TyAnn Tellefson, Avamere at Moses Lake


Avamere Heroes are present daily in Avamere communities. The senior living world needs heroes to get through these trying times brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Avamere Hero

TyAnn Tellefson (pictured on the right) is a new team member at Avamere at Moses Lake, an independent and assisted living community in Washington State. TyAnn is a Universal Worker, helping out wherever she is needed from the front desk to the activities department to taking temperatures at the front door.

Finding a passion to serve

This is TyAnn’s first job in healthcare, but she remembers her mother sharing her experiences working in assisted living communities.

TyAnn shared: “I have quickly learned why she was so passionate with her stories. Through the past several weeks, I have gotten to know many of the residents’ personalities and stories. I’ve been able to see the joy they experience inside this community as they interact with the staff and fellow residents.”

In just a few weeks, TyAnn got to know many of the residents’ unique personalities and stories as she formed strong bonds with them.

“I’ve been able to see the joy they experience inside this community as they interact with the staff and fellow residents,” TyAnn shared.

Spreading joy during COVID-19

Working in healthcare during COVID-19 gives TyAnn direct insight into what life is like on the front lines and the fears seniors experience.

The Avamere at Moses Lake staff listened to these fears and in response, planned innovative ways to have fun together.

“As residents become more restricted to activities in their room or right outside their doors, the staff works above and beyond to help them feel just as comfortable as life before the virus,” TyAnn said.

The staff organized Bingo in the hallway and celebrated Easter by handing out Easter baskets to each resident.

“I have never seen smiles as big as I did the day they ail received their baskets,” TyAnn shared.

Exploring fun and unique ways to adjust to the new reality under COVID-19 perfectly aligns with one of Avamere’s core values of “innovation, not emulation.”

Treating residents as family

The staff spread joy not just during the activities done at a social distance but also in striking up conversations during visits to check on residents and deliver the mail, giving them some much-needed human interaction.

“One thing I know for sure is that the employees here at Avamere see the residents not as a job, but as friends and even family of their own,” TyAnn said.

Thank you to TyAnn and the Avamere at Moses Lake team for your love and service!

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