Growing up in Gainesville, Florida, Leah Watkins never imagined she would dedicate her career to supporting senior residents in a life plan community as they transition from independent living to assisted living, skilled nursing or memory care.

As the personal services manager at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, Watkins has spent the past 20 years assisting residents through their journey in retirement and beyond. She also oversees care coordination and the Oak Hammock Vial of Life Program. Her mission goes beyond facilitating transitions through aging; she aims to build meaningful relationships with residents and their loved ones, showing compassion and staying attuned to their health concerns and personal events all along the way.

At Oak Hammock, the focus is on “person-centered care,” which encompasses not just health but also understanding people’s emotions, personality and preferences. Watkins serves as the “go-to” person, ensuring residents receive personalized support.

How can you describe your role?

My role is best described as a support system for our residents. I assist with transitions to higher levels of care, but my work involves much more. I connect residents with the right people and act as a comforting presence for them during very difficult, personal and emotional times in their lives.

I follow up with residents after hospital stays and collaborate directly with their physicians to coordinate care, get assistance with medication management, arrange for outpatient therapy and home health care. I strive to build trust, so residents feel comfortable during challenging transitions.

At Oak Hammock, a dedicated team meets biweekly to monitor residents’ well-being and health care. In my role, I also coordinate appointments with a psychologist who can schedule in-home visits.

Where do you see your greatest achievements?

The best decision I ever made was to enter senior care. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I truly love my job! Our residents offer a wealth of wisdom and experience which inspires me daily.

I strive to embody the “WeCare” service values Oak Hammock: to be welcoming, exceptional, courteous, attentive, responsive and empathetic. I firmly believe you can’t be one person at work and another in your outside life. I strive to hold true to my personal values in and out of work.

I’m always looking for ways I can do something good for other people and make a difference in another person’s life. I want to understand the persons’ perspective and make a real human connection.

What is an example of a compelling story?

One memorable moment occurred at Piesanos, a favorite local restaurant. While waiting for dinner, I struck up a conversation with a couple, Mike and Suzette Foley. Over time, I noticed that Suzette seemed to be showing typical signs of someone who was experiencing the effects of memory loss.

After building a rapport with the couple over time, since this seemed to be our favorite dinner spot, I gently approached Mike about Suzette’s well-being. He expressed his worries about leaving Suzette alone during the day. Mike and Suzette, who have been together for 26 years and have lived in Gainesville for 20, began considering Oak Hammock after I shared stories with them about what I do for a living and the amazing facility where I work.

Initially skeptical about making a move to a life plan community, Mike and Suzette discovered that this transition would allow them to live their best lives possible with the comfort and care they needed and deserved. Mike is now a resident at Oak Hammock living in a beautiful apartment just steps away from Suzette who is being exceptionally cared for in our memory care environment.

“Leah was instrumental in making this transition smooth,” Mike shared. “She took the time to understand our lives and our family dynamics. Leah is empathetic, intelligent, a problem-solver and always optimistic.”

Looking back on the experience, Mike said, “Leah was a Godsend and helped me during a bad time in my life; that’s why we have such a good friendship today.”

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy traveling, attending sporting events (especially Florida Gators games) and exploring the outdoors. I love music, concerts, reading and visiting local breweries!

When I was younger, I enjoyed playing the piano, clarinet and trumpet. I still read music well and hope to get back to playing instruments again.