Elect Judi Owens

"Walk a Day in My Shoes"

On October 3, 2008 Judi participated in a "Walk a Day in my Shoes" event. The following is a press release from that event.

ACTUAL PRESS RELEASE:

SPOKANE LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATE “SHADOWS” A NURSING HOME WORKER
Judi Owens Visits with Residents and Workers at the Gardens on University in Spokane

Spokane – Judi Owens, Democratic candidate for State Senate in the 4th District, visited with residents and workers at The Gardens on University in Spokane on Friday. Judi spent most of the day shadowing Lori Utrecht, a Certified Nursing Assistant who has worked at The Gardens on University for 21 years.

“I felt honored to have been selected to show Judi Owens what goes into being a Certified Nursing Assistant in a long term care setting,” said Lori. “I work very hard to ensure that I am providing compassionate, quality care for my residents, while following all state and federal regulations; my job can be very challenging, but also remarkably rewarding, and I was glad that Judi was able to see that first hand.”

Mark Michaels, Administrator at The Gardens on University, said, “We truly enjoyed Judi Owens’ visit to The Gardens on University. I feel it vital to the long term care profession that our local legislative candidates get a true look at what really goes into caring for the elderly. By shadowing one of our Certified Nursing Assistants, I think Judi was able to see a fine example of the quality care displayed within a long term care facility. We were thrilled that she took such a hands-on approach to help serve lunch to our residents, while also taking time to visit with them and the staff. We certainly invite her back any time!”

During the event, Judi made time to take questions from staff, residents, and their families. Judi committed to supporting legislation to fund nursing homes so that they can continue to provide quality care, and ensure that nursing homes like Gardens that serve large numbers of Medicaid residents are fairly reimbursed.

Judi Owens said, “The Walk a Day in My Shoes program is a great way for candidates to better understand the challenges that health care workers face. I was so impressed with how hard Lori and the other CNAs and staff work. I will definitely carry this experience with me to Olympia”