Laurie Sept is a resident caregiver at Harding Place/Horizon Health—a housing-with-services residence and comprehensive home care site for men—with a strong emphasis towards Veterans. Laurie has been a caregiver at Harding Place for over 11 years and has worked in senior care for more than 15. Nominated by Laurie Doroff, Harding Place Manager, here’s what Laurie Doroff had to say about this year’s Caregiver of the Year award recipient:

Laurie is one of those employees that everyone wishes for. She doesn't just show up, she is present. Laurie gets to know each of the residents at Harding Place. She is attentive and responds accordingly— which the residents appreciate and acknowledge. She goes out of her way to show the residents that she cares and is doing this job for way more than a paycheck, it is for them!

Laurie also takes care of their home, room, and personal belongings as if it were her own. She is attentive to the extra little things—like folding their clothes a certain way, making their beds the way they like them, getting them certain blankets that they appreciate, or dusting areas that may not always be obvious. Laurie is my go to person when hiring new staff and scheduling site training, as you do as you are taught and her exhibition is what I like to have taught.

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When asked for examples of Laurie's empathy: There was a resident on hospice care, struggling, and with no family around. Laurie had worked the day shift on the weekend and at the end of the shift, Laurie stayed with this gentleman until he passed so he would not be alone. how lucky this gentleman was to have to have been at our facility with her being scheduled that day!

Another occasion: a resident was experiencing physical concerns and required medical attention. Laurie accompanied him to the emergency room; he was then transferred to the hospital. He had difficulty communicating so she went to the hospital and was his voice until they had him admitted.

A comment from her co-worker: “Laurie is not only my mentor, she is my friend. She interacts with the residents very well, helping them with their emotional and physical needs. She is also mechanically inclined—putting stuff back together—at least until maintenance arrives—and will use a whole roll of duct tape.”