Every day is Veterans Day at the Long Island State Veterans Home For CSEA members working at the Long Island State Veterans Home (LISVH), long-term care is a team sport and they’re playing to win. Every day, the staff has the honor of providing various types of care to the veterans. They enjoy their jobs because of the bond that develops between themselves and the residents. “I’m just glad I’m able to participate and make their lives happier, while they’re here,” said Carol Low, supervising LPN and activist. “There’s no comparison. We’re like family.” Since home is where the heart is, there must be a lot of love at the veterans home. CSEA members genuinely enjoy the company of the residents and love that the services they provide makes the vets so happy. “I love my job,” said Mary Volz, a CSEA member and barber at the home’s barbershop. “I see a personality change after they get Carol Low and Baldassare Gebbia are all smiles, a common site at the Long Island State Veterans Home. their hair cut. It’s like I improve their quality of life, which is as important as their quality of care.” Even when they’re on their breaks, members take the time to sit and talk with the residents. There are countless stories about World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to hear. The residents enjoy the time CSEA staff members spend with them as well. “I have a good relationship with the staff,” said Baldassare Gebbia, a resident. “They’re good people and they take good care of us.” The mutual admiration between the residents and CSEA members is evident. It’s what inspires members to make every day special for the veterans. “There is a meticulous level of care,” said James LaLumia, a certified nursing assistant and CSEA member. “The fact that we’re taking care of vets gives a deeper sense of caring about every aspect of their welfare.” — Wendi Bowie C aring for t h os e who have served Top: The Long Island State Veterans Home has been home to more Mary Volz finishes up Michael Geronimo’s hair cut. than 6,000 veterans in its 24-year history. 6 The Work Force November 2015
The Work Force - November 2015
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