Lexington Health Network

Sue Iacovelli has always enjoyed being creative. As a retiree, she spends her time on helpful, engaging projects. While at a craft show displaying her wares several years ago, Sue noticed that some of the seamstresses were making clothing protectors for skilled nursing and hospice patients. She was inspired.

Although Sue had not picked up a sewing needle in many years, she decided to be part of the effort.

“Clothing protectors are an extension of the pride that patients and residents feel about their clothing,” Sue says. “They are not bibs, so they offer dignity as well as a way to keep attire neat and clean.”

Sue met with a member of Lexington’s volunteer department to discuss the donation of clothing protectors. While there, Sue’s daughter, Katie, walked into the room and was asked if she would like to help.

As fate would have it, Katie, who has Down’s Syndrome, loves office work – and that’s exactly the type of volunteer position Lexington had available.

Prior to the pandemic, Katie would go to hospice headquarters to carry out administrative tasks. Fortunately, both mother and daughter are still able share their time and talents from home. Sue creates cheerful wall-hangings, tea cups and holiday decorations for hospice patients, and Katie completes her office assignments with enthusiasm.

Recently, Katie was asked to participate in a project outside of her usual office duties. Kelly Rayfield, Supervisor of Lexington Hospice Supportive Services, invited Katie to paint red, white and blue stars for veterans on hospice. Sue shares that Katie really enjoyed this assignment and sat at the kitchen table with her until 10 o’clock each evening until it was completed.

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For Carmin Bustos, Registered Nurse and Overnight Supervisor, long-term care is a family affair. Before Carmin began her career at Lexington Health Network, her mother, Marcela, had a position in the culinary department. Carmin remembers visiting her mother at Lexington of La Grange – and now Carmin cares for patients and residents in that very building.

Carmin recently received the exciting news that as a result of her dedication to senior healthcare, she was awarded the Illinois Health Care Association’s Long Term Care Nurses Association (LTCNA) scholarship for those wishing to advance their nursing education. Lexington of La Grange’s Human Resources Department brought the scholarship opportunity to team members’ attention, and Carmin immediately applied.

Carmin, who began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) in 2009 after enrolling in Proviso West High School’s C.N.A. program, went on to become a registered nurse. In 2019, she was promoted to overnight supervisor. And now, more than a decade after beginning her career – and throughout the challenges of a global pandemic – Carmin remains steadfast in her commitment and compassionate approach to caring for seniors.

“Our patients and residents are like my own grandparents,” Carmin says. “I enjoy spending time with them, conversing with them. It really feels like we’re all family here.”

Carmin says that she is grateful for Lexington’s recognition and opportunities to advance her career. She will apply the LTCNA scholarship to her bachelor’s degree education, already in progress.

“The more knowledge you have, the more doors open up to you. Your life becomes limitless. I talk to my daughter about the importance of education, especially in a profession that is so meaningful.”

Carmin is not only a role model for her daughter, but also for her co-workers, as pointed out by Lexington of La Grange administrator, Bonny Mundt.

“Carmin is the exemplary employee everyone dreams of having in their organization. We are so proud of her achievements, and I believe her story will inspire others to follow their dreams.”

Lupe joined us in 2020, during the pandemic, as a Resident Partner. After several months, she interviewed for the Lexington Health Network C.N.A. scholarship award and was selected! 

Lupe, pictured here with administrator Tremaine Brown,  plans to continue her nursing education. 

He collected 217 lbs. of activity materials for our patients and residents at Lexington Skilled Nursing and Physical Rehabilitation of Chicago Ridge and Lombard.

Booker told La Grange Administrator Bonny Mundt that his favorite part of working there is the relationship he forms with the residents and their family members – and he loves when they return to visit him.

During this Long Term Care Administrator’s Week, we honor and thank our Lexington Health Network facility leaders. Anshu Raina, Administrator of Lexington Skilled Nursing and Physical Rehabilitation of Bloomingdale, shares her “why” for choosing such a noble career.

“What’s not to love about being a nursing home administrator? The joy comes from seeing seniors recover and leave happily to return to their families and their lives. The satisfaction comes from seeing our community’s elders adjust to a new way of life in the nursing facility, making new friends and developing appreciation for the team who cares for them. The personal and professional growth comes from adherence to regulations and providing a high quality of life for my residents. It is about conversations that impact lives – and giving back. It is about working with a team of people, to create a culture of caring, problem solving and accountability – all to make every life that we touch, better in some way.”

This has been an annual tradition for Carrie for years. Lexington of Elmhurst Administrator, Tremaine Brown, expressed his gratitude: “Carrie, we are so fortunate to have you on our team. I sincerely appreciate your compassion for our residents AND staff. Born to be a nurse.”

Congrats and thank you to Bonny and her dedicated team at Lexington Skilled Nursing and Physical Rehabilitation Center of La Grange on receiving the prestigious National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living.

Such a wonderful partnership! We are delighted to announce that Lexington Skilled Nursing and Physical Rehabilitation of Elmhurst has launched a Pen Pal Program with students from Guatemala in York High School’s “ESL – English as a Second Language” class. They will be dropping off letters to our residents monthly!