In a time when changing jobs every few years has become increasingly common, there is something especially meaningful about a co-worker who chooses to stay, grow and build a career in one community.
At Ecumenical Retirement Community, we are fortunate to have many co-workers in memory care in assisted living who have spent years (and in some cases decades) caring for residents and helping make our community feel like home. We lovingly refer to a co-worker with ten or more years with us as a DINO. It’s our acronym for Decades of Making an Impact Nurturing Others.
After years of service, a DINO at Ecumenical understands that caring for older adults is about much more than completing a list of daily responsibilities. These seasoned team members bring something that cannot be taught in an orientation or learned from a handbook: knowledge of our residents, understanding of our values and a commitment to the countless small details that contribute to exceptional care.
The halo effect of experience in memory care in assisted living
When a co-worker has been part of Ecumenical for many years, that wealth of experience becomes a resource for everyone around them. A DINO has worked alongside residents with a wide variety of needs and developed the judgment that comes from years of hands-on experience. They are often able to anticipate what may be needed and even help newer team members improve their ability to provide thoughtful, individualized support.
That continuity also matters to residents and families. Seeing familiar faces is part of creating comfort and confidence. Residents in memory care in assisted living develop relationships with the people who help care for them each day.
Our residents’ families appreciate knowing that their loved ones are cared for by someone who understands their routines, preferences, personalities and histories. Over time, these staff relationships become an important part of community life.
Passing knowledge from one generation to the next
Longtime co-workers also play an important role in building the next generation of our caregivers and professionals. New co-workers learn policies and procedures through training, but some of the most valuable lessons come from working alongside someone who has spent years putting those principles into practice.
Our experienced co-workers in memory care in assisted living model patience and compassion. They understand how to handle challenging moments while still protecting a resident’s dignity. They can offer encouragement to someone just beginning a career in senior living and share practical knowledge developed through years of service.
Celebrating our DINOs
Ecumenical Retirement Community in Harrisburg has a special tradition for recognizing this kind of dedication. When co-workers reach ten years of service, they are inducted into our Dinosaur Club, or DINO Club. It’s a fun way to celebrate a serious accomplishment.
During National Assisted Living Week, Ecumenical and our sister organization, Country Meadows Retirement Communities, traditionally recognize these co-workers and celebrate the contributions they have made for our residents.
Leading by example
Every year of service represents thousands of conversations, helping hands, reassuring moments, lessons shared and relationships built.
Our tenured co-workers in Harrisburg carry Ecumenical Retirement Community’s history with them while helping shape its future. Their expertise strengthens our teams in memory care in assisted living. Their familiarity reassures residents and families. Their example helps newer co-workers understand what compassionate senior living can look like.
Most importantly, they remind us that excellent care is deeply personal. We are grateful for every co-worker who has chosen to make Ecumenical part of their story, and especially those who have spent a decade or more making an impact and nurturing others. And yes, we think that makes them pretty DINO-mite.
If you’d like to learn more about our staff values and requirements, or want to explore Ecumenical Retirement Community’s memory care in assisted living, please contact us today to schedule a tour of our Harrisburg, PA location.