Caregiver of the Year

Congratulations to Tony Mansfield, Crockett County Nursing Home's 2009 Caregiver of the Year!

Submitted by:
Peggy Hudson, RN
Assistant Director of Nursing
Crockett County Nursing Home, Inc.

When I think about the word caregiver and what that means, I think about this individual person, not only for our residents or employees, but also to our community. This individual has done everything from replacing a light bulb to performing CPR on a resident.

It's always, “Would you put a shelf up for this resident?”, “Their TV needs to be moved … “, “The locks on the wheelchair won't work …” “My air conditioner won't get cold …” “I think we have a bird's nest in the vent outside …” And, yes, those fire drills that have to be done on the evenings, nights and weekend shifts, he comes back to work to do that also.

Don't let us forget about those cold, icy winter nights when he runs a taxi service bringing employees to and from work. He helps the employees in as many ways as he can and does even more for our residents. He treats them as his family. He not only repairs things for the residents, but he takes time to talk and listen to them. He looks out for everyone.

There was one particular resident that followed every step that he made every single day and would always say 100 times a day "What are we going to do now?" and never once did he get upset or angry with the resident. He would so kindly tell him exactly what was next on the list and away they would go down the hall together.

At times the resident would go with him to feed his cows, which was a great pleasure for the resident. It's not unusual for him to come in the facility and say you have a flat on your right back tire and, yes, he's been known to change them. Or you need to get your front left tire checked; I see wires sticking out of it.

This doesn't stop at Crockett County Nursing Home. He shows his love and concern for the community also. He repairs things for people, loans things and yes, he also goes to Bells Nursing Home, Dyer Nursing Home, Humboldt Nursing Home, Crockett Medical Clinic, or wherever he is needed, which doesn't even began to let you know how caring and giving he is.

He began his employment on April 4, 1978, as Maintenance Supervisor while also working at Crockett County Ambulance Service as an EMT. So when I think of someone of consideration for Caregiver of the Year, I can't think of anyone more deserving than Tony Mansfield.

Tony Mansfield

Tony's family