Author: JMP

This month’s lesson:  To give the best care to others, you must first give the best care to yourself. by:  Maverick Castaneda, House Manager, McDonald Every Wednesday morning the Sunrise Care Homes managers meet by video conference to discuss the business of managing four (4) senior assisted living homes.  There is an update by each manager about their home, their staff, and their residents.  They each share what is working well, and how they are going to address those areas which need improvement.  And, there are always discussions about the health and well-being of the residents with each sharing their…

This month's lesson: Get to know your residents–each of them has an inspiring story with lessons to teach us. By: Pam Vance, House Manager, Hayden One of our residents with whom I spent some time getting to know is Dr. Robert Hurt. He is the most distinguished man I have ever known. He is 85 years old and a Dentist. He was married for 30 years.  Mr. Hurt and his wife Gayle loved to travel, especially to Europe. They have 3 daughters. Heather Is a Lawyer. Kathy, the oldest, is an M.D., and Jenny, the youngest, has a Masters's Degree in…

This month's lesson:  When faced with a problem, think outside the box, research solutions, and never give up till you solve it. By Maverick Castaneda, House Manager McDonald Our wonderful Arizona weather–don’t we love it?!  Most of the time, but not when it reaches triple digits.  And not when it is 114 degrees with high humidity.  When it gets that bad all you want to do is stay indoors with the air conditioning on.  Especially when this type of weather can bring insects like mosquitoes, gnats and many other pests. That is the challenge our McDonald house was having recently. …

This month’s Lesson:  Being in a loving, safe environment like a Sunrise Care Home can be a blessing for everyone. BURNOUT WITH GUILT "My mom moved in with my family of five and myself seven years ago. I have two siblings who do not help with Mom; they are MIA! She is bipolar, negative, disabled handicapped, diabetic, thyroid issues, bigger woman, and very much needy. However, to me she is my sweet elderly mom and I love her, BUT I AM TIRED, GRUMPY, AND I FEEL UNDER APPRECIATED. NOT ONLY do I do all mom’s caregiving, I also have two…

This month's Lesson:  Never stop raising the bar for your staff and encouraging them to be their best. By Joan Lichauco, House Manager Sunnyvale I never thought I would be a caregiver for seniors and especially did not think I would go to school to get certified for it.  I expected that I would come to the States and get a job doing what I did back home in the Philippines, for which I already had a degree.  But my boss, the owner of SCH, saw something in me and began to encourage me to get my caregiver’s certificate.  In…