Melissa Hunt says she is not very good at air hockey, but yet you could find her playing that game last week against Judy Andrews, a resident from Wheatcrest Hills Healthcare Facility in Britton. Hunt and Andrews were enjoying that game while at the coffee shop cups last week. Hunt, the Activities Director, at Wheatcrest Hills, takes the residents on these outings frequently. It is because of activities like that and her other fine work that Hunt was recently awarded the Mille E. Olson Award from the South Dakota Healthcare Association (SDHCA).
According to the SDHCA, the Millie E. Olson Award recognizes exceptional service in the long term care profession. The anonymous person who nominated Hunt for the award confirmed that she is indeed exceptional. “She is a hands-on employee, actively contributing across departments,” said the nominator. “While her title may say “Activities,” she can on many occasions be found helping out if the dietary department is short staffed, or in a pinch cleaning alongside housekeeping when that is a priority. You may see her carrying a wrench or a hammer, or grabbing a paintbrush and can of paint.”
She carries out all these tasks with a spirit of joy that is easy for anyone to see. She has a special of way of interacting with others, putting them at ease and communicating that we’re all in it together. Because of this attitude, she is often sought out for advice or possible solutions to challenges and is a great motivator to others.
For her part, Hunt said she enjoys planning activities for the residents. “We do something everyday, whether it’s playing bingo or doing crafts at the facility or taking a trip somewhere else.” Once a month, the group takes an adventure somewhere outside of Wheatcrest. They might travel to Fort Sisseton, visit the school or go to a sports event.
It might be a big undertaking on the part of the staff, but Hunt said it’s so important to get the residents out and about. “They are still members of the community even if they live at a nursing home,” she emphasized. “We want to give them these fun opportunities so they don’t feel trapped.”
It’s not only her colleagues who appreciate Melissa though: residents have been known to call her the “Get It Done Gal.” She is always conscious that ultimately it is the residents who they serve, and they remain her focus each day.
The seniors also seem to love the outside trips that Hunt helps orchestrate. Andrews said during their trip to cups last week, “We just like the fresh air. Whatever they plan, it’s always a good time and there’s never a dull moment. They’re really good to us here.”
So next time you see the Wheatcrest folks out and about, look for Hunt as well. She might be busy but she deserves a congratulations.
