Life at Collington is built on relationships, like the neighbors and coworkers who become like family to us. One of the most notable examples of this shows in our Billing Specialist, Sharon Carr. Sharon has been at Collington for 14 years and has loved every minute of it.
Sharon first learned about Collington through a recommendation made by a friend who knew she was looking for a change in careers. She was told interviews were being held for an open position and figured she would give it a shot. To her surprise she was hired that day. At the time, Sharon didn’t have much experience working in a senior living community setting, she had spent many years working in restaurant management and as an office manager in the autobody industry, so Collington would be a big change for her, but she was eager to learn.
On a daily basis at Collington, Sharon overlooks Medicare billing, secondary insurance billing, claims, and spends a lot of time working with the residents and their families. Though she loves her job and getting to help fix each and every problem as it arises, her favorite part of working at Collington is without a doubt the residents. “It feels like I have 400 moms and dads,” Sharon shares. She loves the diversity of the residents, and the extensive backgrounds everyone has. Whether they worked as a doctor, a teacher, or came from another country, every resident has an incredible backstory that she loves getting to learn about.
Sharon admits the unexpected changes brought on by the coronavirus have been difficult for Collington residents and staff members alike. “You’re used to getting to see everyone and getting to know them personally,” Sharon said, “so it’s hard not seeing them every day.” As she’s slowly started to go back to the office a few days a week, it’s helped her realize just how important the residents are to her and how much she looks forward to seeing their smiling faces (even from behind a mask). It’s no surprise to learn that the residents are what has kept her here for 14 years, and they’ll likely be what keeps her here for 14 more. Sharon says she often likes to quote her favorite movie, The Wizard of Oz by saying “there’s no place like home” but in this case, there’s no place like Collington!