OHCA The Oregon Caregiver Fall Winter 2020

www.ohca.com FALL/WINTER 2020 The Oregon Caregiver 25 PROFILE to accomplish care goals and produce quality outcomes. The relationships for sure. It’s such a privilege to be able to be a part of the lives of seniors at this point in their lives. It’s all of the relationships: the residents, their families, and our amazing staff. What has been the biggest challenge in your career? Definitely COVID-19. Basically, 2020. This was my first year as an administrator/executive director with a construction project to add independent living residences to our community and remodel our assisted living. Then COVID-19 happened, and we opened our independent living residences in the midst of COVID-19. It’s been a huge challenge, but it has also been amazing to see our team pull together and work so hard to keep our residents safe and healthy. We are doing it as a team! What has been the highlight of your career? Any time someone has sent a card, made a phone call, or mentioned in-person that we did a great job caring for them or their loved one are the biggest and best highlights. The highlight of my career is to have been given the opportunity to lead this team and to be honored with this award. I never imagined being nominated for this award. It is very humbling. What is your best advice to an aspiring administrator? We should be always listening and always learning. It’s so important that our staff recognize their own importance. No matter the job that they have, one is not more important than the other, includ- ing my own role. If they aren’t doing their best every day, then collectively, we can’t do our best. We all play an impor- tant and valuable role in the success of our community. What is the best advice you have ever received? Our present actions determine our future. Treat others how you wish to be treated. What is the biggest lesson you have learned this year? Do what you can, while you can. Even in a pandemic, you need to find ways to have fun. Laugh a little more, sing a little more, and do whatever it takes to make someone smile. What is your goal for next year? I want to have a deficiency-free annual survey. Honestly, I would love for us to see the end of this pandemic! I don’t think I’m alone in that. I think that all who work in long term care during this time are truly heroes. The sacrifices that our staff have made, and continue to make, to keep our residents safe, should not be overlooked. They are amazing! It’s so important that our staff recognize their own importance. No matter the job they have, one is not more important than the other. Sara Sievers, The Springs at Sherwood