Sandra Oldemeyer is passionate about welcoming residents home to Welcome Home.
“There’s definitely a sense of community and family,” Sandra says from the Oak Harbor seniors’ care residence. “I love our diverse population and I love that many of our patients are actively involved in helping their fellow residents.”
Originally from Pennsylvania, the longtime Oak Harbor resident has been a nurse for 29 years. For the past two, Welcome Home Oak Harbor residents have known her as the director of nursing, before Sandra recently assumed the role of executive director.
“I loved my role as director of nursing but the time was right for the change,” says Sandra, who joined the Welcome Home team with the change of ownership several years ago.
Under new ownership since 2017, the revitalized and fully renovated continuing care community is one of the few residences that accept Medicaid, and provides engaging care for residents whose needs range from assisted living to more complex care.
Providing safe, inspiring care
Specializing in care for those with dementia and behavioral mental health concerns, such as post-traumatic stress or bipolar disorder, Welcome Home offers residents both shared and private rooms, delicious and nutritious dining options – including two 24-hour snack bars – and amenities such as walk-in tubs, wifi, and direct TV in each room. It’s clear why residents are keen to call this home.
Residents enjoy as much personal freedom as possible through the various stages of aging in a safe, loving atmosphere. The Island County Transit stops nearby, while the Paratransit division will also pick up and drop off residents at local destinations during daytime hours.
At home, the Welcome Home team recognizes the importance of interpersonal connections, with residents enjoying fitness, arts, gardening and recreation opportunities co-ordinated in part by two part-time activity staff.
“We have a lot of fun and a lot of laughs,” says Sandra, who when not engaged with her Welcome Home family, spends time exploring her community with her husband and grandson. She enjoys gardening, camping and her involvement with Scouts and Oak Harbor Nazarene Church.
“It’s a loving building where the residents are involved as they can be, and want to be, in their own care. And if that changes, we change with it.”
To learn more about making your home at Welcome Home, call 360-682-5598 today to arrange a personal tour or visit online at welcomehomeoakharbor.com.
READ MORE: Welcome Home to compassionate, engaging senior care
