with minimal sleep but did it with a smile on her face throughout the entire two days we were out of the community. She pitched in to blow up all the air mattresses and make beds for all the residents. She served the residents meals while singing and dancing! Her upbeat attitude was a breath of fresh air for not only the residents, but the staff as well. A true nurse with an amazing heart, Cindy’s love for the residents is inspiring. She displays excellence in nursing and advocates for them as though they were her own family and if you ask her, she will tell you…”they are my family.”
Michelle Mejia- Care Manager, Aston Gardens At Tampa Bay
Michelle made the difficult decision to leave her five children at home with her husband and come along with the residents during their evacuation. Michelle stayed the entire three days. Her entire focus was always the well-being of the residents. She made sure to assist with getting them their medications on time, as well as provide assistance with the residents’ activities of daily living under her care. As the hurricane approved on Wednesday, the rain fell and the wind blew, Michelle grabbed jars of peanut butter and jelly and started making PB&J sandwiches for all the residents and team members. The residents and staff all raved that they were the BEST PB&J sandwiches they had ever had! We know that’s true because, although Michelle was sleep deprived and missing her family, she made them with a heart full of love for her Aston Gardens family.
Craig Tilman-Driver-Caregiver, Aston Gardens At Tampa Bay
Craig dropped everything last minute to come and help with the evacuation of our residents. He pulled up to the assisted living building 20 minutes after we knew we had to evacuate with a smile on his face and said, “I’m ready, let’s do this.” Craig was with our residents from Tuesday until Thursday afternoon when we were able to return home. He quickly switched from driver to caregiver when we arrived at the evacuation facility. Craig helped every team member and resident with numerous tasks. He assisted each resident under his care without hesitation as well as offered support to the team in general. His leadership skills and kindness were on display the entire time. Craig is going to continue his studies in nursing and it was evident during this evacuation that he will be an extraordinary nurse who will provide excellent care to his residents.
Donna Carey-LPN-Healthcare Coordinator, Admin Assistant, Aston Gardens At Tampa Bay
Donna arrived to work Tuesday ready to ride out the storm with our residents. Donna helped coordinate room assignments once we had evacuated all AL & memory residents to the other facility since they would all have to be separated in 5 different areas and separate floors. This was our first time evacuating and we were all experiencing this for the first time, including the residents, but you would never know this by the confidence and strength Donna displayed the entire 3 days from evacuation to return to our home at Aston Gardens. Donna made sure to help keep the residents hydrated, safe, and well rested while far away from their home. She is a true nurse with a heart of Gold.
Cristal Torres-Activities Coordinator, Aston Gardens At Tampa Bay
Cristal went above and beyond keeping all the residents hydrated, well-nourished and safe while still keeping activities going for the residents during our evacuation. Cristal was able to pull off an impromptu show for the residents on one of our nights out of the facility. She made sure to keep a smile on our resident’s faces and was our official barista for the 2 days we were off property. Caffeine was a necessity for us all. Thank you, Cristal!!
Jason Elizondo-Security, Aston Gardens At Tampa Bay
Jason covered security shifts DURING the storm and covered overnight. He could have easily chosen to stay with his family, but he came to work and ensured our residents were safe. His commitment to Aston and willingness to help the security department is greatly appreciated. He definitely went above and beyond.
Greg Mota-Driver, Aston Gardens At Tampa Bay
Before the storm arrived, Greg assisted with driving food/supplies to another community that our AL residents evacuated to. After the storm, he drove supplies down to the Sarasota area for the people who desperately needed them. His willingness to get supplies where they needed to be, was extremely helpful and very much needed. Is there a Discovery Team Member in the house? I know it doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, but what it does have is the same grit, the same answer to the call to action, the same work beyond the office, work beyond the workday, and work beyond the description and title. The work we do is care, and we care way too much to put any limitations on when, where and how we show up and do the work.
Is there a Discovery Team Member in the house? I know it doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, but what it does have is the same grit, the same answer to the call to action, the same work beyond the office, work beyond the workday, and work beyond the description and title. The work we do is care, and we care way too much to put any limitations on when, where and how we show up and do the work.
