Heroes of Long Term Care

Sandra Tapley, Statewide DON of the Year

Wolfe County Health and Rehab Center, Campton

Sandra is an advocate for residents and staff, as evidenced by the low turnover rate and the response to initiatives to implement consistent staffing. It is not uncommon to find families of residents dropping by her office to discuss care routines, or to see her on the facility’s float in community parades waving to the crowd. She found a unique way to keep residents connected to the community by asking high school seniors to stop by the facility for pictures on prom night. She spearheaded the Person Centered Care effort at Wolfe County, championing consistent staffing among nurse aides. She has seen residents with challenging behaviors respond favorably to having a consistent nurse aide. She then added a nurse aide position from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to give more one-on-one attention to residents. This position has proven to be beneficial at night when dementia residents exhibit more behaviors and can use the indvidual attention.

For more information on how to submit your Hero of Long Term Care, contact Steve McClain at smcclain@kahcf.org