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Nursing home volunteer recognized for 20 years of service
Nevada Daily Mail
Volunteer ombudsman Shirley Baxter has served as an advocate for the residents of the Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada for the past two decades -- and like most people in their 80s, she has considered retirement.
"When I think about retirement, I think about the residents," Baxter said. "Then, I don't think about retiring anymore."
Kathy Ray-Smith, regional ombudsman for Care Connection for Aging Services, recognized Baxter for her 20 years of volunteer service to long-term care residents during a celebration at the nursing home recently.
"Do you know what the word 'ombudsman' means?" Ray-Smith asked the nursing home residents gathered.
"It means Shirley," one of them shouted.
"Yes, it means one who speaks on behalf of another. She's your gal," Ray-Smith said. "She is your advocate. She will listen to you. She is your friend."
Ray-Smith presented Baxter with a Governor's Proclamation, flowers and a desk plaque to honor her service during a cake-and-punch reception at the care center.
"It gives me a lot of happiness and joy to present these things to Shirley," Ray-Smith said.
Baxter's experience as the administrator of the Moore-Few Center from 1971 to 1983 made her volunteer recognition even more special, Ray-Smith said. Baxter also worked in long-term care centers in Smithville and Jefferson City, as well as for the Missouri Department of Revenue before she retired from the workforce at 65.
Each Friday, Baxter, who lives in Milo, visits the center, always wearing a smile. She helps with Bingo prizes and Christmas tea.
"I really enjoy doing this. Why not? You see the beautiful people out there," she said as she looked at some residents gathered to honor her. "They have a lot to give you if you let them give it to you. They need you, and you need them."
Her role is to provide more than friendship, though. Over time, Baxter has established a rapport with residents and serves as a liaison between them and the administrator, Steve Branstetter.
Her ombudsman role "gives them a security. They feel more safe here. They might not want to tell staff something because they don't want to cause a problem," Baxter said. "They can tell me, and I can build a trust with them."
Baxter is one of 40 volunteer ombudsmen that Care Connection for Aging Services oversees in its 13-county district. The goal is to have an ombudsman in each of the 89 nursing homes in the district. If you would like to become an ombudsman, contact Ray-Smith at 1-800-748-7826.
The Ombudsman program is one of many services of Care Connection for Aging Services, which serves the counties of Carroll, Chariton, Lafayette, Saline, Johnson, Pettis, Henry, Benton, Bates, Vernon, St. Clair, Hickory and Cedar. Care Connection's mission is to provide resources and services that empower people to create healthy aging experiences.