Last week we highlighted the Return the Love program implemented by the management staff here at Sycamore Village Assisted Living.  The importance of building strong relationships between staff/caregivers and the residents was stressed thoughout the article.  A few examples were given of how the program works.  Another feature, though not discussed in the last article, is the role of "team leader".

Each neighborhood in the community has a team of staff that provide care on a daily basis and each team is assigned a leader.  It is the leader's responsibilty to promote teamwork and problem solving within their group.  By providing morale and improving overall communication, it has proven to decrease employee turnover, resulting in stronger relationships between the staff and the residents.  The staff members get a chance to know the likes and dislikes of each of their residents which allows for more pesonliazed care.  In turn, this allows the residents, and even their families, to build a level of trust and security with the caregivers.
The staff leaders also meet with management once a week to dicuss what is happening in their neighborhoods.  Here they can offer ideas that thier teams have come up with to solve any problems or just suggestions to providing better care overall.

Recently, the management assigned a new team leader, Alphansa Kodianthara, CNA. Alphansa has worked for Sycamore Village for over 7 years and has received two  "hearts" from management for Return the Love. One heart is for her approach with the residents and the other for her efforts in getting to really know those  she cares for.  She loves talking and singing for the residents and though in her native India is considered quite the comedien, she professes that she isnt as funny here due to the language barrier.  Regardless, the residents love her company as much as the daily care she provides them. 

Other team leaders at Sycamore Village include; Wendy Aubuschon, Keesha Blanchard, Ariana Carmin, Tisha Kaiser, Sabrina Molton, and Paula Sronce.