Tell us a little about your business. – Sumner Place (SumnerPlaceCare.com) is a Licensed Skilled Nursing Facility that provides long-term care, rehabilitation, and memory care. We are a proud member of the Vetter Family that prides ourselves on providing resident-focused care, independence, and a home-like environment.

How did you get started in the business? – In high school, I worked at an independent living community; this sparked my interest in caring for older adults, so I studied Gerontology throughout college. After college, I knew I had a strong passion to work with older adults. In 2021, Sumner Place posted the Social Services Assistance position, and I only lived a few blocks down the street, so I applied for the job. Two years after being hired, I became the Social Services Coordinator.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The biggest challenge I’ve faced professionally would be Covid-19. Starting my role in 2021, we were required to wear a face mask and eye shields daily to protect our residents. My interview took place on the front lawn of our community six feet apart from each other. At the time of my interview, I don’t think I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. I understood the requirements for PPE, testing, etc., but nothing could prepare me for the impact isolation had on our residents mentally, physically, and emotionally. The main responsibility of my role as a social worker is to ensure our residents’ psychosocial needs are being met. During Covid, this was a huge challenge. Family visits took place through the window of their bedroom. The ability to connect with one another was extremely difficult. Our team at Sumner Place has put in a lot of hard work during the last five years when it comes to Covid.

Tell us a little about your family. – I grew up in Lincoln with my family of four. This includes my parents and my older sister. I also became an aunt this year to my adorable niece, Nora.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – When I’m not at work, you can find me on a walk or run, relaxing at home with a good book or TV show, or spending time with my friends and family.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – My favorite quote comes from Jack Vetter. “Treat everyone you come in contact with as the most important person in your life.” I interact with residents and family members every single day. It’s such a good reminder that no matter how much there might be going on in the day, I will always treat everyone I interact with as the most important.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – I would want it to be authentic. Often people don’t remember how you appear, how smart you are, or how good you are at something. They remember how you treated them during your interactions. I would like to be remembered as honest, kind, and loving.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? – Teleporting. It would be a lot easier to travel and see places and family members that take many hours to travel to.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I enjoy working with kids, especially those in need. My first job after graduating college involved foster kids. I’ve also had an interest in working with an adoption agency.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – If you’d like to get ahold of me, you can call Sumner Place at (402) 475-6791!