What began as a lighthearted way to share glimpses of daily life with families has evolved into a powerful tool for challenging outdated assumptions about senior living. While Bethesda has long embraced other social media platforms, TikTok offers a fresh, creative way to showcase the reality of life in today’s senior living communities.

“I meet a lot of people who don’t really know the difference between nursing homes and independent living,” says Ashley Nelson, Corporate Sales Counselor at Bethesda Terrace. “TikTok is a fun opportunity to show that our residents are living vibrant, meaningful lives—and that choosing a retirement community doesn’t mean giving up your independence.”

Very few residents have the TikTok app, but they love being part of the filming. In one recent video at Bethesda Terrace, Ashley and Life Enrichment Coordinator Nikki Ross invited residents to form a circle for a group dance. The result was joyful and unscripted.

“We showed them the inspiration video, and they all thought it was so funny,” says Nikki. “We didn’t have any music, so they were just dancing to their own beat. We filmed it right after happy hour, so a lot of them got involved, and it became our most viral video yet with more than 250,000 views and 13,000 likes!”

At Village North, curiosity is growing. A few residents have started inquiring about the app and the process for making videos—and some have even started downloading TikTok themselves!

“We have two residents that absolutely love making the TikToks,” says Adrienne Loyd, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Village North. “They’re very interested in the process, always asking me how I edit videos and add voiceovers.”

Adrienne has started hosting watch parties for the residents, complete with popcorn, where residents can gather to watch the posted videos from both communities and discover popular trends themselves.

And it’s not just the residents who are enjoying the results—families are tuning in, too.

“I love when families see the videos, because it shows them that we’re having fun here,” says Adrienne. “It reassures them that their family member is in a place where they’re supported, valued and enjoying life.”

The TikTok accounts have also sparked interest beyond current residents and families. Both communities have seen an increasing number of followers and plenty of positive feedback. In some cases, touring families have mentioned seeing Bethesda on TikTok.

“One viewer even commented on a recent video, ‘When I retire, I’m coming to Village North!’” says Adrienne.

Follow Bethesda Terrace and Village North on TikTok and for more resident stories, visit Bethesda’s blog!

The post Lights, Camera, Action: Bethesda Takes on TikTok first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Terry’s son, Tershawn Wharton, made it all the way from local youth leagues to the NFL, playing defensive tackle for the Chiefs and earning two Super Bowl rings along the way. But before the lights of Arrowhead Stadium and national broadcasts, there were early mornings, late-night talks and one very determined mom.

Tershawn started playing football at age eight, often underestimated because of his size. Meanwhile, Terry was balancing motherhood with a growing career in healthcare, becoming an LPN while Tershawn was still in middle school. The two shared a drive to succeed, and Terry’s steady encouragement fueled her son’s dream.

“After his freshman year at Missouri S&T, he told me he wanted to make it to the NFL,” Terry recalls. “I was thrilled. But I also told him, ‘Let’s get to work and make it happen.’”

They did just that. By the time Tershawn graduated in 2020, he had caught the attention of scouts and signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent. That same year, he earned a spot on the 52-man roster—and just months later, played in his first Super Bowl.

“Watching Tershawn on the field at the Super Bowl, living his dream, it was surreal,” Terry says. “I was in Tampa for the game and was just so happy for him.” She was also present for his Super Bowl victory in Las Vegas, and this year’s loss to Philadelphia in New Orleans.

These days, Terry builds her work schedule around game days, whether she’s in the stands or cheering from home alongside up to 40 family members and friends huddled around the television.

“Being in the float pool gives me flexibility,” she says. “Watching him play, seeing him at his happiest is incredibly fulfilling.”

Terry brings that same spirit of support and encouragement to her patients at Bethesda. She often uses Tershawn’s story to inspire her patients who sometimes could use a little extra motivation.

“There was a resident who loved football but needed a lift,” she says. “I arranged for Tershawn to FaceTime her, and it changed everything.”

In March 2025, Tershawn was traded to the Carolina Panthers. But Terry will still proudly wear her Chiefs red—unless, of course, they’re playing the Panthers. Whether it’s on the job or in the stands, Terry Wharton shows what it means to care deeply and cheer loudly.

For more employee stories, visit Bethesda’s blog!

The post Terry Wharton—Bethesda’s Biggest Kansas City Chiefs Fan first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

This program, called the VSP (Vocational Skills Program), gives students a chance to dive into daily responsibilities like doing laundry, setting the tables, and even serving in the dining room — essential tasks that build both practical skills and personal independence.

“Our goal is to help these students become job-ready once they leave our program,” says Eileen Caffey, Bethesda’s Senior Director of Recruitment and Employee Relations. “We want to support them in reaching their full potential as independent adults.”

