Young Workers Bring Energy to Roosevelt Care Center

Interns and volunteers at the Roosevelt Care Center brought a fresh perspective to resident care this summer.

Dr. Frank Damiani, Roosevelt’s licensed administrator and director of resident care, described the interaction between the young workers and the residents of Middlesex County’s long-term care center as an intergenerational exchange.

Justin Brown, 22, finished his fourth summer at Roosevelt. A member of the Rutgers University theater and cabaret companies, Brown shared his love for music with residents in the Alzheimer’s and Dementia wing.

“I’m essentially there every day and I have the ability to get to know the residents better this way,” Brown said. “Every Wednesday, I give them a concert. I’ll sing something by, say Elvis, and all of sudden you’ll see smiles or residents clapping along. It’s generally a good time.”

Natalie Nodarse, 19, transitioned from clerical duties to leading recreational activities. She is studying to be a nurse practitioner and said she hopes to apply what she learns at Roosevelt to her future career.

“This is a little bit different, but I’m still experiencing what a patient might go through in a hospital,” Nodarse said. “Plus, some people here don’t have visitors, so when I spend time with them, it makes them happy and that’s such a gratifying feeling.”

Residents at Roosevelt like John Smyth showed their appreciation for the employees, many of whom return every summer.

“They make me feel young again,” Smyth said. “They helped me in any way they could.”

Photo Caption: Justin Brown preps for the next day’s activities at Roosevelt.