Talea Windsor is fairly typical of a Cedar Sinai Park caregiver, many of whom join the Home for its reputation and then stay on due to the family feel.
“I’d always heard about this place being amazing and having great food from my friends who worked here, so I thought I’d give it a try,” said the medication aide, who joined Robison Jewish Health Center/Harold Schnitzer Center for Living more than two years ago. “I like the households, the family living. It’s cozy and we get to know the residents intimately. They become like family.”
Talea grew up in Oregon and found herself caregiving at a young age for her Hillsboro high sweetheart who had chronic health issues.
“When we went to the prom, he was really sick with swelling on the brain and was admitted to the hospital the day after the dance,” she remembers, a quiet sadness in her voice. “When he got out of the hospital, he had a pick line inserted, and I remember going to concerts with him carrying a cooler full of IV stuff and I’d hook him up when we were at the concert. It got me started in the medical field.”
Though Talea’s first love passed away a decade ago, his family is still part of her life, and he is especially in her memory as she is caring for others.
Talea taught preschool for a few years before turning to senior living facilities. A typical day for her now at Robison is checking vitals, giving medications and supplements, and helping residents in the Stern and Barde households with whatever they need. She was selected Employee of the Quarter in late 2022, and hopes to grow her career this year at Robison by heading to nursing school.
Chief Executive Officer Kimberly Fuson fondly recalls Talea rightly following the rules to a T even if it means standing up to others.
I’m big on integrity,” said Talea. “You have to do what’s right.”
Talea said she thinks Cedar Sinai Park caregivers overall share her values, and loving, nurturing personality.
“The residents become like family members and we go out of our way to do little things for them to make them feel special,” she said. “Like one resident mentioned they needed hair gel and I went and bought him hair gel.
“Little things like that are so important.”
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