Danielle Barnhart, a special education teacher who has worked with students at Bethesda Barclay House for 12 years, has seen firsthand how transformative this experience can be.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to watch these students grow and mature through the program,” Danielle says. “Each of them has their own success story.”

Beyond skill-building, the program fosters relationships between students and residents, creating a sense of community and mutual support.

“There’s a fun dynamic between the students and residents,” Danielle shares. “They build real connections, and the students look forward to seeing them every day.”

Students often feel such a strong bond with Bethesda that some, like JoJo Kersting (pictured in featured image above), become Bethesda team members. JoJo, a former SSD student, completed her vocational training at Bethesda Orchard in 2013 and stayed on as a full-time server.

“I wanted to stay at Bethesda Orchard because this is where I received my training and felt most comfortable,” JoJo explains.

Now a beloved team member, she shares close relationships with the residents, who eagerly ask for updates about her children.

“They ask for photos and tell me about their grandchildren,” JoJo says. “Sometimes I get to meet them if they come visit for lunch.”

Reflecting on the program’s lasting impact, Danielle says, “Bethesda is such a welcoming place. They support our vision for these students, and I hope this partnership remains as strong as it’s been going forward.”

Currently six VSP students are participating in the program at Bethesda Barclay House. Four are seen here, along with teacher Danielle Barnhart (far right) and assistant Gloria Morrow (second from left).

The post Bethesda’s Partnership with SSD Creates Job-Ready Graduates first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

The goal of the program is to keep people in their homes, allowing them to age in place for as long as they are able by providing the services and support seniors need to maintain their independence.

“From attending doctor’s appointments or helping with medication management, laundry or shopping, we are here for one purpose — to help our residents,” says Julie Poelker, Bethesda Senior Care Coordinator. “This program is especially beneficial for residents who do not have family members living in the area. Our team is able to step in and help with tasks that the residents have trouble completing.”

For more than ten years, Care Management team members have attended doctors’ appointments with multiple Bethesda residents. For those with no family members in town, this service has helped them avoid navigating stressful situations on their own.

“We relay information from the doctor to the residents’ families,” Julie says. “In addition, our team may help with medication management and activities of daily living when the resident returns home.”

Julie and her team also assist residents when they need another level of care by navigating the transition to the appropriate Bethesda community.

The Care Management program is part of Bethesda Senior Support Solutions, Bethesda’s in-home private duty agency.

For more information on the Care Management program or Bethesda Senior Support Solutions, call 314-963-2200.

The post Bethesda’s Care Management Provides Support to Residents first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

“I knew I wanted to do more for the residents by becoming a CNA,” says Ashley.

After two years of watching others participate, Ashley decided to look further into the program and reached out to Eileen Caffey, Bethesda’s Director of Recruitment and Retention, to express her interest.

“Many people would be intimidated to return to school. But Ashley proved that if you have the determination to do it, you will be successful,” says Eileen.

In the 12-week course, CNA candidates learn the clinical skills they need to care for residents. The program is a partnership with Applied Technology Service, an organization that specializes in adult education, and was a great fit for Ashley.

“Now that I’ve graduated, I’m excited to start my new journey. I want to do so much more and keep moving forward,” says Ashley.

Ashley is now a full-time CNA at Dilworth. She hopes to continue with the Career Ladder Program and become a Certified Medication Technician (CMT).

Read more Bethesda employee stories on our blog!

Featured photo of Bethesda Dilworth 2023 CNA and CMT graduates: (l-r) Makila Cornell, Ashley Henderson, Zaykia Young and Denisha Ford

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In general, participants in the Career Ladder program can focus on nurturing and advancing their careers at Bethesda while becoming Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Certified Medical Technicians (CMTs) or even Registered Nurses through a combination of academic and hands-on training.

The participants in the recent CNA class offered at Bethesda Southgate, for example, followed a rigorous yet rewarding schedule, attending classes at Jefferson College’s Arnold campus and engaging in clinical practice at Bethesda Southgate. They are compensated for their clinical hours and receive paid on-the-job training.

Eileen Caffey, Senior Director of Recruitment and Employee Relations, highlights the significance of this program as a continuation of Bethesda’s 135-year legacy as a leader in senior living, care and services.

“This program speaks to who we are at Bethesda,” says Eileen. “Having a new education partner through Jefferson College allows us to expand our program, offering our team members to learn and earn simultaneously.”

Bethesda aims to graduate 50 CNAs per year through this program, creating a community of skilled, compassionate caregivers. This commitment to professional growth not only builds careers but also strengthens the healthcare workforce with dedicated caregivers.

