Tom exemplifies Good Samaritan Society’s mission/vision: helping to improve the lives of our residents—he lives this out each day.
Tom gets in about 6:00 AM and begins his rounds of cleaning. One can just feel how much he cares for these wonderful guests at our “home.” He has been doing this kind of loving service day in and day out for nearly 40 years—rarely missing a day.
Tom isn’t afraid to jump in anywhere to help. He is a very dedicated, loyal, hard-working employee and has helped shape Ambassador—helping it grow into the reputable place it is today. This building/this “home” would not be the same without him.
During COVID-19, with all of the extra duties and cleaning required, Tom has taken on even more responsibility. He has worked tireless days to keep Ambassador squeaky clean and safe for all of his beloved residents.
Way back in 1981
Tom started with Ambassador in June of 1981 in the Dietary department. He has worn many hats here, working in almost every department at one time or another. He moved from dietary to becoming a certified nursing assistant. He knows firsthand how to care for our residents. He was exceptional at his work—you might say this was Tom’s true calling—caring for others.
He moved to the maintenance area and later, to the laundry/housekeeping department. Tom was then promoted to manager of housekeeping/laundry.
In about 2012, Tom decided that he no longer wanted to manage this department/supervise others and asked to just return to maintenance/ housekeeping as a part of the Environmental Services team. He liked to work more closely with the residents. That has always been his first love….his passion.
Tom is especially skilled at calming residents down if they have high anxiety. One colleague witnessed him helping a patient who was especially distraught about a move from short-term care to long-term care. Tom just walked her through it, calmly explained everything to her and helped to ease her anxiety. Another colleague shared a similar story with a patient with some early onset dementia. The patient was anxious and wanting to go home, and Tom was able to divert her attention, help to calm her down and get her involved in another activity. This takes a real knack for being sensitive and caring and having the patience to stay with the person until they become calm. Tom excels at this kind of care.
Also, Tom will share about his family, and he will know so much about the resident from their many conversations. When family stops by, they can all reminisce together….just as if Tom were one of the family members. This takes a “good heart” and just a kind, compassionate man to be able to do this consistently for nearly 40 years.