With quality care often comes commitment. This commitment reveals itself in many ways, from self-discipline and teamwork to careful attention and unwavering compassion. While we have many dedicated associates in our more than 200 facilities nationwide, some who have served for many years, there are a few who have shown themselves to be true timeless champions.
Below is a list of committed associates who have been with Life Care Centers of America for more than 40 years!
Kathy Wilkinson, Cook at Heritage Healthcare
48 years with Life Care
Kathy began working at the facility as a dietary aide in 1975, and soon worked her way up to cook. Now, as evening cook, she prepares delicious and healthy dinners for residents to enjoy.
Kathy likes seeing and interacting with the facility’s residents, and she loves when residents write notes on their menus complimenting the food and letting her know they enjoyed it.
“When you make the food and you get a compliment from the residents, that really makes you feel good.”
David Pemberton, Maintenance Director at Life Care Center of La Center
44 years with Life Care
David started out in maintenance in 1979, shortly after graduating high school, and in just three months was leading the entire department!
The La Center facility is truly embedded in David’s life. As a boy, he spent many hours playing at the center while his mother worked as a nurse’s aide.
“I literally grew up here; I’ve been here my whole life,” David said.
David loves taking residents on bus rides and seeing their faces light up from the experience. He shared advice for others wanting to work in maintenance: “I know you repair a lot of things, but just make sure your heart is in it. Although you are working with a lot of machinery and a lot of equipment, make sure you are a people person. I just think that’s the most important part because we are just like one big family.”
Patty Foltz, Laundry Aide at Life Care Center of Fort Wayne
46 years with Life Care
Patty was fresh out of school when she got a job in the facility’s laundry department in 1977, and she has never looked back! One of her favorite things about her job is chatting with residents and asking them about their lives, and she has built strong relationships with many of them.
“I like talking to the residents,” Patty shared. “I ask them about what they did in the past and where they worked. I enjoy talking to them because it’s interesting to hear their stories."
Marla Flynn, Cook at Life Care Center of Acton
43 years with Life Care
When she first came to the facility in 1980, Marla was still in high school and had no intention of getting a job.
“My friend was looking for a job, and she didn’t want to come to the building by herself, so she brought me with her,” Marla said about how she got started. “I wasn’t even looking for a job, but that day we both got hired.”
After graduating, Marla stayed at the facility and soon worked her way up from a part-time dietary aide to a full-time cook.
When asked about her job, Marla said she loves interacting with residents and helping them select their menu items for the upcoming week. She also enjoys meeting new residents and building relationships with long-term patients.
“I love the residents and being able to talk to them,” she said happily.
