Keene Center

Genesis HealthCare Honors Julie Buffum as Compassionate Caregiver of the Year in its Northern New Hampshire Market

Genesis HealthCare Honors Julie Buffum as Compassionate Caregiver of the Year in its Northern New Hampshire Market

Annual recognition program is modeled after the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Care’s national award for healthcare professionals.

Keene, NH - October, 18, 2022 - Genesis HealthCare, a national post-acute care provider, today announced that Julie Buffum, Recreation Assistant at Keene Center in Keene, NH, has been selected as the Compassionate Caregiver of the Year (CCOY) in its Northern New Hampshire market. Julie has been with the organization since 2019.

Modeled after the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Care's national program, Genesis HealthCare sponsors an annual recognition program that provides a meaningful way for Genesis-affiliated centers to recognize and celebrate staff members who go above and beyond the standard of compassionate care. Staff, residents, and residents’ families are all invited to nominate a member of the team who demonstrates compassion in an exceptional way.

According to her nomination, Julie does not focus on activity ideas specific to her own interests, but the interest and ability of each individual resident. She has gone as far to create homemade board games and adapt activities to specific residents who desire to participate. Recently she made a mini bowling game board and a homemade mini golf course, among others. She also develops personalized birthday plans for residents. She communicates with residents not only about their recreation preferences, but when she frequently picks up shifts as an Licensed Nurse Assistant, she always has a clear understanding of each resident’s needs.

“Julie makes positive changes for her residents and community at Keene Center. She innovates to engage participants in recreation activities - and makes sure participation is accessible. Julie’s leadership in creating community has been particularly important in ensuring quality of life for all at Keene Center. Keene Center is lucky to have her on the team,” states Teale Howe, Market President for the Northern New Hampshire market.   

Julie was selected as the market-level CCOY from among all staff in 11 Genesis-affiliated centers in the Northern New Hampshire market. She is now eligible for Genesis’ company-wide Compassionate Caregiver of the Year award, which will be selected from among its other market-level recipients later this month. Genesis will formally nominate its company-wide CCOY recipient to the Schwartz Center to be considered for that organization’s 2023 National Compassionate Caregiver of the Year award.

About Keene Center

Keene Center is a skilled nursing facility offering post-hospital, short-term rehabilitation as well as long-term and respite care. Keene Center accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances. Staff members are dedicated to serving the medical and rehabilitation needs of individuals recovering from illness or injury. Keene Center is an AHCA Bronze Quality Award Winner and We Honor Veterans community partner! To learn more, visit www.genesishcc.com/keene. 

About Genesis HealthCare

Genesis HealthCare is a holding company with subsidiaries that, on a combined basis, provide services to skilled nursing facilities and assisted/senior living communities. The Company also specializes in contract rehabilitation therapy, respiratory therapy, physician services, staffing services and accountable care. References made in this release to "Genesis," "the Company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Genesis Healthcare, Inc. and each of its wholly-owned companies. Visit our website at www.genesishcc.com.

Media Contact: Lori Mayer 610-283-4995.