About this iReport
- Posted February 26, 2013 by
- katieatforte Follow
Location
Scarborough, Maine
Scarborough, Maine
More from katieatforte
- Pet Adoption & Fundraiser at The Village at Gleannloch Farms
- Residents at The Village at Gleannloch Farms Further Their Knowledge of the iPad
- Windham Terrace Hosts Firemen's Appreciation Breakfast
- Veteran Relives 46 Days of Being Lost at Sea During Honor Flight
- Coastal Rehab Opens Clinic at Scarborough Terrace
Caregivers Spread Love and Warm Hearts
February is the month most people focus on love, but for two special caregivers at Scarborough Terrace, that time is every day. They are constantly giving of themselves to warm the hearts of residents with mild to moderate dementia in the “Rose Garden” memory care program at Scarborough Terrace. They both find tremendous fulfillment in providing a warm, loving, supportive environment by focusing on the residents’ strengths and personalities rather than their weaknesses. This job is extremely important; especially since 1 in 8 older Americans has Alzheimer’s. Whether helping residents with eating or daily living, Tim Osgood and Kelly Labbe agree that interacting with residents gives them a sense of satisfaction.
“Many people think that our job is depressing, but I find it to be one of the most rewarding jobs out there,” said Osgood, coordinator and overseer of the Rose Garden. “Kelly and I did not know these residents before their memory issues developed. We accept them for who they are today, and we try to share our love with them every day.”
Referred to as “The Rose Garden,” Scarborough Terrace’s specialized memory care program is available to residents with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other forms of memory loss that require extra care and attention. Osgood always tries to throw in humor when helping the residents.
“Scarborough Terrace is a happy place, and The Rose Garden is no exception,” said Osgood. “It’s amazing how the small things I do for these residents daily, impact their whole attitude. I consider making them smile my number one job.”
Caregiver Kelly Labbe helps Osgood in The Rose Garden and enjoys hearing the residents’ advice and wisdom. As this special unit has only 14 residents, Labbe says, “We have become very close with our residents, like an extended family.”
“Many of the residents with dementia don’t remember our names, but they remember our faces,” said Labbe. “Tim and I arrange our schedules around the residents’ in order to always be there when they need us. Just knowing that I’ve made their day better makes my job so fulfilling.”
Labbe enjoys spending time with all of the memory care residents and especially enjoys spending time with the ladies fixing their hair and makeup. “It makes the ladies feel special when their spouse or family visits,” she said.
Spending eight to nine hours a day with their residents can make for a long day, but neither Osgood nor Labbe complain. They even put in extra hours if there is a special event or need.
“We plan special events where our memory care residents are able to socialize with their friends in assisted living,” said Labbe. “Our residents enjoyed the recent Valentine’s Day party and listening to love songs brought back great memories for them.”
The administrative staff is taking the month of February to personally thank the caregivers for sharing their love with the residents all year long.
“We have so many special people who work at Scarborough Terrace, and we are fortunate to have Tim and Kelly on our staff,” said Terry Huntley, executive director of Scarborough Terrace Assisted Living. “Tim has been working with our residents for ten years, and Kelly has been here for six years. They provide a tremendous amount of consistency and dedication that creates a fulfilling environment for our residents in memory care.”
“Many people think that our job is depressing, but I find it to be one of the most rewarding jobs out there,” said Osgood, coordinator and overseer of the Rose Garden. “Kelly and I did not know these residents before their memory issues developed. We accept them for who they are today, and we try to share our love with them every day.”
Referred to as “The Rose Garden,” Scarborough Terrace’s specialized memory care program is available to residents with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other forms of memory loss that require extra care and attention. Osgood always tries to throw in humor when helping the residents.
“Scarborough Terrace is a happy place, and The Rose Garden is no exception,” said Osgood. “It’s amazing how the small things I do for these residents daily, impact their whole attitude. I consider making them smile my number one job.”
Caregiver Kelly Labbe helps Osgood in The Rose Garden and enjoys hearing the residents’ advice and wisdom. As this special unit has only 14 residents, Labbe says, “We have become very close with our residents, like an extended family.”
“Many of the residents with dementia don’t remember our names, but they remember our faces,” said Labbe. “Tim and I arrange our schedules around the residents’ in order to always be there when they need us. Just knowing that I’ve made their day better makes my job so fulfilling.”
Labbe enjoys spending time with all of the memory care residents and especially enjoys spending time with the ladies fixing their hair and makeup. “It makes the ladies feel special when their spouse or family visits,” she said.
Spending eight to nine hours a day with their residents can make for a long day, but neither Osgood nor Labbe complain. They even put in extra hours if there is a special event or need.
“We plan special events where our memory care residents are able to socialize with their friends in assisted living,” said Labbe. “Our residents enjoyed the recent Valentine’s Day party and listening to love songs brought back great memories for them.”
The administrative staff is taking the month of February to personally thank the caregivers for sharing their love with the residents all year long.
“We have so many special people who work at Scarborough Terrace, and we are fortunate to have Tim and Kelly on our staff,” said Terry Huntley, executive director of Scarborough Terrace Assisted Living. “Tim has been working with our residents for ten years, and Kelly has been here for six years. They provide a tremendous amount of consistency and dedication that creates a fulfilling environment for our residents in memory care.”
- TAGS:
- memory,
- care,
- caregivers,
- terrace,
- scarborough
What do you think of this story?
Select one of the options below. Your feedback will help tell CNN producers what to do with this iReport. If you'd like, you can explain your choice in the comments below.
Be and editor! Choose an option below:
iReport welcomes a lively discussion, so comments on iReports are not pre-screened before they post. See the iReport community guidelines for details about content that is not welcome on iReport.
© 2013 Cable News Network. 
Comments