INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Sept. 4, 2024) – Kelly Robertson, activity director with The Waters of Greencastle, was selected as an IHCA/INCAL 2024 Caregiver of the Year.
The Roachdale native was honored with a 2024 Senior Living Award by the Indiana Health Care Association/Indiana Center for Assisted Living at its annual Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. Senior Living Awards are presented annually by the IHCA/INCAL to recognize long-term and post-acute care professionals in Indiana for their contributions and commitment to delivering quality care to older Hoosiers. Recipients are selected from peer and colleague nominations.
“Kelly is full of joy and laughter, and her cheerfulness has a positive impact on the residents and team members at The Waters,” said Paul Peaper, IHCA/INCAL president. “Much like the sunflowers she loves, she radiates warmth and kindness. It is my honor to recognize Kelly and her passion for caring for others and present her with a Senior Living Award.”
Jennifer Ettienne, the administrator at The Waters who nominated Robertson, describes her as sparkling, joyful and full of energy.
“She is an integral part of the team and assumes many roles within the facility,” Ettienne said. “You can’t put a limit on her abilities, and she is the first one to jump in to help. The residents adore her spirited attitude, not to mention her crazy costumes she wears would bring anyone out of the dumps! A day doesn’t go by when she isn’t doing something special for the residents and even their families. In fact, she gets the whole community involved with what we are doing at our building.”
Robertson’s costumes include a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and the Morton’s Salt Girl. She also hosts ice cream socials and game nights.
“I think my costume selections kind of start around an activity calendar of food,” Robertson said with a laugh. “Chocolate chip cookie day, or milk and cookie day. I think that was the first costume that I bought for our activity department. So, one of us wears the cookie and one of wears the milk.”
Robertson, who joined The Waters staff in 2017 and who has worked in health care since 1994, is also involved with the local senior center and the fair board, and is president of the local Home Ec Club. She is trained through the Alzheimer’s Association and hosts a monthly support group for families in the community.
“If you knew me, you would always hear me say we are a team, because you can’t be in this business if you don’t have good teammates,” Robertson said.
To learn more about Robertson, click here.
-30-
IHCA/INCAL is the state’s largest trade association and advocacy group representing for-profit and not-for-profit nursing homes, as well as assisted living communities and independent living.
The association provides education, information, and advocacy for health care providers, consumers, and the workforce on behalf of its more than 515 member facilities. Visit IHCA.Org to learn more.