Many people don’t fully understand senior nursing care in long-term care facilities. Not all facilities caring for seniors are licensed, and while private-pay-only facilities may market themselves as offering superior care, they aren’t always held to the same rigorous state and federal standards. These regulations ensure medical professionals (RNs, LPNs, and CNAs) are licensed and certified, that living conditions are properly monitored, and that facility performance is made publicly available.
Because seniors in long-term care facilities have complex health needs, it’s essential that their care teams are properly trained, rely on evidence-based best practices, and have adequate time to provide individualized attention. At The Restoracy, we meet and exceed state and federal regulations, including employing licensed staff and conducting background checks as part of our safety measures. Beyond the required skills, we seek out four key attributes that elevate our care teams above the standard level of service.
Curiosity: The Drive to Provide Exceptional Care
Curiosity is a defining trait of lifelong learners—and a critical skill for skilled care professionals. Senior care needs often change in subtle ways. For example, if a resident experiences shoulder pain but doesn’t verbalize it, a curious caregiver may notice their difficulty dressing and ask questions to uncover the issue.
Phyllis Hyman, an occupational therapist at The Restoracy, embodies this mindset. “I work every day to improve residents’ abilities to do things more independently, whether through improving physical function, cognitive function, or educating staff to provide the appropriate assistance or challenge.”
Observing residents, their environment, and interactions—and asking thoughtful questions—ensures consistently high-quality care. Phyllis applies this same curiosity to her professional development. As a registered occupational therapist, she is required to complete continuing education credits, which she has used to specialize in dementia therapy and cognitive assessment.
Initiative: Going Beyond the Basics
Each day at a senior skilled nursing care facility runs smoothly because of established procedures and protocols. Residents and staff thrive on predictable schedules. However, in many facilities with high resident-to-staff ratios, non-urgent issues may be overlooked. Having the initiative to go beyond the daily checklist ensures that even small but meaningful details are addressed.
Taylor Lorenz, a CNA, explains, “Having fewer residents to care for allows us to personalize care even more and take our time to make sure we are completing all tasks and sometimes extra tasks we see need done.”
Addressing potential trip hazards, fixing a squeaky door, ensuring laundry is promptly done, and stepping in to help a team member all contribute to a facility culture that prioritizes quality.
At The Restoracy, team member initiative is transformative. Phyllis’s development of a dementia care protocol has improved function and quality of life for residents. Nicole Liverance, associate director of nursing, recalls a rehab patient who struggled to eat after a painful surgery. When he requested lima beans—an item not stocked at The Restoracy—she personally went to buy them. That small act of initiative made a lasting impact; he still calls to say hello and thank “the nurse that bought me lima beans.”
Tenacity: The Heart of Compassionate Care
Providing compassionate, empathetic care every day requires dedication and a deep commitment to long-term care values. Phyllis shares, “There are many challenges I can face daily [with staff, residents, and families]. I overcome it by trying to put myself in their shoes. I try to understand the reason behind their behaviors… empathize with them, give them space if needed, and reapproach when appropriate.”
Taylor Lorenz notes that her role allows her to notice resident needs and advocate on their behalf. She adds, “Sometimes you find yourself wanting to…take shortcuts, but every time I feel that way I remind myself that if this was my mom or dad I wouldn’t want their caretaker to take shortcuts so I don’t. Reminding myself of that refocuses me to the whole point of why I do what I do. The job is hard and some days exhausting, but I always try to find the moments of fun and laughter with the residents. Those moments are worth more than I could explain – for both you and them.”
Tenacity also drives team members to pursue ongoing education and share their knowledge with colleagues. Phyllis, as an occupational therapist, not only provides direct resident care but also trains staff in dementia protocols and engagement strategies. This knowledge-sharing improves the quality of life for all residents.
Nicole is currently pursuing her RN degree with a goal of moving into a leadership role. “The Restoracy really has reimagined healthcare, so much so that I can’t imagine not trying to spread this kind of care and being a part of this mission,” she says.
Beyond overseeing daily care and staff support, Nicole manages onboarding, education, immunizations, and infection control. She adds, “There are some facilities that make our jobs extremely difficult and some that make it more rewarding. Never give up doing the right thing.”
Teamwork: The Foundation of Outstanding Care
The best skilled care teams don’t just work side by side—they collaborate, share knowledge, and rely on each other’s strengths to provide the highest level of care. At The Restoracy, teamwork isn’t just encouraged; it’s essential to how care is delivered every day.
Phyllis explains, “I feel I rely heavily on my co-workers for support and knowledge. I learn something every day from them and feel that when we all work together, not only does it make my job easier, but it improves our ability to care for our residents.” This collaboration is especially important in skilled nursing, where resident needs can change quickly, and different expertise is required to adapt care plans accordingly.
One of the most rewarding aspects of teamwork at The Restoracy is knowledge-sharing. Phyllis finds particular fulfillment in teaching others about dementia care techniques. “When I see the caregivers get it, there is a lightbulb that goes off, and I can see them use that education to improve their residents’ quality of life,” she shares. This culture of learning ensures that every team member has the tools and understanding to provide compassionate, individualized care.
For Nicole, teamwork is what makes The Restoracy stand out. “What I love about working at The Restoracy is that this is a company that really cares. When someone is not happy or something is not working, we work together as a team to make it happen. We are able to meet the residents’ needs on a deep level and ensure that all seniors receive the best quality care they deserve.”
From daily collaboration to sharing expertise, teamwork at The Restoracy fosters a supportive environment where staff and residents alike benefit from a culture of mutual respect and dedication.
The Restoracy Difference: Redefining Skilled Care
We redefine senior care by focusing on what matters most—our people. Combined with our small home setting, home-cooked meals, and the best resident-to-caregiver ratios, these must-have skills ensure we restore dignity, health, and familiarity. Schedule a tour and see us in action.