Kathy Racine
Aurora,CO
Summary
Dedicated professional committed to assisting the elderly and their families in accessing optimal in-home care services. Extensive knowledge of aging and a proven track record of providing compassionate support ensure clients receive the highest quality of care tailored to their unique needs. This combination of expertise and experience makes a valuable asset to any organization focused on enhancing the lives of seniors. Passionate about fostering meaningful connections and improving overall well-being through personalized care solutions.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Connections Coordinator
Holly Creek Senior Retirement Community
12.2018 - Current
- Coordinates program for independent living residents who are experiencing mild to moderate dementia.
- Plans, coordinates, and executes a 4 1/2-hour program Monday through Friday which includes activities for socialization, creativity, physical exercise, cognitive exercise, and spiritual well-being.
- Communicates with family members about the status of the resident in the program
- Keeps the status of the resident updated in order to suggest moving to assisted living or memory care
- Promotes the program within the community and connects with families of residents who may be appropriate for the program
- Plans excursions for the residents twice a month
- Periodically tests residents to see the level of dementia present
- Bills residents for outside activities
- Purchases supplies needed for activities
- Maintains a budget
Director of Entertainment and Programming
HighPointe Assisted Living and Memory Care
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Provided strategic direction for the community regarding Activities programming that addresses the Physical, Social, Spiritual, Emotional, Cognitive and Leisure needs of the residents.
- Determined resident programming preferences, talents, and needs. Observed resident activity participation and adjusted calendar events accordingly. Evaluated programs to make sure the quality and content of programs fit the needs of all residents
- Managed a team of 5 activity assistants and volunteers.
- Stayed abreast on active aging and generational trends in order to enhance the community programming department; shared relevant information for the professional development of the community staff.
- Developed special events, activities, and other programming to enhance the assisted living/memory care experience and improve the resident quality of life
- Responsible for leading one-on-one, small group and large group programming, according to the programming schedule and directed the provision of those activities by staff or volunteers (i.e., ministers, residents, family members, other Team Members, etc.). Procured groups, organizations, and individuals to perform for or instruct the residents as part of the Activities program.
- Established and maintained an active network of resident and community volunteers and other community resources
- Developed and managed the resident transportation program and schedule.
- Worked with the Marketing department to use the community activity calendar to market the community whenever possible and invited outside guests, resident families, and media coverage of the events.
- Prepared budget and monitored expenses and financial statements to meet or beat budget targets
- Leadership responsibilities included recruiting, hiring, supervising, coaching and retaining high performing Entertainment Coordinator(s), driver(s) and resident and community volunteers.
Activity Professional
Serenity House Assisted Living
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Activity Professional for the 17 residences at various times. Each residence is home to 8-12 elderly people. Wide range of physical and mental abilities in the different homes.
- Provide activities, exercise, entertainment, and outings for residents
- Supervise outings
- Order and purchase games and other activities and supplies
- Advocate for residents
- Fill in for other Activity Professionals and House Managers when needed
- Submit paperwork so residents can be billed correctly for outings
- Assess residents on a quarterly basis to determine whether their needs and desires for activities are being met
- Create monthly activity calendars that are appropriate for assisted living and memory care residents
Recreation Specialist
InnovAge (formerly Total Longterm Care)
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Director of Activities for an adult day health center of over 700 participants. Managed a staff of five assistants and six volunteers.
- Planned and coordinated monthly activities, outings, and entertainment
- Organized specialty groups (i.e. gardening, writing, etc.)
- Planned volunteer events
- Assessed participants on a bi-annual basis with a team of healthcare professionals
- Involvement in participant care planning
- Ordered and purchased supplies
- Issued check requests for entertainment, subscriptions, etc.
Activities Assistant - PRN
Life Care Center of Aurora
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Assisted Director of Activities in planning and implementing resident programs. Enrichment through crafts, cooking, one-on-one companionship, games, and field trips.
- Assist the Director of Activities and her staff
- Visit residents, distribute newspapers and handouts
- Interact with residents through games and other activities
- Assist residents in getting to activities and back to their rooms
- One-on-one time with residents through conversation and activities
Care Giver
Home Instead Senior Care, Denver
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Provided non-medical care for the elderly in their home, assisted living, or long-term care facility; frequently requested by clients; takes a personal interest in each client.
- Transport clients to appointments
- Provide companionship
- Remind clients to take medication
- Report any changes in client condition or client needs
- Prepare meals; provide shopping assistance and light housekeeping
Independent Care Giver for Seniors
Self-employed, Denver metro area
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Assisted clients in long-term care facilities and private homes
- Served as an advocate for client in facility
- Liaison between clients and family
- Provided support and companionship
- Engaged clients in activities at facility or at home
- Help feed clients
- Provided support to dementia/Alzheimer’s clients and their families
Care Giver
Home Instead Senior Care, Lafayette, CO
01.2006 - 01.2011
- Provided non-medical care for the elderly in their home, assisted living, or long-term care facility; frequently requested by clients; takes a personal interest in each client.
- Transport clients to appointments
- Provide companionship
- Remind clients to take medication
- Report any changes in client condition or client needs
- Prepare meals; provide shopping assistance and light housekeeping
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration and Business Education
Augustana College
Sioux Falls, South DakotaBachelor of Science - Human Services – Gerontology
Kaplan University
06.2011
Skills
- Comprehensive awareness of elderly care
- Supportive aging assistance
- Skilled in care planning for seniors
- Coordinating events for different cognitive needs
- Proficient in identifying client concerns
- Interpersonal skills with families and colleagues
- Positive and negative analysis
- Skilled in accessing support services for the elderly
- 5 1/2 years of experience in the field of caregiving for the elderly – 2 of those years were in a long-term care facility
- Expertise in supporting families affected by dementia and Alzheimer's
- Experienced in long-term care and memory support
- Experienced in training and management of staff and volunteers, including conflict resolution
- Exhibits resilience during stressful circumstances
- Possesses a calm demeanor
- Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel); Internet
Affiliations
- Colorado Activity Professionals’ Association (CAPA)
- National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP)
- American Caregiver Association
- National Organization for Human Services
- Kaplan University Human Services Club
- Alpha Beta Kappa National Honor Society
- Golden Key International Honor Society
- National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Certification
- Qualified Medication Administration Person (QMAP) – 2-day course in Colorado
- Twenty hours of volunteer training provided by The Denver Hospice
- Reiki training provided by The Denver Hospice
- First Aid Certification
- CPR Certification
Timeline
Connections Coordinator
Holly Creek Senior Retirement Community
12.2018 - Current
Director of Entertainment and Programming
HighPointe Assisted Living and Memory Care
01.2018 - 12.2018
Activity Professional
Serenity House Assisted Living
01.2013 - 01.2018
Recreation Specialist
InnovAge (formerly Total Longterm Care)
01.2011 - 01.2012
Activities Assistant - PRN
Life Care Center of Aurora
01.2011 - 01.2012
Care Giver
Home Instead Senior Care, Denver
01.2010 - 01.2011
Independent Care Giver for Seniors
Self-employed, Denver metro area
01.2009 - 01.2011
Care Giver
Home Instead Senior Care, Lafayette, CO
01.2006 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Science - Human Services – Gerontology
Kaplan University
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration and Business Education
Augustana College