High Plains Alzheimer’s Special Care Center offers specialized living and care options for those who are affected by dementia, providing an enjoyable, comfortable and safe environment for residents. Their distinctive memory care program, Meaningful Moments, takes a holistic approach by incorporating past routines and preferences to create a day similar to the one the person might have in their own home. Patti Clarence is the Program Director at High Plains Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, a JEA Senior Living community.
Tell us a little about your role at High Plains. – I have many responsibilities but my main role is to plan, coordinate, and implement activities specifically for our residents who are afflicted with dementia.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Finding success professionally over the course of my career, and more presently, keeping everything running smoothly on the ‘home front’ at High Plains.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Making a positive impact upon the individuals who I work with daily.
Tell us a little about your family. – My husband Rick and I have two beautiful daughters, Claire and Tessah. Claire is 19 years old and a sophomore in college and Tessah is 16 years old and a sophomore at Southwest High School. We also have two Maltese dogs and a brand new addition to our family, a three month old rambunctious Goldendoodle named Koda.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Becoming a mother and giving birth to my two children.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Curl up in a blanket and watch a wonderful movie!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – Most people are not aware that I was a dog breeder. I raised Maltese puppies for seven years.
What are you the most proud of? – My daughters. They have evolved into two beautiful young ladies, both inside and out!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – To start saving for your retirement as early as you can; the earlier the better as ‘time’ will still be on your side.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Caring.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ from The Wizard of Oz.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – The power to heal.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Cooking.
Which talent would you most like to have? – To play the piano.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – The insurance industry, so I could help protect my clients.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – The Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska chapter. I have a family member that has been afflicted with early onset dementia as well as a close relationship with many residents who I assist at High Plains.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper E. Lee.
What is your favorite movie? – Mr. Holland’s Opus.
What is your favorite TV show? – Breaking Bad.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Venue Restaurant & Lounge.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Barbara Streisand.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – I can be reached via email at patticlarence@jeaseniorliving.com or our website at http://www.jeaseniorliving.com/memory_care/Lincoln_NE/.