Published Electronically on November 21, 2018 for the Gaylord Herald Times
“I knew that this was my calling,” said Roger Sundeck, certified nurse assistant at Medilodge of Gaylord. “I loved it and have never looked for another job.”
The Herald Times would like to introduce our readers to some of our community’s folks who work hard and take pride in what they do to help make our lives better and keep Otsego County a great place to live, work and play.
Roger Sundeck
“I am a certified nurse assistant. This is my 30th year at Medilodge of Gaylord.”
“I work the day shift — 6:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Right now I take care of 18 residents. I provide personalized care to my residents. Each person I care for has specific needs that I provide in order to make them feel safe, comfortable and valued.”
“Sometimes is may be as simple as a pleasant conversation; other times it requires in-depth hands-on care. Some residents here at Mediliodge are very independent, but others require my assistance with everyday tasks that most of us do without thinking — brushing their hair and teeth or getting dressed and ready for the day.”
“My dad was retired military and got bored at home. So he came here to work part-time in the ventilator unit. I was doing landscaping and was going to be laid off for the winter, and my dad told me that there was a class here for certified nurse assistants, so I took the class and I never left!
“Since I have been here — I met my wife here and we have gotten a wonderful family out of it! I always try to remember that coming into a facility is a scary change in peoples’ lives, so I feel it is my job to bring as much enthusiasm and happiness to the situation as I can, and celebrate their accomplishments as they adjust. I try to treat the people I care for the way I would want my family to be treated.”
“Also — I am definitely a people person. I truly enjoy getting to know the people I care for. Each resident has a wealth of knowledge and I enjoy sharing their stories. Many become an extended part of my family.”
“It’s so rewarding on a daily basis. When I started here, I didn’t even know what a certified nurse assistant was. After I took the class and got registered and I started caring for people, I knew that this was my calling. I loved it and have never looked for another job.”
“When you help someone with just little things — like tying their shoes — then you stand up and they smile and say ‘Thank you,’ that’s what it’s all about. I often have people come up to me when I am out in the community and give me a hug or a handshake — and say ‘Thank you for caring for my loved one.’ That is such good feeling. It makes me wake up every morning and look forward to my day at Medilodge.”
“My wife and I have a 26-year-old mentally challenged daughter who we care for. I also love to garden and work in our yard. And in my spare time, I like to fish and golf.”
Contact MediLodge of Gaylord, 508 Random Lane, at (989) 732-3508.
Compiled by Judy Wagley
To view the original article, click here.
Provide your information below to contact us about creating comfort and care for you.