DONNA KEATING

PHOTO: LONG-TIME EMPLOYEES OF TWIN OAKS NURSING HOME take time out for resident Gustavia Davis. Front, from left, are Cleo Smith, Laura Banks, Deborah Davis and Diane Williams. (Staff Photo by Donna Keating) For many years, River Parish residents who are long-time employees of Twin Oaks Nursing Home in LaPlace have dedicated their lives to caring for the elderly. One is 25-year employee and receptionist Deborah Davis, who says the residents and their stories keep her motivated. “You can tell by the look on their faces how much the residents appreciate the care we give them,” said Davis. Cleo Smith, also a 25-year employee who works in the housekeeping department, said, “I get attached to the residents and don’t mind cleaning up after them.” Diane Williams also works in housekeeping and is a 23-year employee. Since she has been there, she has also become a certified nursing assistant and helps out in that capacity, when needed. She added that the hardest part of her job is when one of the residents dies, as she gets attached to them. All of the residents are special to her, especially Alberta Johnson, who is like a grandmother to her. She also finds herself running special errands for them. Laura Banks in the dietary department is a people person who enjoys working with the elderly. She has been at Twin Oaks for 22 years and feels it’s a nice place to work. She said, “It’s a pleasure working at the home and cooking for residents. I take pride in helping to make a difference in caring for the elderly.” Activity director Teresa Brooks said she feels their long-time employees have continued working there because they love working with the residents. “They get attached to the residents,” says Brooks. “That’s one of the things that makes this nursing home stand out – dedicated employees and their willingness to help out. We are fortunate to have so many long-time employees and the help we receive from the residents’ families and the community.” Community and family members help the home in many other ways, such as the recent St. Joseph’s altar, which turned out to be a success, thanks to their donations. Another example is when school children visit with residents during the holidays, sing and present gifts they made. Religious leaders in the community help out by holding daily worship services. Administrator Guy Burch commented, “To work in a nursing home is a calling for a lot of people. It’s not always an easy environment. They are kind of doing God’s work and are busy all day long. I believe there is a special place in heaven for anyone who works in a nursing home. The employees who have been with us a long time have experience and a sense of calming to the residents.” Among Twin Oak’s long-time employees are, at 21 years – Mavis Mitchell of Lutcher, nursing assistant; and Mercedes Stewart of Garyville, housekeeping; 20 years – Arie Wilson of LaPlace, housekeeping; Debra Tassin of LaPlace, nurse; and Carolyn Morris, nurse; 18 years – Ricky Davis of LaPlace, maintenance supervisor; Ruth Riley of LaPlace, nursing assistant; and Barbara Jackson of Lutcher, nursing assistant; 16 years – Mary Guillory of LaPlace, nursing assistant; 15 years – Lillie Fobb of Garyville, housekeeping; and Georgina Brown, 12 years, nurse assistant.