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Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home is pleased to report that OLA continues to be on the National Nursing Home Quality Care Honor Roll List. The only Joliet facility with this honor, the National Nursing Home Quality Care Honor Roll recognizes “performances on the long-stay quality measures on Nursing Home Compare, which has aligned with the top 10% of nursing homes in the United States.”
OLA strives to ensure residents feel safe and comfortable in our compassionate, joyful environment. Thank you to our OLA team for your dedication, hard work and person-centered care.
There are not many people at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home who do not know the name, Bonita Kimbrough. A familiar face of OLA, Bonita, has touched the lives of many over her 20 years as a nurse. Inching towards part-time work and eventually retirement, Bonita happily shares her thoughts on her time at OLA.
A minister at her church, Bonita always had an interest in learning about other religions. “I felt that a religious organization would be a good fit for me,” states Bonita. “My interview went extremely well, and I was hired on the spot. The staffing was great and everyone went out of their way to introduce themselves and welcome me.”
Bonita with resident, Paul Nemenski
Bonita began her journey with OLA experiencing what she now reflects on as some of the most heartwarming, humorous, spiritual and profound moments. “There are just so many memories,” laughs Bonita. “I recall watching two sisters that hadn’t seen each other in a long time reunite. They hugged and hugged, started twirling in happiness and the next thing you know they tipped over on the floor. Their joy couldn’t be contained!”
Bonita continues, “There was another sweet woman who missed mass one morning. We tried to explain that the mass had concluded, but she insisted we take her to the Chapel anyway. Upon walking in the door, the woman stated, ‘Good morning, Jesus. They didn’t want me to come, but I just had to say good morning.’ And that was that…so heartwarming.”
At OLA, person-centered care is paramount. “You do the extra at OLA,” Bonita says with a smile. “I want OLA to remain the residents’ home and for them to feel comfortable here. I’ve always hoped to make an impact on their lives.”
When asked for her final thoughts, Bonita pauses, “It’s been such a joy working here and I am so attached to these people. They truly are my second family. I laugh with them. I pray with them. I take care of them. I’m even with some of them as they pass away. I would do this entire experience over in a heartbeat.”
Bonita has made an impact on the OLA community and will be dearly missed when she retires.
Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, a resident-centered, retirement home community providing high-quality care and rehabilitation services for seniors. Join our team! Visit us at olaretirement.org/employment or call us at 815-725-6631 for more information.