Newly- Promoted Supervisor of Housekeeping, Tracy Myer, Is Ready for the Challenge!
Tracy Myer spent nearly three and a half years “learning from the best” as she describes being mentored by retiring predecessor Julie Connelly. They worked together in the Housekeeping at Residences at Deer Creek and Tracy was described by Julie as being her “right hand.”
Tracy’s looking forward to the challenge of learning to be a manager and having the experience of helping co-workers “be all they can be.” She intends to apply the qualities that encourage a team such as being available, being supportive, and passing along the great skills and habits she has learned. It’s a legacy she is proud to have. Tracy says she “absolutely” will carry forward the practices of taking time to get to know staff, addressing issues quickly, maintaining a spirit of a positive outlook when a situation or day seems stressful.
Cashiering was a first job for Tracy, when she lived in Raleigh, North Carolina. But she always liked to clean, and took advantage of an opportunity to join a housekeeping crew. From that point on, she has continued because she , like Julie, knows not only the importance of doing what you love to do, but also the importance of a housekeeping position—especially in senior living.
Tracy truly enjoys the setting at Deer Creek for Assisted Living and Memory Care. “It’s not just about the cleaning, but it’s working with older adults. It’s about making connections with people, learning their likes and dislikes, their routines that adds to the importance of being a housekeeper here. We appreciate knowing that we could be the only person a resident may see that day. We listen to them, and talk with them while we are providing service in their apartments. If they appear to have symptoms of illness, we can immediately let the nurse know to check on them. Residents depend on us; we help whenever we are able, within our boundaries. “
She also notes that housekeepers must be respectful of the resident’s wishes; beyond cleaning the surfaces , some may not want furniture moved even for the cleaning details staff likes to provide. “It’s all about the details, when it comes to cleaning. Just because someone makes it look easy, it doesn’t mean it is! Julie taught us to look at the corners—if the corners are clean, the room is clean! “
Teamwork at Residences at Deer Creek is also key to her job satisfaction, according to Tracy. “We work hand in hand with Maintenance, especially during moves into and out of the apartments, and moves from one apartment to another. Everyone helps each other. We especially appreciated each other during Covid as we all had special training for cleaning and disinfecting. It’s so good to know you can count on co-workers here. Housekeeping has a lot of responsibilities within the entire facility along with resident apartments. There is a routine to carpet cleaning in common areas and hallways, and the public restrooms.”
While originally from Raleigh, Tracy says she’s staying here, near to her son and daughter and grandson who stays overnight with her once a week. Soon there will be a new grandson! When she can find the time, Tracy likes to walk, listen to music—Country music, to be sure, with a few Oldies, too. She loves to read—murder mysteries, mostly, and maybe a romance novel on occasion.
Tracy’s confidence in accepting her new role is built upon knowing the facility well, caring about residents and knowing them all so well, and the experience of handling daily responsibilities for Julie whenever she was on vacation or had time off. Promotions from within are a win all around. Tracy is ready—ready to move forward and share the legacy!
