Topeka Presbyterian Manor
NOVEMBER 2019
For Kelvin Cameron, work is like coming home For environmental services and maintenance employee Kelvin Cameron his work at Topeka Presbyterian Manor is less like a job and more like helping out his family.
By Ellen Ryan for Next Avenue
Jane and John Doe knew they would trade in their four-bedroom family house someday for a smaller, more manageable home. But the couple put off downsizing until after retirement … then after their youngest’s wedding … then after a big vacation … then ….
“My objective is to give residents what they need and want,” Cameron said. “I try to take care of their problems—whether that’s patching holes, fixing lights or working on small plumbing issues. The residents are just like family. I have a lot of residents that really move me.” In addition to solving problems for residents, Cameron also fills in from time to time as a driver, helping residents get to appointments and events around town.
Don’t need to downsize yet? Great. Start now.
Kelvin Cameron
Along with the chance to help people, Cameron said he also appreciates the opportunity to learn new skills in his work. It’s rare, he said, that he doesn’t learn something at least every week— and given the chance, he’ll follow a plumber or electrician to the job site, hoping to pick up another skill. Cameron has been with the Presbyterian Manor for five years this month. He said it’s work that he’s grateful to have been given the chance to do. “I love my job,” Cameron said. “I mean I really love my job. The residents are awesome. I’m happy for the opportunity to learn. And the reward for me is the residents. If they’re happy, I’m happy.” ◆
Then John had a stroke. Suddenly Jane faced not just the immediate health crisis, but having to move their entire decades-old household into a one-level apartment within three weeks. Why no names on this story? Because it’s so common. “This happens all the time,” says Aida Middel, co-founder of Maryland’s Potomac Concierge, a company which handles downsizing, moving and organizing. DOWNSIZE - continued on page 2
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