The Kind of Care You Can’t Put a Price On

You could say that caregiving runs in Patty’s family. Her mother and sisters worked in senior living communities, and while Patty didn’t think she’d follow in their footsteps, it’s obvious that she ended up exactly where she belongs.

While many grandchildren have loving relationships with their grandparents, Patty’s grandmother was her best friend, an unshakable bond that she’s grateful for. Patty cared for her until her last breath and is now bringing that fierce compassion and care to Bowman Place.

When asked about how she came to work at Bowman Place, Patty chuckles, “Bowman Place found me.” That was about four years ago. Her resume aligned with what was needed for an open position and she was hired, initially as the Activities Assistant. But Patty is someone who wears multiple hats so while her title is currently Wellness Coordinator, you can also find her doing a slew of other jobs like driving residents to and from appointments or filling in at the front desk. She also likes to deliver newspapers to residents’ doorsteps daily with a friendly knock and a “good morning.”

It’s a way to check in on some residents who might need a little extra attention.

“I’m always looking for ways to improve things for residents,” says Patty. “If something needs to be addressed, I speak up. I’m an advocate for them – good, bad or ugly. Sometimes I’ll even join them during their appointments. Some residents have families who live far away. It gives their loved-ones peace of mind when I give them updates, and you really can’t put a price on that.”

Oh, and she’s also the assistant to the Puzzle Master.

Lou is the Puzzle Master. At 101 years old he’ll spend hours working on puzzles in the light-filled game room just off the main entrance at Bowman Place. He started “working” puzzles after losing his wife, a kind of quiet therapy. Now, everyone joins in, including his assistant, Patty. That’s the thing about Bowman Place – when someone is struggling, the community comes together to check in and provide love, support and sometimes even help find that missing piece.

The activities calendar at Bowman is chock-full of social opportunities whether you’re a yogi, gamer (BINGO!), music buff, or prefer a craft cocktail – there’s truly something for everyone. At a recent bowling outing, Patty talked a few hesitant residents into tagging along.

“I told them they didn’t have to bowl a strike every time. They just needed to roll it down the lane. And you know what? They had fun! I think it’s good to get out of your comfort zone. It’s good to be challenged.”

For Patty it’s never about job titles or daily tasks. It’s about showing up, paying attention and making sure no one feels alone. It’s the kind of care that feels less like service, and more like family.