Summit Estates Senior Living Celebrates Shining Stars
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Wed, 12/22/2021 - 8:58am
During the 2021 Caregiver Recognition Virtual Event, the Nevada Caregivers Coalition recognized eight team members from Summit Estates Senior Living and Memory Care for their hard work and extraordinary commitment to caregiving in both paid and unpaid roles.
Tammy Byous, Abigail Arcego, Curtis Ellis, Eleanor Clark, Bernadette Villarreal, Debra Avansiuno, Rosa Perez-Nunez and Ursel Treadway are among 20 Mission Senior Living team members celebrated as Shining Star Caregivers during the virtual event. Summit Estates team member Juan (Junior) Jauregui and Administrator Tara Alto nominated team members.
Tammy Byous is a caregiver and lead trainer at Summit Estates and a domestic violence survivor. According to Alto, Tammy came to find that caregiving helped to heal her own heart. “Tammy will tell you there were days that knowing her residents needed her was the only thing that got her out of bed in the morning. Tammy takes so much pride in her new career as a caregiver.”
“There is nothing like making these folks smile, and it is the very little things that you do that mean the most to them. I just don’t even know where I would be without them,” said Byous.
Abigail Arcego always has a huge smile and goes above and beyond to ensure residents come first, explained Alto. “She has a huge heart and wears many hats. She takes the time out of a busy day to do favors for our residents, that is why they know they are loved and appreciated. During the pandemic, our salon was closed so Abby took it upon herself to go around and give haircuts to residents.”
Curtis Ellis is a caregiver who “truly understands that we adapt to our residents’ environment rather than asking them to adapt to ours – and it shows in his amazing care,” said Alto. “You may not notice Curtis without someone calling attention to him, but he sure is famous in our community for being gifted as a caregiver.”
Eleanor Clark is a selfless caregiver who puts every ounce of her love into her care for residents. “Caregiving is her calling and she will soon retire, leaving shoes behind that no one will ever be able to fill,” said Alto. “You can’t help but notice how happy she is and how happy the person she is caring for is. You can tell by the resident’s smile.”
Bernadette (Bern) Villarreal joined Summit Estates as a caregiver four years ago. According to Alto, she does the little things that can’t be measured. “She is often the very last to leave her shift because she does so many ‘extra special’ things for her residents that she is always behind,” said Alto. “She won’t tell you what those extra special things are, but our families certainly call often to express their gratitude for Bern for taking extra time to tuck their loved one in at night or sitting down with their mother for quiet conversation.”
Debra Avansiuno is a medical technician who loves what she does and is always willing to take on tasks to ensure the job gets done. “Debra loves spending time with residents and getting to know them,” said Alto. “She has an amazing personality and a great sense of humor. She does a lot for this community and is loved by the residents as well as their families. The connections she has made are priceless.”
Rosa Perez-Nunez is a caregiver on the night shift. “Her heart goes into every interaction with those that she cares for - as a mother cares for their children,” said Higman. “You can see the love if you are lucky enough to witness her care.”
Ursel Treadway is a caregiver and a medical technician who “has done a fantastic job and is valued and appreciated by residents and team members alike,” said Alto. “She has a great sense of humor, always takes the time to understand residents’ needs, and then addresses those needs right away. Ursel has a great relationship with families and she uses our ‘MVP in Action’ fund to purchase items that improve our residents’ lives. Their favorite cheesecake, for example, perfume, or a pair of crocs to match hers.”
In addition to receiving recognition as Shining Star Caregivers, team members were entered to win raffle prizes that included cameras, smart TVs, an outdoor grill, car care products and more.
Summit Estates Senior Living and Memory Care, located at 222 E Patriot Blvd, Reno, offers support and services to help older adults remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. Residents thrive in a friendly, comfortable, and safe community with life enrichment activities, health and wellness programs, on- and off-site social gatherings, learning opportunities, and chef-prepared meals.
The memory care community offers a secure, stimulating, and loving environment for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases. Operated by Carson City-based Mission Senior Living, Summit Estates fulfills its mission of caring people, serving people and improving lives through the Ageless Dreams and MVP in Action programs. For more information, visit www.summitestatessl.net and visit on Facebook here.
