Compassionate Senior Care: Sharon Albright's Journey at the Long Community

For over 13 years, Sharon Albright has been an essential part of the Long Community at Presbyterian Senior Living (PSL), bringing her dedication, compassion, and a spirit of service to her role as an AHS (At-Home Services) Aide. Starting in senior care as a part-time role, Sharon’s journey has been one of resilience and personal connection, and her bond with the Long Community has only grown deeper as she’s watched it evolve.

A Journey from Proofreading to Senior Care

Before joining PSL, Sharon worked in Lancaster’s once-thriving printing industry as a proofreader. However, as outsourcing became common and the industry declined, she started looking for a more stable path. A people person at heart, Sharon felt drawn to senior care and decided to take on a part-time role at PSL. As fate would have it, on her very first day, she learned her full-time job was being phased out. This unexpected turn led her to invest herself fully in senior care, and before long, Sharon had embraced her new role wholeheartedly.

The transition was more than a career change; it felt like a calling. Sharon enjoys the interactions with seniors, appreciating the unique perspectives and histories they share. “I’ve always loved working with older people. I wanted a change, and the position just seemed interesting,” she says, reflecting on her decision to join PSL. From that first day, Sharon knew she’d found a place where she could make a difference, and her role eventually grew into a full-time career.

Growing with the Long Community

The Long Community has been part of PSL since 2012, and Sharon has been there from the beginning, seeing it evolve into what it is today. She describes the experience fondly, saying, “I feel like I’ve seen the baby born and grow.” When she first started, the Long Community included two floors of personal care, independent living apartments, and a couple of market-rate units. Now, it’s a unique community within PSL, as it is one of the few without skilled nursing services. “If residents need skilled care, they go to Ware or another nearby community,” she explains. This structure allows Sharon and her team to provide focused, personalized support to residents, and it fosters a close-knit environment.

As a long-standing member of the team, Sharon has witnessed the Long Community’s growth and transition firsthand, developing relationships with residents that extend far beyond basic care. She recalls attending the 95th birthday celebration of one of her first residents alongside Meghan, now the campus administrator. “Those memories are so special,” she says. These experiences remind Sharon of the personal connections that make her role so meaningful.

A Day in the Life of an AHS Aide

Sharon’s days are filled with variety, a feature she loves about her role. Her responsibilities go far beyond assisting with personal care; she provides companionship and practical support to help residents maintain their independence and quality of life. Sharon assists residents with tasks like showering or standing by for safety, and she also ensures their pets are well cared for. “Some residents have dogs or cats, but they may not be able to walk them or clean litter boxes. I enjoy helping with those kinds of things,” she says. Sharon has even looked after a resident’s bird, always eager to help residents enjoy their pets.

One of Sharon’s favorite activities is cleaning windows, where she finds satisfaction in seeing the immediate results of her work. But her responsibilities also include driving residents to appointments, shopping trips, and excursions. She has even learned to drive the community’s 12-seater minibus for “Quest” outings, including trips to the mall and holiday light tours. “The residents are so grateful and thankful for driving the bus for shows and trips,” she shares. It’s this appreciation that keeps Sharon motivated and makes each day fulfilling.

The Long Community’s smaller size gives Sharon the chance to wear many hats and interact closely with residents. “It’s not just about cleaning apartments; it’s about making life a little easier and brighter for the residents,” she explains. Sharon’s role combines a bit of everything, from caregiving to transportation, creating a dynamic work environment that keeps her engaged.

Building Bonds with Residents and Colleagues

Sharon’s relationships with the residents are one of the highlights of her work. She finds joy in getting to know them personally, learning about their histories, families, and cherished memories. One resident, who Sharon describes as “stubborn and sassy,” has become a particularly close friend. Sharon’s genuine interest in each resident helps build trust and understanding, allowing her to provide not just care but a comforting presence.

Sharon also treasures her relationships with her coworkers, especially Meghan, the campus administrator. “When Meghan first came, she was the only full-time AHS person, and everyone else was part-time. Now, we have a small but mighty team,” she says. The close-knit dynamic helps the team work together seamlessly. “We do what we can for each other and for the residents. I think that’s what makes us such a strong team,” she adds.

A Unique Community with a Family Feel

The Long Community’s unique setup and culture create a strong sense of family among residents and staff. Sharon highlights the generosity of the residents, many of whom contribute to the Employee Appreciation Fund each December. This fund, weighted by team member status, allows PSL to distribute a holiday gift to every staff member, a gesture that means a lot to Sharon. “The residents are very generous. That shows the hearts of the residents we have,” she says.

Sharon appreciates the smaller community size, which fosters personal connections and a supportive atmosphere. “It’s a team in the truest sense of the word,” she reflects. This team spirit is evident in the daily interactions between staff members, each of whom shares a commitment to providing the highest level of care.

Valuable Benefits and Long-Term Dedication

Over her 13 years with PSL, Sharon has grown to appreciate the benefits that PSL offers its employees. One of the most valuable perks for her is the option to buy back annual leave hours twice a year, a benefit she finds especially helpful in today’s economy. “You can buy back a maximum of 30 hours if you have a lot in the bank, which is great,” she explains. She also values PSL’s generous leave accrual policy, which has allowed her to build a substantial leave balance over the years.

For Sharon, PSL’s commitment to its employees is evident in the way it listens to team members’ needs and concerns. “I feel like I’m heard,” she says, explaining that PSL genuinely values employee feedback and strives to create a positive work environment.

A Bright Future at PSL

Reflecting on her time with PSL, Sharon is grateful for the opportunity to work in a place where she feels appreciated and valued. The combination of meaningful work, a supportive team, and close relationships with residents has made her career at PSL fulfilling and enjoyable. Sharon looks forward to many more years of service, embracing each day with enthusiasm and dedication.

In her role as an AHS Aide, Sharon brings joy, kindness, and a personal touch to her work, making a lasting impact on the lives of residents and colleagues alike. Her story is one of loyalty, compassion, and a true commitment to making the Long Community a place where every resident feels at home.