Every month we invite one of our team members to sit down with us and tell us more about their journey to Elder Care Alliance, their role now, and their insights into older adult care. We are excited to share the expertise and knowledge of our many team members who come to work every day and help our residents live their best lives with us.
Today we welcome Josephine Davis, Assistant Executive Director.
Us: Hi, Josie. Please tell us a little about your background and your role at Elder Care Alliance.
Josie: I was born and raised in the Philippines and came to the US at the age of 26, with a degree in management and a dream to help my family. My first job here in America was caring for a lovely Russian lady with Alzheimer’s Disease. That job ignited a passion in me to help our elders.
After working in various companies and achieving the position of Memory Care Director, I joined Elder Care Alliance in 2015. I worked as the Memory Care Director for AlmaVia of San Francisco for five years. One of my career highlights during that period was receiving the 2018 Outstanding Department Director of the Year Award from the California Assisted Living Association.
After exploring an opportunity at another company, I became its Executive Director in 2020. When the pandemic hit the following spring, however, the world changed for all of us. After some soul searching, I felt it was better to serve our Elder Care Alliance older adults. Today, I am an Assistant Executive Director at AlmaVia of San Rafael, where we offer both assisted living and memory care.
Us: How does your work benefit the residents of our Elder Care Alliance communities?
Josie: My background as a caregiver allows me to serve in a more hands-on, person-focused way. Personally and culturally, I believe our residents have a wealth of knowledge that should be honored, respected and celebrated. In valuing every day and every interaction we have, we can validate and learn from the amazing life experiences our residents share with us.
Us: Tell us more about a specific feature of your job and what residents can expect to gain from that.
Josie: Currently, I am supporting the Directors of AlmaVia of San Francisco and using my depth of knowledge in mentoring our staff. I truly believe that service to others is one of the most important things that any person can do. Providing service gives a sense of joy, satisfaction and wholeness that cannot be duplicated in any other way,
Us: What is one of your favorite memories or experiences working at Elder Care Alliance?
Josie: The Glorious Memories Art Show* in November of 2019 at AlmaVia of San Francisco is something I will always treasure. Our residents made such beautiful, amazing art. They put their thoughts, feelings and experiences into thought-provoking works. To this day, I am proud to have had a small part in bringing their visions to life.
Us: What is the greatest reward that your role at Elder Care Alliance brings you?
Josie: My greatest reward comes from knowing that I can make a difference every day. From lending an ear to offering a shoulder to cry on to giving a hand to sharing a funny story, all of these make someone else’s life easier and more enjoyable. Each and every interaction I have with my fellow directors, our staff and — most importantly — our residents and their families gives me a sense of well-being that cannot be duplicated in any other setting. Our shared human connection is the most satisfying thing in the world.
Us: Can you share any insights into new activities, programs, etc. that you are planning for the future?
Josie: I am looking forward to continuing to mentor our staff and assist in any way I can. I would love for all of our communities to keep finding ways to allow our residents to express themselves.
*Editorial Note: Residents of AlmaVia of San Francisco’s Bridgehaven, Gardens, and Oasis memory care neighborhoods came together on Nov. 16. 2019, for the Glorious Memories Art Show and Auction. Residents exhibited their original and highly creative artwork. Twenty-two of these works sold, raising more than $3,000 to benefit memory care programming at AVSF. To read more about this outstanding gala, please click here.
