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Share thisChristine Caplan ’14 (Health Administration): Helping the Elderly Live Life to the Fullest
Christine Caplan is an Administrator at Cobb’s Hill Manor in Rochester, NY. In 2014 she graduated from Roberts with a degree in Healthcare Administration. Her combined life, work, and educational experiences have led her to the rewarding and impactful work she does today. Anyone who talks to Christine, and especially if you have the opportunity to see her interacting with Cobb’s Hill Manor residents and their families, will see the joy she brings to these relationships and the many ways in which she makes their lives better. Christine and her story are inspiring, especially if you have had to care for an aging loved one.
“I learned very early on that a college education was the key to advancing my career. In my 20’s, I was denied an interview for an exempt level position because I did not have a degree. It didn’t matter that I did the work detailed in the job description on a daily basis … no degree, no interview. This occurred again in my 30’s at a different employer. I realized that I had to make a college education a reality or be stuck doing a job that was not meaningful or challenging.
I began working on a degree at SUNY Empire around the time that my father was diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies. I began to focus my studies on adult development and aging, eager to learn everything I could about older adults. While it took several years to complete my AAS, it was just a few months after my father passed that I had an ‘aha’ moment. I had taken a job at a Hallmark store at a local mall during the Christmas season. A woman walked into the store one day who appeared very distracted. While she browsed the shelves she repeatedly looked out into the mall. I thought perhaps she had left a child nearby. Several minutes later an older gentleman appeared. He had the same vacant expression my father wore towards the end of his illness. As I watched her interact with him, I saw the same pained caregiver expression my mother wore throughout my father’s illness. I knew I needed to help her! I approached her and asked how I could help. She said, ‘A pen and paper would be helpful.’ I told her that I meant with her husband. We spent the next 15 minutes together with me writing down every resource I used during my father’s illness. Her son stopped by a few days later and told me that I had done more to help his mother in just a few minutes time than anybody had throughout his father’s illness. It was at that moment that I knew the focus of my life.
I spent 20+ years working in various areas of healthcare. The accelerated Healthcare Administration program allowed me to tie together my many years of experience and obtain a degree in just 15 months.
As Administrator at Cobb’s Hill Manor, I can help elders and their families on a daily basis. It’s an amazing feeling to relieve the stress of a family member/caregiver by telling them that their loved one is going to be happy with our Cobb’s Hill family! Last fall, a woman walked into the facility. By her words and expression, it was easy to see she was distressed. We sat together on the couch in our lobby and talked about her mother. While she cried, I reassured her that her mother was welcome, that she would be safe, and that she would thrive with us! Sure enough, her Mom is a vital part of our community! She’s the Resident Council President, an active Wellness program participant, and a ‘Mama Bear’ for many of the residents. I wish there was a place like Cobb’s Hill Manor when my father was ill.
It feels as though God had led me down this path; years of healthcare experience, my father’s illness, and robust educational opportunities have brought me to the job of my dreams!
Cobb’s Hill Manor does assisted living differently. We take in people who have worked hard their entire life, but don’t necessarily have a lot of money in the bank. We have a large Veteran and blue-collar worker population who are grateful for our beautiful facility and wonderful programs. One of my favorite programs is our Bucket List. We ask each incoming resident what is on their bucket list. In March, I was able to join a resident as he flew a plane. To date, four of our residents have earned their wings! This summer we will be taking our residents kayaking, scuba diving, and on a jet boat ride at Niagara Falls.
I tell every college-age person I encounter to seriously consider a career in Healthcare. The opportunities are endless! The aging population makes healthcare a very secure career field. I have worked at a pharmaceutical company, an insurance company, a health system, and now in eldercare. I gained experience in Human Resources, Regulatory Affairs, Health Insurance, Project Management, Operations, Programs of all Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and Assisted Living.
Intellectually, the curriculum at Roberts broadened my horizons and helped me to become a critical thinker. Professionally, I was able to implement my improved critical thinking skills into my job which led to a promotion shortly after graduation. Spiritually, knowing the path I was on was to help others gave me strength to persevere during the challenges of an accelerated program.
During a group project mid-way through the program, my team and I decided to create a business plan where we repurposed a recently closed nursing home and created a respite home in the Rochester area to provide caregivers with a much needed break. Just two years later, my dream job is in that very same building! Is that a coincidence or fate?”
Christine is the proud daughter of Gale Rowlands, and mother of Kevin (RWC 2017 Graduate) & Aimee Shepard, and Jaymee & Rhianna Caplan.
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