Westphal awarded Caregiver of the Year

Nancy Westphal might say she only had to move one building over to go from the home of her youth to a lifelong home of a different type next door, Janesville’s city-owned Whispering Creek elder care facility. After working there for more than 46 years, Westphal was presented with the facility’s “Caregiver of the Year Award” on Nov. 10.

 

When she was informed she had been selected for the award, Westphal jokes that the first task faced by the administrator who delivered the news was to convince her that it was true. “My heart just kind of stopped,” Westphal stated. “I was honored and humbled,” going on to say she is one among many excellent employees.

 

She mentions no one in her family felt any surprise.

 

As much as she appreciates being honored, Westphal says the most important acknowledgment comes from her clients. She says she loves to hear their stories about the past, and is glad to be there for them in better and worse times. The one thing most valuable to her, she says, is becoming family with them.

 

Her philosophy regarding the clients she works with is straightforward: Treat them like how you would want to be treated or how you would want your loved one taken care of,” she said. “You wouldn’t want to see someone who’s unhappy, angry, or didn’t see you for who you are. You have to build a relationship with each one. That makes it easy for them and for you.

 

 “You know how you want to be treated when you get older or anytime – you don’t want to be overlooked.” Westphal said the relationships are a two-way street. As she’s worked alongside the residents and embraced their smiles and their stories, the experiences have taught her something the value of building a relationship of mutual trust.

 

She went on to express how blessed she feels to work in a city-owned facility that cares for its employees just as much as she cares for the residents who live there. When asked if it seemed like it’s been 46 years that she’s been a caregiver at Whispering Creek, Westphal laughed.

 

“It really hasn’t,” Westphal admitted. “When I go down memory lane, I have the perspective of taking each day by day. I try not to look back and I don’t look ahead.”

 

She does summarize some changes that have occurred over time. Two things she believes have been very pleasant for residents are increased flexibility when it comes to breakfast time, and a coffee nook where groups can gather for beverages and conversation.

 

One structural and procedural change across her career has been downsizing from 45 to 35 rooms. She also mentioned an enclosed walkway which allows easy movement between the nearby Park Plaza independent living facility and Whispering Creek. Referred to as “the Link,” the walkway makes it possible for older individuals who require differing levels of care to get together. “It’s just like if they were in their own home and wanted to go off into the living room and socialize,” Westphal added.

 

A disturbing change over her 46 years, she goes on to mention, is that nowadays care facilities have trouble finding and keeping employees. “I think the government does need to look at it a bit differently and see that the older generation needs to be taken care of,” Westphal said, stating that caregivers deserve wages that allow them to build their lives while also following “their calling as a caregiver.”

 

As much as she loves her job, Westphal admits it can be demanding. If residents are fairly independent, caregivers can set up a reliable routine, she describes. But if clients tend to be more dependent, juggling the page calls can be challenging.  

 

“It's like when you’re a waitress and have your own section with tables, [customers] can keep you running if they need something,” Westphal noted.

 

But she also made it clear how helpful the staff has been over the years and they do what they can to help each other out within reason. “Then there are some days where all you can do is keep going,” Westphal said. “When you have a good team which I do, you have everything.”

 

She believes someone who is considering becoming a caregiver as a profession should possess a caring or compassionate spirit and be someone who’s trustworthy. She also gave a reason why she remains passionate in her field.

 

“We’re all human beings,” Westphal said. “God put us on this earth to help each other and that’s what I’m here to do. I love my work.  I wouldn't be here if I didn’t.”

 

On a final note, she credits her socialization and compassion to her father who worked for the city in maintenance and had the keys to the dumpster. Back then, the city handed the key over to whoever needed to get in.

 

“I remember people coming to our house to get the key,” Westphal said. “He kept it going. He was loved by all.”