Hillcrest Firethorn (hillcrestfirethorn.com) offers post-acute rehab and long-term care services. Jordan Schoenefeld is director of recreation at Hillcrest Firethorn
Tell us a little about your business.
Recognized with five stars from CMS in quality measures and named among the Best Nursing Homes for 2020-21 by U.S. News & World Report, Hillcrest Firethorn provides a comfortable environment for guests recovering from an illness, injury, or hospital stay. With an in-house team of therapists, our focus is on recovery and providing consistent and reliable care throughout a guest’s stay. Led by an executive chef, our culinary team prepares made-to-order specialties that are unmatched in the health care setting. At Hillcrest Firethorn, we get to personally know each guest and so much can be learned from their experiences. Hillcrest Firethorn understands that providing creative activities and compassion when family members aren’t always able to be there is extremely important, and I have really enjoyed working here.
How did you get started in the business?
I followed my heart and felt drawn to aging adults. I have a four-year degree with more than 200 hours of field experience, 100 hours specializing in gerontology, and was in the first class to graduate in a new curriculum field of recreational therapy, totaling more than 500 hours. I had valuable internships in recreational therapy and have a renewable five-year certificate with continuing education requirements. I chose Hillcrest because I wanted to find a place to work that valued recreational therapy and how it can help on the road to recovery. Hillcrest Firethorn values each guest and their independence. They support me by allowing me to implement unique ideas to keep our guests engaged and active.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
COVID-19 has been extremely challenging for our team members and guests, but recreation has helped get us through these difficult times. Since visits are restricted to protect our guests and residents, family and friends rely on recreation to keep everyone engaged and active.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Providing emotional and spiritual support for aging adults and being there for special moments.
Tell us a little about your family.
I am from Lincoln and attended Norris High School. I received my bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy from Northwest Missouri State University. I have been married for two years to my husband Ty, and we have a new daughter, Brinley. Included in our family is our dog Oakley, who is a German Shepherd/ Mini Australian mix. I also have a sister who lives in Hawaii.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I enjoy spending time with family, being outside, kayaking, and going for walks.
Who inspires you?
My mom. She is the reason I got into gerontology. Her volunteerism and love for the elderly influenced my decision to serve others.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
God has wonderful plans for you if you let Him lead and comfort.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Kind or compassionate.
What is your favorite TV show?
Anything true crime.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Tandoor Indian Cuisine.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Garth Brooks or Candace Owens.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 682-6825; hillcrestfirethorn.com.