Certain people are meant for certain jobs, and when the right people fit into the right positions it's a win all around. This seems to be the case for Bickford Assisted Living and Memory Care in Crown Point. The employees, or the "Family" as they call it, really to think and act like a family. Working closely together and genuinely caring about their work and the residents that they serve, the Bickford Family is a group that stands out.
The newest addition is Slavica Schieb, the Life Enrichment Coordinator. She's been with Bickford for less then a month, but she already knows that she loves it.
"I love it here. When I walk in I feel fortunate to be here. It's a beautiful facility and the people here are nice and bright - residents and the Bickford Family Members. It's a very home-like environment. Everyone pitches in to help with different tasks that need to be done," Scheib said.
Schieb's job is to create and implement activities like social events, musical entertainment, games, baking, cognitive activities, and more for the residents of the facility. She takes the interests of the residents into account to create relevant and interesting things to do and try, and also assists other staff members with activities that are created.
"The activities here are a facility-wide thing," Schieb said. "Everyone pitches in and helps witch is something that I really love about Bickford."
An IU Bloomington graduate, Schieb has a degree in recreational therapy. She worked in the skilled care and rehabilitation fields for multiple years and when she found the open position at Bickford online she decided to give it a try.
"I drove by here daily when I was going to my other job," Schieb said. "I wondered what Bickford was like, and now I know! This is my first time working in assisted living full-time and it's a nice change."
Each day Schieb compiles the day's activities and posts them for the residents to see. She then joins the staff in the Daily Roots meeting where everyone shares updates and thoughts for the day ahead.
"I think communication is so important in the work place and that's why I like our daily meetings. You can learn so much during that 10 to 15 minute meeting," Schieb said. "Everyone does what they need to do here to get the job done. They are all friendly and always available to answer questions."
One of her favorite parts is dealing with the residents at Bickford. It's a home full of stories and history in human form. They all have something to share and tales to tell.
"I enjoy coming to work each day and it's a good feeling. I don't know if a lot of people get to feel that way," Schieb said. "I love interacting with the residents. They all have different stories, different personalities, and different interests. But they are welcoming to all who come in and try to help new residents feel at home."
Schieb's goals for herself and the residents are simple: to learn as much as she can and create worthwhile activities and experiences for the residents at Bickford.
"I just want to make sure that I see positive interactions and get positive feedback from the activities that we have here. If that happens then I will be happy. That means that the residents are happy and that's really important. I want to empower them and give them choices. Their happiness is my goal," Schieb said.