Meet our Caring Hearts: Don Howard

Don Howard, a receptionist at Wood Glen Alzheimer’s Community, embodies a unique blend of empathy, experience and dedication in his role. Beyond the routine tasks of greeting visitors and assisting with administrative duties, Don’s journey to this position is rooted in personal experience and a sense of purpose.

Retiring from a career as a property manager in 2021, Don sought a meaningful way to fill his time. His decision to apply for a position at Wood Glen was not merely for a job but a calling influenced by his own experience. Having helped care for his father, who battled Alzheimer’s until the age of 85, Don has a unique understanding of the challenges and complexities of the disease.

With a warm smile and genuine compassion, Don welcomes each visitor to the center, creating a sense of comfort and reassurance. He serves as a pillar of support for families, offering a listening ear and practical assistance. Don’s understanding of the emotional toll of Alzheimer’s enables him to provide a level of care that exceeds expectations.

“There is a great need for patience and to listen to them,” Don said. “Making the families know that you are aware of what they are experiencing and that you are sympathetic towards their needs. You do whatever you can to lower their stress and to make them feel that you truly do care.”

What sets Don apart is not only his professional expertise but also his personal connection to Alzheimer’s caregiving. His journey alongside his mother as they cared for his father instilled in him a profound sense of empathy and understanding. This firsthand experience has shaped Don’s approach to his work, allowing him to anticipate the needs of both residents and their families with insight and compassion.

Without that experience, I may have been apprehensive about the unknown in coming to Wood Glen,” Don said. “I feel like I have a better understanding of what the families are going through and that it is a stressful situation for them.”

Drawing from his tenure as a property manager, Don incorporates customer service skills into his role. His ability to handle complex situations and communicate effectively serves him well in his interactions with residents and their families. Whether addressing concerns or offering guidance, Don approaches each encounter with patience and empathy, ensuring that individuals feel heard and valued. “I truly enjoy being the Receptionist at Wood Glen,” Don said. “I like being the first person they encounter on their first trip here. I now know the families well that come to visit often. They seem to