Wheatcrest Hills Healthcare Center in Britton is celebrating another Millie E. Olson Award winner. The most recent recipient, Jeff Thayer, works in the Maintenance Department at Wheatcrest Hills in Britton, and is considered a jack-of-all-trades and key behind-the-scenes staff at the facility. This award is given to employees in South Dakota Health Care Association facilities that go the “extra mile.” This award recognizes exceptional service in the long term care profession.
According to his nomination, Thayer is always doing what he can to make sure everything the other staff needs to help make their job easier is in working order. He does his work proactively, going out of his way to ask others if they need anything or how they are doing. Thayer is often stepping in when things are hectic in the facility, from doing the dishes to helping out in any other way that’s needed.
In addition to keeping up with the building’s needs and keeping it in top-notch condition, you can also catch Thayer visiting and laughing with residents about the past. He is a Britton native, and was raised with many of the children of residents at Wheatcrest Hills. This knowledge about the community and the families of residents means that he can connect with residents by talking about shared memories and recalling old times. Seeing residents visiting and laughing with Thayer is a very common sight.
The award recipient always has a smile on his face and a ‘Let’s get it Done’ attitude. His positivity and dedication are uplifting and help foster teamwork throughout Wheatcrest Hills.
One resident had this to say about Thayer: “I like him. He never passes by as though he is too busy for me. I know he is here to work but he makes it feel as though he came over just to visit with me. Then he goes back to what he is doing with a smile on his face.”
Thayer reminds his fellow staff that taking just a small moment to smile and say hello can make a big difference in a resident’s day and Wheatcrest Hills is incredibly grateful that he is part of their community.
