SEE WHAT’S OUT THERE


Nicole Passaro, RN, senior wellness director, The Cabana at Jensen Dunes  The former radiology technician earned her LPN in 2008 and her RN in 2012, then worked her way up in senior living from nursing to managerial roles.


 A cold call from a recruiter led her to her current position.


I had always done some management because we’re in charge of the CNAs and helping LPNs. But it was definitely a bit of a learning curve as far as the management part of it. I think having been in the care


portion of it first helped me, because I’m not afraid to jump in and help. I never was. I will to this day pick up a cart if I have to—and I think that part really helps me keep those skills. I think one of the hardest parts of man-


agement is learning that you can’t please everyone. I had to learn along the line to just be firm, fair, and consistent across the board, and you’ll be okay. In the challenges of communicating with families, you have to kind of step back, take a breath, look at the whole picture, and realize they’re probably scared—especially in a time of a pandemic. They haven’t seen mom in a few months, or whatever the case may be, so it’s a fear reaction. [In senior living,] I like the ability to be


able to help people in their own comfortable place. Whereas most of the time when you’re in a skilled nursing setting or a hospital, you’re helping people that are sick—which


TIP: Even if you’re not in the market for a new job, service, or product, testing the waters once in a while can give you a new perspective or ideas.


is OK—but this is helping to maintain a person’s life, to give them the best life that you can in a healthy way and allow them to be as independent as they can be. I would get [calls from recruiters] all the


time. Something about [the wellness direc- tor offer] just told me I should call back. I learned more about the company, met with the hiring folks and the regionals, and just fell in love with their whole model.


INSPIRED IDEAS FOR INTERGENERATIONAL INTERACTION


The holidays coming up will mean lots of family visits and intergenerational conversation, both live and via technology. But many of us have worn out the favorite topics like pets, TV shows, and food.


If you’re looking for interactions with meaning, the people at GrandPad, the communications and entertainment tablet de- signed specifically for older adults, have these ideas, courtesy Nathan Vogt, director of strategic accounts:


• Discuss three major differences between parenting now and parenting in the past generation.


• Have a younger family member conduct and record an interview of an older family member. Focus on major life and historical events.


• Gain perspective on current events by talking about “then” and “now.” For instance, make a family trivia game of guessing the price of everyday items then, and now.


• Teach younger family members how things were done "back in the day." For example, grandparents can often share household tips and tricks that younger family mem- bers aren’t aware of.


• Establish an Art Appreciation Day when seniors and family members can share a favorite book, song, fashion, or piece of artwork. Take time to talk about why you like it and to share any information you have about the origin of the piece or its meaning.


• Pick a news story and talk about how it affects you, helping each other understand the situation.


• Let children have a “show and tell” on video calls.


• Learn about family heritage and traditions or create a family tree.


• Have a virtual tea party or ice cream social.


• Develop a seated stretching or light exercise routine you can do together virtually via video call.


NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 ARGENTUM.ORG 21


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