Meet Sherry Back, Lifestyle Director at High Plains Alzheimer’s Special Care Center (frontiermgmt.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – High Plains is a Memory Care community with a focus on a meaningful and engaging lifestyle program that helps keep meaning and purpose in the lives of our residents. All resident have some sort of Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and all programming is created with their needs in mind.
How did you get started in the business? – My daughter worked at a senior living community and thought my love for others would shine in this field, so she hired me. I’ve been working in senior living ever since!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The biggest challenge for me is getting so close to the residents to where they become like family and then having to say goodbye once they pass away. It never gets easier.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Getting this job as Lifestyle Director. My passion and love for the meaningful experiences I have with them has allowed me to move up in the field from serving their meals to being able to light up their days with activities I plan.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have four children, 13 grandchildren and will be a great-grandmother in January.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Getting my first job in senior living. It made me realize that this type of work and caring for seniors is what fills my bucket.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love to cook and spend time with my family.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – That I am a grandma to 13 grandchildren.
Who inspires you?– My oldest daughter, Sandy. She didn’t always have an easy life, and has gone from a single teen mom to a Vice President of Operations for her company. She has always worked harder than anyone I know to make a beautiful life. I am proud of her.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – To believe in myself. After hearing this advice, I have started stepping out of my comfort zone to pursue things I never thought I could.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Compassionate.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – To heal people.
Which talent would you most like to have? – To have more self-confidence.
What local nonprofit organization are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – The Alzheimer’s Association. It supports a cause very close to my heart.
What is your favorite movie? – When a Man Loves a Woman.
What is your favorite TV show? – Law & Order SVU.
What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? – DISH and Hiro 88.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Activities@highplainsseniorliving.com