You may have heard that one of the best parts of working at Copley at Stoughton is the “family-like” atmosphere. But what exactly does that mean?
Because we are locally owned and operated, we are naturally more connected to the community. When it comes to caring for our residents, that makes all the difference.
In this Copley Spotlight series, we’ll hear firsthand accounts from the people who work here – and why they chose Copley in particular. First up is Copley’s Administrator, Steve Tyer.
- What is your typical day like at Copley?
I always make a list of what has to be done the evening before and hope that I can at least get 50% of it done. As Administrator, my job is to make sure the facility is operating efficiently, which also means taking care of behind-the-scene details most people don’t see; making and returning calls, submitting requests, dealing with billing issues, and ensuring that all staff have what they need to do their jobs well. I also make a point to visit as many residents as possible to see how their day is going. That’s almost always the most enjoyable part of my day.
- What inspired you to work in health care/long-term care?
I did phlebotomy to earn money during college. I would visit Skilled Nursing Facilities around the greater Boston area, and was naturally very interested in how they operated. At some facilities, I felt that I could run them better than they were being managed.
I also always enjoyed the company of older people, no matter my age. I find their history and accomplishments fascinating. It’s a trait that I have instilled in my children.
- Why did you choose to Copley?
When I was doing consultant work about 11 years ago, Copley management asked me to help them through a difficult time. I agreed to manage the facility for three months. Eleven years later I’m still here and as they say, is history.
- What makes Copley different?
Copley is one of only two nursing homes in Massachusetts that I am aware of with true community-based owner and management. Copley’s majority owner is from the old Goddard Hospital, so there is already a strong community connection with healthcare, too.
I have lived in Stoughton my entire life. It makes a huge difference to me being here every day and knowing many of the residents, their families, and the staff.
- COVID was a difficult time for all long-term care staff. How did Copley support its staff?
Maria O’Connell Unda (managing partner) and I agreed when COVID hit not to lay off any staff that we hired for a set schedule. We also did what we could to assist them financially by passing along every dollar we received from the state and CMS to them in the form of bonuses. Copley allowed those who needed cash to convert PTO time to assist their families. Most recently we instituted new wage scales for all CNAs and licensed staff to ensure we could recruit and retain competent staff.
- What reasons would you give to someone considering working at Copley?
The best thing for me in terms of being the administrator is that I don’t have to contact some out-of-town office for any decision. If a staff member has a great idea, we can implement it tomorrow without seeking approval from someone who doesn’t know Copley or understand what we’re asking.
Sometimes nursing homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities are very “cookie cutter” since they are owned or managed by national companies. Copley has a family-centered, homey feel to it because we are independently – and locally – operated.
- How important is it for you to work at this type of facility with that “family feel” instead of a large, corporate-run facility headquartered somewhere else?
Very important. My management style is to always do what is right for the resident and never by the bottom line. I am a firm believer that operating that way will make Copley a success for the future and not just for the next month. Most SNFs are bottom-line-driven at all times. I don’t think that’s the best way to run a facility – especially one dedicated to serving the community.
- Is there a day or situation that stands out when you thought, “Yes, this is why I love Copley.”
I am proud of the care we give every day. It’s something I take to heart myself. Day in and day out I enjoy the interactions with the residents and making their day more enjoyable. I hope our residents and their families understand this is not the norm with other facilities. It’s part of what makes Copley at Stoughton so special.