Archive for the ‘KUDOS’ Category

On April 22, 2010 I was the proud recipient of one of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce’s Texas’s Blazing Star Awards.  I am so honored to have been picked among such a group of fabulous women all across the state of Texas.  What a great Honor!

Here is the introduction as compiled by Iumi Richards-Crow, my nominator, business associate and good friend

When I first met Samantha Young she was presiding over the Women’s Chamber Growth and Innovation Council.  I observed her competence in this position and was taken by her steady professionalism and lighthearted manner.  It would take several months before I realized the breadth of her accomplishments, the hugeness of her heart, and the depth of her commitment to those she serves in her home health care business, Practical Care Continuum (PCC).  The home elder care industry has changed in the last few years, becoming more competitive as many franchises have sprung up.  Some of these franchises are being run by people who see them as little more than a financial opportunity.

On the contrary, for Samantha, home elder care is avocation. Samantha has been in this field for over 20 years. She started PCC 10 years ago and has taken it to a high level.  In her daily work, she displays compassion for the elderly who want to remain independent, and understanding for the sandwich generation of stressed caretakers.  At PCC her every action and program and policy is focused on offering solutions and support.  Because it is the right thing to do for clients, she always has licensed social workers on staff.  This, by the way, is not required, it is expensive, and it is not a common practice.  In fact, PCC is the only home care business in the greater Austin area with social workers on staff.

Samantha’s accomplishments as a business owner and administrator would be impressive enough, but she has done all of this as a single mother of two lively, happy boys. In fact she was pregnant when she started her business, and remembers going around applying for financing in a very obviously pregnant state!  In those first lean and crucial years, she often brought her sons to work.  She understands first hand the conflicts of motherhood and work, and she offers her office staff flex time.  They can bring their kids to work when needed as well.

Samantha is an innovator and if she feels her clients need something that isn’t readily available, she goes about getting it. Sometimes she creates it, sometimes she contracts to have it made, and in the case of The Ashby Memory Method, an innovative program for persons with memory problems, she went to Canada to get it.

Single mom, innovator, successful entrepreneur, community volunteer, champion of the elderly; all this would be enough to make Samantha a blazing star, but in addition, she has added another responsibility to her overflowing schedule.  Samantha has invited her elderly mother to live with her and the boys, not an easy task, and not one that would be taken on by a majority of people.  In order to make this possible, she even had to remodel her home!

Recently Samantha told me that one night she had the boys settled in for bed  and was looking forward to a little time for herself when she heard the front door slam.  She ran downstairs just in time to see her mother going down the front walk in her robe and slippers. Upon catching up with her, she found out her mother was going out for the newspaper!  It was only when Samantha promised that she herself would get the paper that her mother was convinced to go back into the house.  So Samantha got dressed and ran to the store, giving up that short, precious time  to herself. And yet she takes it all in stride.

When asked what she would consider one of her greatest accomplishments, Samantha answered without hesitation, “My son just received 2^nd place in the Regional Fair.”

I admire Samantha.  In my book she is already a blazing star.  I would like to see her get the recognition she deserves.

I spend a lot of money on management books each year trying to improve my leadership style but just the other day I realized that I had forgotten one of the basics.  Tell someone what a great job they did!

My week started out very hectic as usual.  Between the kids, my mother, her caregivers, and the business I really needed a Calgon moment and I got it from an email sent to me that included a testimonial from a client of mine.  It was wonderful to receive the pat on the back and the acknowledgment of all the hard work I put into my company.  That simple note made me realize that we all should give more kudos and if we do it will make us feel better which will in turn lower our stress level.

I emailed a kudos yesterday for the great service I received while ordering a pizza from CraigO’s.   I noticed that CraigO’s has gluten free pizza so I called to order for both myself and my kids who can eat anything.  The young girl who took my order was cheerful, patient and knowledgeable about her product.  You don’t find that everyday in the food service arena so I dropped a quick email to her boss about how impressed I was with her service.  They sent a note back thanking me but what I noticed was the fact that my email was forwarded on to her boss and the owner.  The whole process only took a minute, made me feel good, and hopefully put a smile on that young woman’s face. Who knows maybe that simple acknowledgment brought her to the attention of the higher ups which in turn will lead to her one day being the CEO.  A simple pat on the back can do wonders.

Which brings me to my point about caregivers.  Don’t forget to acknowledge all the hard work they do. The stress can be overwhelming but well worth it if someone says “Good Job” and Thank You for all you do.  Caregivers put up with a lot from their clients/family members/loved ones and it’s even worse for those caring for someone with dementia.  Those folks become isolated and forgotten all to often so take a moment to send a card or flowers to brighten up their day.  As an added bonus it will make you feel great too!

I was recently invited to attend a dinner in which Eva Church of Austin Groups for the Elderly was one of several older adults recognized for their volunteer efforts. Eva was being recognized for her efforts on the AGE board of directors.  And as everyone knows Eva is an icon in the Austin elder care scene.  Although it was a stormy evening in Austin the table was full of Eva’s cheerleaders. The meal was amazing, of course you would expect that from the Querencia at Barton Creek, and if the food is anything to go by this place is outstanding.

Eva now runs the Caregiver Resource Center at AGE. They are a great resource for those folks looking for information on elder care issues. The resource center, which is located at 38th & Cedar Street,  also boasts a loan closet for durable medical equipment and a lending library. The lending library is a great idea for those of us who don’t know what books are available and would rather not spend a lot of money on books that may not apply to your specific situation.

If you see Eva around congratulate her on her accomplishment!

I wanted to take a moment to let everyone know about the wonderful care my mother is receiving at the Summit at Westlake Hills in South Austin.    But first a little bit of background on my mothers situation.

• My 82 year old mother has been independent until a recent cold which has really brought her down.
• I wanted her to stay in her apartment an hour and a half from me because I thought she would have more interaction with people.  She staying in her room all the time.
• She has been depressed for years but never more so than after my fathers death 9 years ago.
• She was hospitalized for a week and then discharged to a Rehab unit next to her apartment which after less than 24 hours I pulled her out of due to complete incompetence.

Ok this is my experience with the Summit.  I called on Friday morning to see if they had an opening for her and their Admissions Coordinator, Tammy, said sure! and she would handle it all for me.  And did she ever.  She kept in contact with me throughout the day while I retrieved my mother from the “other” facility and she met my mother at the door with flowers.  As a caregiver who was stressed out and very upset at the poor decision I had originally made it was such a relief to know my mother was finally in good hands.  The nurse and the therapist saw her in the first hour, they had everything ready for her and I could finally relax.

I have never seen my mother so happy.  She actually got her hair set.  I haven’t seen her do that since before my father passed away.  She loves the staff there.  They have been kind to her and patient with me.  I have run nursing homes in my past and have always had to force myself back into them.  But this place doesn’t give me the willies.  I think it’s a combination of everything from the staff to the ambiance.

I wanted to use my blog to express my appreciation of their care of both my mother and myself. I don’t know if this is the thing to do but as it’s my blog I’m guessing I can.   If you live in South Austin and need to place your family member in a facility for care I highly recommend The Summit at Westlake!