NORTHUMBERLAND — Rose Rine, of Northumberland, possesses the kind of youthful enthusiasm about her job that belies someone her age. At 80, Rine gets more excited and energized about going to work at Northingham Village and helping others than most people half as old as she is.
Rine is not a volunteer. She is a paid part-time worker. And someone highly valued by others who work at the large home complex.
“I work three or four days a week. I wish it were more,” she said with a sigh. “These people who live here mean so much to me. But I have to take care of myself and I just can’t put in 40 hour weeks anymore. That’s too much for me.”
Rine, who is originally from western Pennsylvania, began to work at Nottingham Village about the time the nursing home facility was built. Her husband was stricken with a progressive illness for a number of years and became a community resident for about two years, so she was able to spend a considerable amount of time with him. He died 12 years ago.
“He had dementia,” she said. “He always came first in my life, so it was very convenient for me to see him while working at Nottingham. But the more time I spent working at the Village, even after he passed away, the closer I got to the residential community. I think over the years I’ve provided a good level of service to the residents.”
Rine doesn’t feel like her age is a limitation and believes as long as she can do the work and keep up with the other staff, she’ll continue at Nothingham. She won’t accept special treatment because of her age.
Rine’s doctor told her to continue work as long as she is able.
“I’m 80, but I am still an independent person. I have my own home, I drive to work,” she said, with a confident smile. Rine hopes that her commitment to “keep on working” will serve as an inspiration to other senior citizens.
What special health care areas are most special to you?
I think the Alzheimer’s classes I’ve taken. Dementia is a sister to Alzheimer’s so I bring some unique insight into working with these kinds of patients. When I first starting dealing with dementia, I needed help. And by attending Alzheimer’s meetings, I realized I wasn’t alone and that there are many people who have to deal with loved ones suffering from one or both of those diseases. I know enough about it now. And I hope I don’t have to go through it again. But I do think I can help others who might be dealing with the disease for the first time.
What do you like most about what you do at Nottingham?
The residents. I’m a private person, but I like to do things for other people. I care very much for the residents here. And the whole administration has been wonderful to me. Maybe that’s what keeps me going, keeps me feeling young and independent.
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Woman, 80, makes a difference at Nottingham
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