LeadingAge Michigan presented the 2013 Caring Spirit Award to Janet Roscoe, head cook at Mercy Memorial Nursing Center at its Member Gala and Awards Ceremony during the 45th Annual Conference. The event was held on Tuesday, May 21, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

As a special part of the recognition, Roscoe participated in the 2013 Awards Video.

Roscoe has been Head Cook at MMNC since November 2005. A Monroe resident, she is married and enjoys keeping up with her three grandchildren.

Roscoe began a tradition of cooking fresh turkeys in roasters on each care area for Thanksgiving which fill the residents’ living environment with the scent of home at the holidays. At Christmas, Roscoe prepares baked ham with turkey leftovers for the alternate. She comes in during these holidays to make sure her residents receive “all the fixins” to complement these special meals.

In addition, Roscoe has stepped up on two occasions to supervise the department during transitions to new managers. The meals are served directly from a steam table to the residents’ tables in a restaurant-style each day. She makes each day memorable for her “folks.”

“Janet’s dedication and service to the senior population we serve is a great example of our Person Centered Care in practice,” said Martin Jan, MMNC administrator. “I’ve worked with Janet for 4 years now and her dedication to the residents is exemplary. In every instance when we needed leadership to improve our food operations Janet stepped forward. She’s not just a great caregiver but a great person every day at MMNC.”

Roscoe believes in treating the residents, especially during the holidays, when it is often hard to be away from home.
“This individual places the happiness of the resident ahead of all else daily but especially during the family holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Jan said.