Lisa Sipler, Actvivities Director at BSMC.
To be an Activities Professional in the medical setting is to constantly work at keeping patients entertained, enriching their lives, maintaining physical strength, traditions, and connections with their community. To be an Activity Professional is to work, every day, at meeting one of the most basic human desires: connection. Lisa Sipler and Katherine O'dell do just that here at Big Sandy Medical Center.
Lisa has been an employee for over 25 years. Starting her career as a CNA and then gaining further training to become the Activities Director around April 2004. Her heart for the folks living here shows every day in not only the activities she plans, but the way she interacts with the patient's here. We've been told that BSMC is more than a home, it's a 'destination' and that is largely due to her efforts. While one might think it is 'easy' to plan an activity here or there, I often compare this to coming up with an idea for supper every single night. It's easy sometimes, but other days it is a down right challenge. That's usually when you or I might head down to Peps for the evening. But Lisa doesn't get to 'just eat out tonight'. There is no quick fix for activities. Instead, she has to have planned activities every day of the year, without fail, this is a requirement from CMS. Enriching the lives of those who stay with us is a top priority for her, so she works hard to keep ideas fresh, fun, and enticing. She also has to ensure that all 20 of the different personalities in the building have something going on that they enjoy. This is no small task.
In the year 2024, Lisa planned 936 hours of activities for those staying here. These activities include everything from Bingo to birthday parties and exercise to crafting. Activities as simple as a jigsaw puzzle, or one-on-one time with someone looking through old photo albums, to community wide celebrations like the Ice Cream Social during hospital week or the Resident Christmas Party. And she does it all with flair.
Take a look at the BSMC Facebook page and you'll see beautifully decorated tables, rooms, and hallways. You'll often see someone in costume. You'll see a wide variety of games and celebrations. You will see smiles. And you will see family. Not just patients with their families. Not just staff visiting with their families. You will see FAMILY. Patients, the patient's families, staff, and their families all become one inside these walls because of the environment that Lisa works tirelessly to create. The bond she has with each of these residents is unmatched. She will even come in on her days off to ensure they have the best day or call to let them know their favorite show is on channel xx. She creates an environment for these folks that really allows for beautiful memories, enrichment, and entertainment. And now, she's building the next generation of wonderful Activities Professionals with Katherine O'dell. Katherine started working as the Activities assistant last summer and is making strides in how she cares for these folks. She is a great addition to the team. Together, the life they provide for our people, and our staff, is one for the ages.
Thank you Lisa and Katherine for all you do. Happy Activities Professionals Week!
If Lisa or Katherine has impacted you or your family in any way over the years, please hop on our Facebook page and let us know about it. Or send a card of appreciation over to PO Box 530, Big Sandy MT 59520.