For more information on the Career Ladder Program, contact Eileen at eecaffey@bethesdahealth.org.

The post Bethesda Career Ladder Program Adds New Collaborator first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Clarence Gibson (featured image above), a Certified Medication Technician (CMT) at Bethesda Dilworth, is one such individual who embarked on a transformative journey almost two years ago. His prior professional ventures spanned maintenance, warehousing and mechanical repairs, yet an inner quest for deeper fulfillment compelled him to seek a more profound calling. Encouraged by his wife, who works in healthcare, Clarence pivoted to bring his calm demeanor and commitment to service to the residents of Bethesda Dilworth, first earning his CNA certification after participating in Bethesda’s CNA apprenticeship program, and then becoming a CMT.

Beyond dispensing medications and fulfilling care duties, Clarence hands out healthy doses of comfort during his shifts. Standing tall at 6’3″, he often crouches down to meet a resident’s gaze, offering a calm word to soothe fears or brighten a challenging day, and has been known to serenade residents from their doorways with songs and encouraging words.

“I have empathy for everyone,” Clarence affirms in his trademark quiet manner. “I treat my patients as I’d wish someone would treat my own grandmom and mom as they age.”

His approach reflects a profound commitment to enhancing residents’ and families’ lives and earns him deep gratitude, evident in heartfelt gestures like a departing rehab resident who tracked him down to introduce him to her family and gave him a big goodbye hug.

His eyes glisten as he recalls this connection. “I was grateful to assist the family. I had to hold back tears; it meant the world to me,” he says.

Lauren Scharmer

Bethesda Hospice Care’s Clinical Social Worker Lauren Scharmer’s story reads as a testament to the sanctity of compassionate support during life’s last chapter.

For Kathleen McDonald, facing terminal cancer, the Bethesda Hospice Care team provided essential guidance and comfort to her and her family. The team included Lauren, RN Case Manager Kim Hengehold, and other dedicated nurses and nursing assistants, therapists and chaplains, who ushered Kathleen and her family through the poignant end-of-life transition.

Though a nurse herself, Kathleen’s sister, Francie Pratte, recognized her own need for guidance and support as her sister was facing life’s end. Living across the country in California, she leaned on Lauren and Kim, whose responsiveness and compassionate care eased burdens and guided profound decisions.

“They treated Kathleen with honesty, respect and compassion,” Francie reflects. “They connected with her on a deep level, assisting her journey towards spiritual peace.” Lauren said that she connected with Kathleen over shared faith, and she was honored to be with the family as the “veil between heaven and earth grew thinner each day.”

“I have a belief in the inherent dignity and goodness of each person. So often end of life is seen as tragic and something you just have to get through,” Lauren says. “But there can be such beauty in dying. I’m humbled and grateful to be with people as they’re about to end their journey on earth.”

Lauren’s heartfelt connection with Kathleen continued until her last moments and extended to attending her funeral, a gesture that resonated deeply with the family.

Not only were they surprised to see Lauren at the service but were quite astonished with her remarkable familiarity with each family member. She effortlessly recalled their names and shared vivid anecdotes about Kathleen and the family, almost as if she had been a part of those moments herself.

“It meant so much to have Kathleen at Bethesda during her final days,” Francie says. “The Bethesda Dilworth and Bethesda Hospice Care staffs truly cared for our sister as though she were family. We could not be more grateful, and I know Kathleen felt the same way.”

Clarence and the Bethesda Hospice Care team are just two great examples of our mission in action, and each showcases an unwavering commitment to elevating the human experience in healthcare. Their actions transcend professional duties; they embody a profound reverence for life’s delicate moments, leaving an enduring legacy of compassion and kindness. As Bethesda continues its legacy of excellence, individuals like Clarence and Lauren illuminate the path, reminding us all of the transformative power of genuine care and empathy in senior healthcare.

The post Bethesda Celebrates Stories of Compassion and Dedication first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

As people age, they often need a little bit of extra help to make sure their medications are managed properly and they are able to accomplish activities of daily living. For those in assisted living or skilled nursing communities, having an established relationship with an experienced and knowledgeable healthcare professional is key to maintaining a high quality of life.

It’s a popular decision these days among health professionals to make a change from working in a hospital or clinical setting to becoming a full-time senior care professional. Their decision stems from both practical to personal reasons.

