Daisy: Enriching the lives of others, and her own.

If you ask the residents at American House Fort Myers about their Life Enrichment Director, Daisy, you’ll discover very quickly, this is one lady who truly epitomizes her title. Daisy makes it her mission to enrich the lives of the residents she serves, and she does it with passion every day. She devotes time and energy to discovering new ways for people to enjoy their next chapter, lead exciting, eventful lives and, most importantly, make a difference in the community they live. In fact, Daisy's passion became the foundation for an American House award, of which she was the first recipient. The coveted "Daisy Award" is given out annually during National Activity Professionals Week to an LED who, like Daisy, brings creativity, excellence and compassion to the seniors they serve.

Daisy has a great sense of what makes people happy, and her passion is fueled by hard work and an openness to try new things.

An excellent example occurred one Sunday morning when Daisy turned on soothing gospel music for the residents. Shortly after the music began, Jerry, one of the residents, stood up and began delivering a sermon to those in the area. A retired chaplin, his soft voice was strengthened with spirit and his peers were soon drawn in. Daisy saw an opportunity. Jerry now runs the Sunday services for the American House Fort Myers community!

She knows how to take a great experience and turn it into a worthwhile program or activity for the residents. It begins with understanding. “It’s about getting our residents together, giving them a purpose, and making them proud of their accomplishments,” says Daisy.

Those accomplishments often extend beyond the walls of the American House communities. Daisy coordinated a program that allows the residents to give back to local schools. They work together to create canvas bookbags filled with gifts, healthy foods and necessities for kindergarten students in need. This is an activity that gives residents a sense of pride and purpose, and they look forward to hand-delivering the bags to the children.

Daisy’s story is filled with decorated canvas bags and special Sunday sermons, but beneath that narrative is a woman who has been changed by her experience working with seniors. Someone who’s found her passion. “I love, love my job,” she says. “I love our residents, I love our families...I can’t imagine getting up and not coming here each day.” It goes without saying that the residents at American House Fort Myers are very glad she does.

We all have a story. A story that taught us something, changed us and helped define who we are. At American House, your next chapter is waiting to be written. We’re here to help you write it. Your way.