Friends and Neighbors: Michele Daum

Michele Daum approaches her job at the Kimball County Manor with understanding, high energy and a positive attitude. Daum, who is the social services director for the facility, is in charge of all admissions and Medicaid applications but she doesn't stop there.

"I work with residents and families. I try to be a bright spot in their lives coming into a very difficult situation. I am a cheerleader. I know what it is like, I had to put my own dad in a nursing home in Oregon, and I know how awful it can be," she said. "I will do anything for families to try to make this process easy, because, no matter what you do, it sucks."

She works hard to be the front line for families when questions and concerns arise and encourages family members to reach out to her directly.

"I always tell people on admission to communicate with me," she said. "A lot of people, I give my cell phone number to because Bev (Schnell, Adminsitrator) is so generous to allow me to travel and go watch my kids play sports and be involved with my family."

Daum works hard to strike a balance between work and family. She takes her computer with her while on the road to watch her children participate in college athletics which allows her to complete projects and help families while she is away.

She added that she could not be such a positive influence without the support of her administration and coworkers.

"I'm going to chase my kids as much as I can, and as long as I can do my job," she said. "Family, with me, will always come first. Family is the most important thing to me and I proved that I could fulfill my job."

Just as family means the world to her, she knows that often times family members aren't able to visit their loved ones. When that is the case, Daum is there to provide support, understanding and positivity.

"My goal is to be there for the families," Daum said. "I open the door for them to call me if they have any questions, but I also let them know if fun, good things happen."