Even on her days off, Wellness Supervisor Margaret Kelly—we call her Peg—is always thinking about the community. If someone needs more of their favorite body wash, for instance, Peg will pick it up for them on her own time. If a resident is very sick, she stays at their bedside to comfort them. Recently, she discovered a shawl that belonged to a resident who passed away. She remembered that the family had been upset when they couldn’t find it, so she packaged it, along with a personal letter to the daughters, and mailed it to them.
Peg has been committed to Bridges by EPOCH at Hingham since before the grand opening. After working in assisted living in Florida, Peg moved back north to assist her daughter’s pregnancy. Her daughter happens to live close by, so Peg watched as construction began on the community. As the community took shape, Peg says, “I just knew I wanted to work there.” When the time came, she applied and was hired onto our inaugural staff.
Now, Peg, a registered nurse, is Wellness Director Nadine Shweiri’s right-hand woman, and she says Nadine and Executive Director Alicia Seaver are wonderful role models. Working in a memory care community challenges her more than working in assisted living ever did, but she finds it more rewarding as well. For some residents, Peg must reestablish herself daily. Oftentimes residents might not recall the details, but they will say, “I remember you,” because they intuit her role. “They sense deep down that you are a kind, nice person. And if that’s all they remember, that’s more important,” Peg said.
Peg’s consideration for residents makes every person feel well cared for and respected, including families. Her selflessness inspires all of us to be our very best. Her warmth and compassion have helped turn our community into a home and make staff and residents feel like part of one big family.
Peg is an extraordinary nurse who takes her job to a whole new level with the care she gives residents, always going out of her way to make sure they have the little things, not just the nursing essentials. We are so pleased fate conspired to simultaneously bring Peg’s granddaughter and Bridges into existence.