By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

“I started working in the business office at Waterford Crossing, Goshen,” stated Kay Hershberger. “My job did not consist of constant office work. One of my tasks was to manage select meal services. I made it a point to become involved in the lives of the residents. I held that position for 10 years. But then I decided to end my career doing something fun. Now I’m one of the Life Enrichment staff members. We lead games and activities at the facility.”

Kay Hershberger relaxes after a day of hiking in Italy. She is a Life Enrichment specialist at Waterford Crossing, Goshen. She understands the importance of keeping one’s mind and body active as one ages. InkFreeNews photo provided by Kay Hershberger.

Hershberger got her bachelor of science degree in management from Indiana Wesleyan University. She’s a lifelong learner. “They offer courses through my job. I’ve taken a course in customer service and dementia training.”

One of the things she’s learned through Trilogy, the owners of Waterford Crossing, is to work with a servant’s heart while assisting the elderly. “Doing things for others is very important in my job. I love seeing the residents laugh. If I have not brought a smile to at least one face during my day, I feel like I’ve not accomplished my job. I want our residents to feel acknowledged, appreciated and cared for.”

Life Enrichment workers strive to stretch the minds and spirits of the residents. “We work in areas of fitness, art, games. For the past 40 years I’ve worked primarily in health care management, with 10 of those years spent at this facility. The past three years have been very refreshing. Now I get to interact full time with the residents and have fun.”

Every quarter, the facility has a different theme. “I have a whole box of various costumes I’ve used in the last 13 years. Those who are afraid to dress up wouldn’t enjoy a Life Enrichment role. It makes life interesting when we can cut loose and dress up for the enjoyment of those around us.”

Hershberger recently led the activity “Music Bingo.” “It’s not so much what we say that can make people laugh and have fun. Sometimes it’s just the inflections in our voice. I have a sarcastic wit that brings a smile to faces during the day.”

It takes imagination and thinking outside the box to work in Life Enrichment. “Yesterday the craft was not jazzy enough. I wanted to add an enhanced version that would add excitement. I tried it and they loved it. We have to be willing to take risks.”

Her coworker wears a flamingo floaty around her waist during Bingo. “We call her the Bingo Flamingo.”

Hershberger enjoys being part of the “Live a Dream” program they’ve instituted at the facility. “One of our men loved gardening and even landscaped his own home in his younger years. We took him and his family to DeFries Garden in New Paris. One of the rangers came and gave us a tour, talking about the various plants. Our resident loved it.”

Another resident was a Whitney Houston fan. “We brought in an impersonator from Chicago. It was great watching him sing along with the other 60 people in the room.”

This past May, Hershberger visited Italy through the Road Scholar Program on a 12-day trip. “My friend Leza and I hiked four to six miles a day through Tuscany and Umbria. It’s a charming countryside. I’m 68 and understand the importance of keeping active in mind and body.”