Many of the Copley at Stoughton employees have worked at the facility for years – even decades! Case in point: Chris Simonson, Copley’s Director of Admissions, has been with Copley for 26 years. When a facility retains staff for that long, you know there must be something good going on.
Below we share a bit more about Chris’ role at Copley. As you’ll read, community is a big part of why Chris enjoys her job. The residents are family, the staff are family, and even the residents’ families are part of the Copley family. As Chris points out, “That’s something you just don’t get in the larger corporate-run facilities.”
In short, Copley feels like home for residents and staff alike. And as Chris tells us, that never felt more true than by the way administration supported staff over the past couple of challenging years.
- What is your typical day like at Copley?
On a typical day, I receive referrals from the hospital for patients who need short-term rehabilitation or long-term care. I review their clinical information to make sure we can meet their needs and work with the hospital case manager to facilitate their transfer to us.
I also consider myself to be a resource for families in the community who have questions about long-term care and how to initiate the process.
- Why did you choose to work at Copley?
I liked the fact that it was and still is a privately owned and operated business.
- COVID was a difficult time for all long-term care staff. How did Copley support its staff?
During COVID, we were closed to admissions. Even so, I was always busy. I still had to reply to any referrals that came in, and I helped the nursing department when they needed me. Steve (Steve Tyer, Copley’sAdministrator) kept everyone employed and never laid anyone off. That was huge for the staff! It goes to show what makes Copley different and just a great place to work.
- What reasons would you give to someone considering working at Copley?
Aside from the community feel and caring administration mentioned above, Copley is well maintained. It’s a beautiful building, and the grounds are well manicured. It’s nice to drive up to work every morning.
- How important is it for you to work at a community-based facility with that “family feel” instead of a large, corporate-run facility with headquarters somewhere else in the country?
I have worked at other facilities. Copley has a more personal atmosphere. We are part of the community. I think because of this it makes us more approachable and less intimidating. Staff are like an extended family.
- Is there a day or situation that stands out when you thought, “Yes, this is why I love Copley.”
If an issue arises that I cannot resolve, I know Steve is right down the hallway and will come to my rescue right away. I don’t have to go through layers of management to get an answer or advice. He will back up his managers if needed.
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Unlike most nursing and skill nursing facilities, Copley is an independent organization. That means, among other things, that all decisions are made right here in Stoughton, not a head office in some other part of the country. But that also means Copley does not have that “corporate feel” – and if you’ve worked at large national nursing home before, you know what we mean.
We’re currently hiring committed, dedicated care providers who want to work in this type of community-based care facility. Find out more about career opportunities at Copley at Stoughton on our Careers page.