Caregiving Spotlight: The Heart Behind Quality Senior Care

In our last blog, we shared helpful tips on choosing the right Senior Living Community for your loved one. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—the best choice depends on your loved one’s unique needs and preferences. When touring potential communities, it’s important to look closely at key factors like cost, quality of service, upkeep of the property, dining options, and amenities.

Yet, even more important than where your loved one lives is who cares for them. A thriving environment begins with caregivers who help residents feel safe, comfortable, and truly valued.

To explore what quality care really means, we sat down with Amanda Puls, BSN, RN, Senior Director of Communities and Operations at Open Arms. Amanda shared her perspective on what defines exceptional senior care—and what inspires her to make a difference every day.
 

Question | Can you tell us about yourself?

I’ve been in the healthcare industry for over 25 years, and started my journey in home care and community nursing in 2018. As the Senior Director of Communities and Operations at Open Arms, I oversee the wellness center for independent living residents at a senior living community. I also manage a private home care and nursing agency that serves the senior living community residents, and supervise a team of RNs, CNAs and caregivers.

Question | What does your typical work day look like?

My “typical day” looks different every day depending on the needs of our residents, the facility and my team, but some key parts of my days include:

• Coordinating daily care for senior residents
• Managing medications for private nursing clients
• Providing bedside care and comfort to individuals nearing end of life
• Educating seniors on topics such as fall prevention and others
• Conducting comprehensive nursing assessments for prospective clients 
• Attending individual resident care plan meetings
• Meeting with community leadership to ensure senior clients continue to receive the highest quality of care

Question | What led you to Home Care Caregiving? 

My journey to home care caregiving was driven by my deep connection to the geriatric population and the many ways this role allows me to care for them. It gives me the opportunity to support seniors not only clinically, but also through guidance, advocacy, and coordination of care.

Question | What keeps you motivated as a caregiver?

While the work can be demanding, the impact our care has on our clients is what keeps me going every day. Seeing them feel safe in our care, or helping a family member find peace during a difficult time, reminds me why I chose this path and why I continue to stay committed to it. We truly make the people’s lives better, and that makes it all worthwhile.

Question | What’s your favorite part about your job? 

The best part of my job is creating personalized care plans for clients that help them live safely, comfortably and individually. I take pride in being a part of their journey, and helping reassure families that their loved one is in the best care. 

Question | What does caregiving mean to you? 

Caregiving is taking the time to understand what truly matters to each client.

Although caregiving is my job, it’s not just about completing tasks or checking boxes, to me. I believe caregiving starts with listening and identifying the strengths, needs, goals, and preferences of each client. 

Question | What is your advice for overwhelmed families caring for their aging loved one? 

It’s okay to ask for help. 

Providing your loved one with professional care is not a sign of failure, it’s an act of love. 

I’ve seen the impact that professional care can have on a family and their loved one—an exhausted and stressed daughter stepping away from her care duties, and going back to simply being a daughter again. 

Something I often hear from families is that they wish they had accepted help sooner. Life is short, and the time spent together, especially in the later years, is truly irreplaceable. 

Question | How can I find care for my loved one?

Whether you’re looking for in-home care, respite care, or senior living options for your loved one, Open Arms can help guide you in the right direction of quality care. Schedule a free in-home assessment or call (847) 272-4997 today.