The welcoming face of Detroit-area skilled nursing facility
For Courtney McGee, director of admissions at SKLD Bloomfield Hills, the job of serving as the welcoming face to the facility carries heavy responsibilities. Courtney knows that she’s the first person to meet with families at a time of overwhelm and insecurity. They’re navigating a new phase of life that can be challenging on physical, social and emotional levels, and it’s up to Courtney to provide that first impression of assurance. It’s up to her to show families that they’ve come to the right place.
“They put the care of their loved ones in our hands, and I want to make sure they trust that we are giving them accurate information and feel at ease that this is the place for their loved ones,” says Courtney.”
Courtney has worked in the skilled nursing industry for the last five years. She says, “I got my degree in Oakland, Michigan for nutrition but had my first job in admissions. There, I got to see each department and got an impression of each staff member’s role is so important to support patient care.”
Courtney is now at the forefront of residents’ stay at SKLD Bloomfield Hills in Michigan. Courtney says, “I review the referral from the hospital and help plan the clinical care at SKLD. I am in touch with the families directly to set the tone, manage paperwork and get the residents acclimated.”
Communication between families and skilled nursing facilities is key to positive outcomes
Courtney stresses communication between the skilled nursing facilities and the families. “I always tell them there is nothing wrong with over-communicating for even the smallest things. I work with guest services for resident concerns to help ease the transition. It’s the little things like a warm cup of coffee, hot meal or a friendly hello. that matter.”
“We really make a difference for people. I find it so special when months or years go by after a patient returns home, they come back to us with another referral because they had a positive experience under our care,” says Courtney.
Going the extra mile to be there for residents and families is an integral part of the SKLD experience. Courtney says, “It’s key to remember that this is the residents’ home, so it’s my job to make sure that everyone respects that. When there’s an opportunity, I enjoy spending extra time with the residents to talk with them.”
Courtney likes to remember the moments that make everything feel more than worthwhile. Courtney says, “A highlight for me is whenever a married couple comes in. Sometimes they have been in the hospital and were separated, and they get to reunite here to be in the same room. Getting to coordinate everything so they can be together is incredibly rewarding.”
Every day at SKLD Bloomfield is an opportunity to touch many skilled nursing residents’ lives and support more positive outcomes. It’s a job we are grateful to do, with the support of team members like Courtney.
Click here for information about a skilled nursing facility in the Detroit Metropolitan area of in the West Michigan region.