On this episode, we’re joined by Don Woods, Senior Living Advisor at Valley Lakes Assisted Living. Don shares how a single opportunity in a small-town care community shaped his life-long commitment to senior care. From washing dishes to becoming a trusted leader, his journey is rooted in compassion, connection, and a desire to leave every team better than he found it.
Key Takeaways:
(00:00) Introduction.
(01:42) Discovering senior care as a life-long calling after walking into his first job at age 21.
(04:49) Staying overnight during a snowstorm to serve breakfast and ensure residents were cared for.
(08:20) Realizing how staff become family to seniors who may not have loved ones nearby.
(13:13) Being handed the keys to lead as a young, first-time manager and learning through experience.
(17:12) Reflecting on the emotional weight and unseen challenges of senior care leadership.
(19:57) Prioritizing mentorship by preparing future leaders and empowering every shift to succeed.
(21:46) Advocating for frontline caregivers in Washington, D.C. to elevate the industry's voice.
(24:45) Reconnecting with purpose during COVID by stepping up in moments of crisis for residents and families.
(31:22) Dedicated to making people smile while building a platform to inspire.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-woods/
Alzheimer’s Association | Website
https://www.alz.org/
Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.
For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout