A Personal Essay by Susan Scott, PSL Mission Support Committee Member and Cathedral Village Board Chair
Once upon a time I did not know anything about PSL. As a geriatric nurse, I did know about CCRCs, nursing homes, personal care and affordable housing, but questioned the quality and caring attitudes of the industry.
Then, as I was working in a hospital-based home care agency, I was offered an opportunity to collaborate with the Glen Meadows Executive Director to develop a wellness center.
Building a Comprehensive Wellness Continuum
Those years ago, leadership at PSL was not satisfied with the then-current coverage for residents, which was a couple of hours a week by a doctor. The Glen Meadows Executive Director requested a wellness continuum that included five days a week to include physician services, health center physician directorship, vision and hearing services, hospice and homecare. My then employers’ team proposed to include everything requested. We were approved and I headed up the program and provided daily wellness clinic coverage for the first year.
Witnessing PSL's Culture of Inclusive Care
During that time, I witnessed how PSL cared for residents in the CCRC continuum. I was surprised at how inclusive the caregiving was — including the expectation that housekeeping and maintenance “care” about the residents as well as the health care and administrative teams. I knew so many of the residents because they came to the wellness center and subsequently heard that they were pleased with how they were treated as residents and, when needed, as patients. I saw how the health professionals respected residents as their health needs evolved and became substantial. In my view, PSL always did “the right thing” when caring for residents. Indeed, I would have been glad to work in the PSL environment.
My career in geriatric nursing provided me with the opportunity to learn about aging, aging services, and to prepare for aging myself. Over the years, my experiences with PSL as a Trustee, an affiliate Board Chair, Program and Services Committee member, and Mission Support Committee member have taught me that PSL is where one can expect to be treated with quality care and respect.
The PSL Resident Assistance Fund
PSL Resident Assistance Funds help those in need to continue to reside in a PSL community even if their funds become depleted. Helping residents stay where they get excellent care and caring is why I have volunteered my time, talent and treasure for the last 28 years. Will you join me and consider making a gift to your community’s Resident Assistance Fund?
Like this article? Check out the full issue of the Spring Mission Matters publication!