Harms honored during Long Term Care Administrator's week

Nevada, Mo. -- David Harms, Administrator for the Barone Alzheimer's Care Center, has been involved in the health care field since 1989 and in the long-term care field since 1997.

He was born in Columbus, Ga, where his father was stationed in the U.S. Army. He doesn't hesitate to claim Vernon County as his home, though. "My family moved to Nevada, Mo., in 1969."

Prior to his appointment as Barone's administrator, he was a regional vice president for Medi-calodges, Inc.

His education and past experiences are impressive, but they are not the principal reason he is so qualified to be an administrator for a long-term care facility.

His attitude toward senior residents is his best asset. "I believe that providing quality care to our nation's senior citizens and disabled is one of the most important services we provide as a society," Harms explained.

His "always available" policy isn't such an easy task when the scope of his administrative duties is explored.

A single day might include a business meeting at Barone's parent facility, Nevada Regional Medical Center; several calls to various entities to facilitate functional needs of the building itself; staff meetings to coordinate services to the residents; or giving a luncheon speech to help educate the community to the ever-growing Alzheimer's population's needs.

Unlike some long-term care facility administrators who have offices far removed from the people they serve, Harms is very involved with the care of the residents of Barone and accessible to them, their families and staff alike. With his office only a few feet from the dining and activity area, he often has residents stopping in to say hello, sit a spell and chat. He knows them all, and they all know him.

Barone Care Center is a unique facility that serves only those seniors with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. The disease is still a mystery to many.

Harms explained, "Alzheimer's disease is a very devastating disease which has or will affect each of us at some level in our life times. The statistics are quite staggering, with close to five million Americans currently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. That number is expected to grow to 14 million in the next few decades."

The residents with Alzheimer's disease and the specially trained staff, who care for them, continue to be the focus of his work day.

"I feel very fortunate to be a part of Barone Care Center; it is a very special and unique care facility. It is a privilege for me to work with such a dedicated and compassionate team of care staff -- each of them is what makes Barone Care Center a special home for our residents and a great environment for our staff to work," Harms said.