Care Partner of the Year / Carolee Kapkeo – Waukesha
“My grandmother always said, ‘If you find one positive thing, all the negative stuff and chaotic mix of your day will never bring you down.’ So, I strive to live by that,” Certified Medical Assistant and Med Tech, Carolee Kapkeo explains “Whether it’s putting a smile on my resident’s face or helping out my fellow co-worker. It’s who I am, it’s how I was raised.”
Her positive outlook is just one of the reasons co-workers nominated Carolee as Waukesha’s Care Partner of the Year. “She is dedicated to her work and demonstrates compassion and understanding when working with the residents,” writes administrator Laura Bruce “She has made herself a leader in her area of the campus by showing initiative to get things done. She is always willing to go above and beyond, like picking up shifts or adjusting her hours for campus need.”
Workplace camaraderie and job satisfaction are just a couple of the contributing factors for Carolee’s 14-year tenure at LindenGrove. “I started out as a CNA, and I was able to work my way up. I like that it’s more like family. You don’t see that very much,” she says, “I’m blessed to work two health care jobs and I see the difference between long-term and assisted living, and here it just feels like family.”
Carolee’s residents enjoy having her around and often welcome her to join in their activities. “They invited me to a tea party, and it just made their day. Just fifteen minutes of my time and they talked about it nonstop. It was a very humbling experience to be a part of,” she shares “I love my residents, they’re all unique. Some are very creative, some love books, some just need and ear and some have stories and experiences of stuff that I can’t even fathom.”
Looking forward, Carolee plans to continue being a part of LindenGrove’s future. “The company is good to work for. Some people might think the grass is greener on the other side, but for me it fits my lifestyle, and it offers me the opportunity to grow my career,” she smiles then adds, “Between the residents and staff, it really is a community.” A community that values her dedication. Laura Bruce writes, “Carolee is a dependable employee who staff, residents and family can count on for assistance.”
Thank you, Carolee, for being someone we can always count on! LindenGrove Waukesha is proud to nominate Carolee Kapkeo as the 2022 Care Partner of the Year!