Shelly Estes has been wearing the Activities Director hat for a few years at Cherry Village Benevolence and now has been fitted with a second title.
Estes is the new Social Services Designee (SSD) at the short- and long-term-care residence at 1401 Cherry Lane in Great Bend. As the SSD, Estes collaborates with every Cherry Village department to ensure each resident feels at home.
“This additional title means I am even more of an advocate for our residents and their families,” Estes said. “If they have any problem or question, I can find the answer. Sometimes I know the answer right away and other times I count on my colleagues.
“Residents are encouraged to let us know about their likes and dislikes, along with their physical and/or emotional needs,” she continued. “We want to know about their favorite foods and not-so-favorite foods. We also need to know if they like to be alone or with a group, or a mix of both.”
In some instances, a Cherry Village resident may need to seek support from other community resources.
For example, Estes noted, “we work with local licensed hospice-care providers here at Cherry Village. In other cases, residents live with us for just a little while to help with a short-term need. This is when they have questions about home-health and other services.”
Estes first learns about residents and families when they meet to fill out the administrative paperwork at admission. “This is always a good time to learn about the resident’s history and a family’s expectations.
“But even when the paperwork is done, I want to be their go-to person for any concerns they have. Family members can call, email or stop by anytime.”
Estes is certified to fill both the SSD and Activities Director positions, which often overlap. But the bottom line for both is the same.
“I am an advocate for residents as we enhance their quality of life,” Estes commented. “On the activities side, we offer jigsaw puzzles, word-search puzzles, games, Bingo, exercise sessions and community outings. We also encourage local schools and other groups to entertain our residents with music, and arts and crafts.
“On the social services side, we focus on the residents’ emotional well-being. I am fortunate to work with so many caring and professional colleagues who genuinely care about our residents.”
Cherry Village also offers in-house physical, occupational and speech therapies.
Estes started working at Cherry Village as a certified nurse’s aide 3-and-a-half years ago. Before she knew it, she was Activities Director.
“This type of career just comes naturally to me,” Estes said. “My grandparents raised me, which means I grew up around elderly people. As I child I went to the Senior Center and played Bingo.
“In addition, I was a caregiver. I took care of my grandma in my home for four years. I love being around older people and doing what I can to enrich their lives.”
