Essence Kinard, Memory Care resident care aide for Senior Lifestyle – Sage Harbor at Baywinde, has been named a 2022 Frontline Honors honoree by Senior Housing News.
To become a Frontline Honoree, an individual is nominated by their peers. The candidate must be a dedicated, high-performing frontline worker who delivers exceptional experiences and outcomes; a passionate worker who knows how to put their vision into action for the good of seniors and aging industry professionals; and an advocate for seniors, their industry, and their peers.
Senior Housing News caught up with Kinard to discuss their time in the senior housing industry.
SHN: What drew you to the Senior Housing industry?
Kinard: Losing my grandparents at a young age always made me want to work with elders. Knowing that I have the opportunity to make residents happy while being here puts a smile on my face.
What’s your biggest lesson learned since starting to work in the industry?
My biggest lesson I learned is you never stop learning .Sometimes if you just stop and listen you learn so much without even knowing.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part about my job is learning about the residents and their family members. Taking the time to learn how their life was before living at assisted living brings me joy.
What do you want society (or the general public) to know about your job?
You have to have compassion for this job. You shouldn’t work here if you don’t have the love for residents. The bonds you make with your residents are important and makes you feel at peace.
What may be one thing leaders don’t know, that you wish they universally knew, about your job?
I think having staff meetings on the regular helps with organization and less confusion for residents and staff. I don’t think they realize how unfair it can be not being on the same page with co-workers. Without being on the same page we can’t come together for the residents.
To view the Frontline Honors Class of 2022, visit frontlinehonors.agingmedia.com
