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You know the power of personal touch… warm eye contact, a genuine smile, a gentle hand or assuring hug, just when you need it. At any time, it can transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary one. When you’re ill and aging, it makes all the difference in the world.
So when Roy Johnson, a state-tested nursing assistant (STNA), greets residents at Ohman Family Living at Holly in Newbury Township every morning with his beaming smile and warm touch, he gives each one of them a great start to a new day. He helps them dress, accompanies them to breakfast, and assists them throughout their day with friendly encouragement. Since Roy knows each resident by name, his personal touch includes honoring their particular preferences while keeping them happy, healthy, safe and well-cared for.
“We talk to them, have fun with them, get to know them and their life story,” he says. “The residents depend on us and we’re here to serve them.”
Roy’s outgoing presence sets the tone for his co-workers, too. As an instructor who provides on-the-job training to newly-licensed nursing assistants, he teaches fundamental clinical principles and best practices to new employees through hands-on coaching in compassionate, hands-on care.
The mission, “we are called to serve those entrusted to us,” is the guiding force at Ohman Family Living, which operates three communities in Geauga County plus at-home healthcare services. In each capacity, four core beliefs are at work: The Supremacy of Love, Striving for Excellence, Creating a Homelike Environment and Celebrating Life. The region’s leader in senior living and post-hospital recovery, Ohman Family Living weaves healthcare into the fabric of senior living to promote health and wellness. The organization was founded in 1965 by George Sr. and Joan Ohman. Today, it is owned and managed by the second and third generation of the founders, who reinforce the “Ohman Family Standard of Living” set by their parents.
“This is a family setting; not a corporate setting,” says Christina Duncan, a nursing assistant at Blossom community for the past six years and a nursing scheduler for the past six months. She knows the difference. Over her 23 years in the field, she has worked in corporate-style healthcare facilities where administrators distanced themselves from the staff and patients, and employee turnover was excessive.
At Ohman Family Living, “We match the same nursing assistants to the same residents as much as possible, the residents know us by name, and the administrators are out on the floor a lot more, involved and in touch.”
Since administrators regularly ask residents if they are satisfied with their care, they bring that feedback to the staff and empower the team to live out the Ohman Family Standard of Living and core beliefs through their work, ensuring that residents are comfortable, safe and happy.
Nursing assistant Brenda Goelz exemplifies the Ohman Family standard at the Briar community, where she treats each resident like they are her own mother or father. “I think, what if I was their daughter, coming to visit today? I would want to see that my parent was shaven, clean, brushed and well-cared for. Beyond that, I would want to see that caregivers take a personal interest in them, ask them questions and know their stories.”
With a background in retail, Brenda admits, “Never, in my wildest dreams, did I think I would be doing this for a living. But I love it! It’s hard work but I gave up the stress of retail for the honor of being able to hold someone’s hand when needed. This is so much more meaningful.”
As Ohman Family Living grows, the organization is also expanding its team of like-minded caregivers. Noting that working in senior healthcare is more of a calling than a job, Christina says, “Your heart has to be in it. You need compassion, patience, understanding, an open mind and the willingness to learn.”
Co-president George Ohman Jr. recently commented, “Right attitude transcends talent any day.”
So, if you’re looking for a workplace that values the Supremacy of Love through the personal touch, you should consider Ohman Family Living, where compassionate caregivers find their home.
Learn more about pursuing this calling by clicking here or by watching this video.
Photos L-R: Brenda Goelz, STNA; Christina Duncan, STNA; Roy Johnson, STNA
