42 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com It takes a special someone to do a special job, and, with more than 200 assisted living facilities in the state of South Carolina, Laura Spearman, CRCFA, CDP, executive director at The Willows of Easley, is that special someone. A Grace Management, Inc. community embracing a philosophy of “living gracefully” by setting the highest standards for each and every one of its communities, the company’s goal is to ensure that residents live and age gracefully, experiencing an environment that supports and inspires them to continue creating life’s moments. Spearman, who earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in business administration with an emphasis in geriatrics from Clemson University, advised, “This incredible demographic is like no other. All have something special to share and can enrich our lives just as much as we can enrich theirs. We really do embrace our motto – ‘It’s not like home; it is home.’ Our residents and their families become like extended family of ours. There is a growing need in health care as the baby boomer generation ages, and we want to be there to make this chapter full of purpose, enjoyment and friendships.” Spearman was always told as a child that she had an “old soul.” She said she was always drawn to older adults. “I enjoyed going to see my paternal grandmother in a skilled nursing facility, and I remember looking forward to those visits and making friends with the other residents. Their values and beliefs are ones of being hardworking, respectful, kind and giving of oneself.” Spearman finds these qualities to be admirable. It’s not surprising that her inspiration comes from her maternal grandmother, who she said was influential in her life. “She encouraged me to follow my dreams of helping others in this specific field. I have been so blessed with a supportive and encouraging family who know how strongly I feel about giving back to the community in which we live. My loving husband of 15 years and 7-year-old twin boys inspire me every day.” She also owes so much to her team at The Willows of Easley. Spearman said she knows that working in this area of health care takes a certain amount of balance with emotions. She shared the advice that her father gave her. “He said to try different jobs to figure out what I did and didn’t like – still sound advice today. If you don’t like your job, that’s what it becomes – just a job.” She also stressed the importance of self-care: “Burnout is real, and the level of devotion required is immense as health care workers put so much of themselves into their work. In order to do our jobs effectively, you have to be passionate, empathetic and genuine and be on top of your game at all times, both emotionally and physically, even including eating healthy, exercising regularly and getting outside to boost your mood. Our team recognizes that we have to pull together and support each other in order to function at our best for our residents.” By Eileen Casey Laura Gill Spearman THE WILLOWS OF EASLEY Easley 864-855-9800 thewillowsofeasley.com @willowsofeasley We are a team of like-minded individuals who are here serving our residents for all the right reasons. This is a calling, not just a J-O-B. " " MEN WI N HEALTH Photo by Carin Scates Photography.
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