Star City Six – Michele Carlson

The Legacy Retirement Communities provides Lincoln with award-winning elegance, superior care, and countless reasons to live an enriched life. From independent living to assisted living and memory care, Legacy Retirement Communities offers a world-class experience for its residents and employees. Michele Carlson is the activities director at Legacy Arbors (www.LegacyRetirement.com).

Tell us a little about your business.

We are Legacy Arbors, a memory care community that is part of the Legacy Retirement Communities. At Legacy Arbors, we get to know the personal stories of your loved one, along with their preferences and interests in order to enhance and personalize their experience.

How did you get started in the business?

Dementia care is something I have always had an interest in and once I got involved I never looked back! I worked at Madonna for 24 years and I’m proud to say that I was one of the original staff members to work on their dementia unit at St. Anthony’s, one of the first in Lincoln. I’ve been with Legacy Arbors for 10 years now and have implemented state-of-the-art programming through activities, exercises, and individualized plans for every resident.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Alzheimer’s is a very progressive type of dementia that causes all sorts of problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. To this day, there is still not a cure for this horrible disease and it’s been challenging to see the pain and suffering it causes for people and their families.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

I am a Certified Best Friends Trainer; it is the model of care we use in our facility. I’m also a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care trainer. I have trained all the staff at the Arbors and now they are also Certified Dementia Practitioners. I am currently working in our other three buildings training the staff.

Tell us a little about your family.

I am happily married to my husband Kent. We have two wonderful sons, Matthew and Nathan, and a beautiful stepdaughter, Jamie. We also have three grandchildren and are expecting our fourth this month.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

I love to spend time reading a book and relaxing. Another hobby of mine is thrift store shopping.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

I’m an only child.

What are you the most proud of?

My children.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

If you have to think twice about saying something, don’t say it!

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

Super strength.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I wish I could sing.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

I would love to be a florist.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

Sheridan Lutheran Church. My family and I are very committed to our church and their mission.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo.

What is your favorite TV show?

Big Brother on CBS.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Mazatlán Mexican Restaurant.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone: (402) 466-3777; Website: www.LegacyRetirement.com.