June 2013

Florence “Penny” Baker, PT AC is the staff member of the month. Recently, our Wellsville SRO program experienced the tragedy of the loss of one our residents.  Although we have three levels of residential care in Wellsville, the CR, treatment apartment program and the SRO, and designated staff for each level of care, our Wellsville staff interact and at times assist in providing care to the residents in all 3 levels.  On May 15th, the death of this resident was discovered.  All of the staff working at that time were overcome with shock and grief.  Penny was able to manage her emotion and provide support to residents and her fellow staff.  Penny was one of the staff who discovered the resident.  After police were summoned, she spoke with them, and then waited for the coroner to arrive.  Penny returned to the CR to comfort residents and staff that had gathered.  At writer's request, Penny, contacted off duty staff to make them aware of what occurred, so they wouldn't come in to work and be blind sided.  Penny accompanied our SRO staff to the resident's family home, to inform them of their daughter's passing.  I feel that Penny should be recognized for her support and compassion to her fellow staff and residents, her efforts helped everyone in dealing with a difficult day.