Here are some of the top reasons healthcare workers are switching to senior care:

• It’s one of the fastest growing segments of health care. According to the Pew Research Center, more than 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day since the beginning of 2011. That means there are millions of potential patients adding to demand – and job security – in the senior market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for home health and personal care aides is expected to increase by 33 percent by the year 2030.
• It’s a great chance for you to advance. While nurses can join the senior care field right out of school, experienced caregivers are especially sought after because our older loved ones often have more complicated medical needs than their younger counterparts. Due to the demand for senior care nurses, your previous experience could make you a strong candidate for a management position – and the financial rewards that come with the promotion – at either the local or corporate level.
• Make more meaningful connections. While the average hospital stay is less than five days long, working in a senior care setting gives nurses a chance to meet and develop relationships with their patients and their families. In addition, while nurses in hospital settings often don’t have the opportunity to follow their patients as they move along the continuum of care, senior care specialists have the rewarding experience of seeing the difference they make in people’s lives.

So, what does it take to be a nurse in a senior care community? In addition to the patience, poise and understanding necessary to develop a mutually beneficial relationship with patients and their families, there are a variety of skills needed to be an excellent caregiver for senior adults.

Responsibilities of geriatric care nurses include:

• Development of treatment plans for elderly patients in collaboration with physicians and other medical professionals.
• Administering medications and medical devices.
• Providing treatment for medical conditions that commonly affect the elderly including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive issues.
• Monitoring for signs of infection, fractures, and other acute health issues in seniors and providing treatment.
• Preparing and reviewing paperwork related to government regulations and insurance claims.
• Educating patients and their caregivers on ways to handle age-related conditions.

Why should you choose Bethesda as your new career home?

Offering several beautiful, award-winning communities where the seniors of the St. Louis area can get the best in care, Bethesda offers its team members the opportunity to be the best they can be. Apart from excellent benefits, you’ll get the chance to be a part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of the people it serves.

Check out the Bethesda Careers page on our website to find out why you should consider joining our team.

The post Benefits of Becoming a Senior Care Nurse first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Dhanel Stepney has participated in the VSP at Village North Retirement Community since 2021. She helps with Activities and performs morning wellness checks, calling residents on the phone to ensure they’re awake and had no issues overnight.

“I like doing wellness checks because it feels good to check on the elderly, to make sure they are okay,” Dhanel says. “I also like helping with activities because I am a motivated and creative person. I help with crafts, painting and cooking.”

“This partnership is beneficial in many ways, because the trainees may learn skills from our staff, but we learn so much from them, too,” says Felinna Love, General Manager at Village North. “It’s really rewarding to see the trainees start the year quiet and shy, and then blossom into confident, self-assured young people by the end.”

Another benefit of the VSP is the joy the trainees bring to the residents.

“When we had to pause the program because of COVID, the residents were so sad,” Felinna says. “They tirelessly asked me when the trainees were coming back. It’s really touching how much the residents love talking with them and having them in the building.”

Bethesda is continually finding new ways to engage with the St. Louis community — stay up to date with Bethesda’s community partnerships by visiting our Bethesda news blog.

The post Community Partnership Prepares Youth for Successful Futures first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

And that is why Bethesda developed its “Career Ladder.”

“This program is great for people who are truly compassionate and want to help others,” says Eileen Caffey, Director of Recruitment and Employee Relations. “If they’re dedicated to their education and furthering their career, participants can complete training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), a CNA Mentor, a Certified Medication Technician (CMT), then eventually enroll in nursing school.”

Kristina Johnson is on track to do just that. She started working at Bethesda Southgate in early 2020 after applying on somewhat of a whim.

“I had never worked in healthcare before, but my mom is a staffing coordinator with Bethesda and I saw how much she loves her job, so I decided to apply,” Kristina says.

In the two years Kristina has been at Bethesda, she’s already completed the training programs to become a Nurse Assistant, a CNA, a CNA Mentor and a CMT. Nursing school is the next rung she wants to climb. That’s the magic of the Career Ladder.

“I am so grateful for the Career Ladder program because it has allowed me to enter into and progress quickly in a field that I have become very passionate about,” says Kristina. “I love giving back to the generation that paved the way for me and my family, and the relationships I’ve built with the residents have made my job so enjoyable.”

Kristina says she appreciates the financial assistance Bethesda provides in each step of the Career Ladder program.

“There is no charge to our employees who participate in the 12-week CNA and CMT programs; in fact, we actually pay them while they’re in training,” Eileen says. “Our bottom line is setting our employees, and in turn our residents, up for success. We’ll do everything we can to take care of our people!”

The Career Ladder program has graduated more than 120 “students” since its creation. It is on track to graduate the largest number of participants yet in 2022.

“Bethesda sets you up for success by being so supportive and helping you accomplish your goals,” says Kristina. “If you’re looking to achieve greatness and grow in your career, Bethesda’s Career Ladder program will help you do that.”

Contact us to find out more about Bethesda’s healthcare careers.

The post “Career Ladder” Creating Fulfilling Healthcare Careers first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.