January 4, 2021
Megan Howell has worked in long-term care since she was a teenager and has always had a passion for caring for others. As the social services director at Adel Acres, she enjoys building relationships with residents and being there for them in this stage of their lives.
How did you get started in the long-term care profession?
I’ve been working in nursing homes since I was 15 or 16 as a dietary aide.
What do you like most about working in long-term care?
I enjoy hearing stories and learning their history. A portion of long-term care that is scary and unknown is death. Being there for those in this stage of life is important and letting them know they are loved in their last moments.
What would you tell others to encourage them to consider a career in long-term care?
Working in long-term care is a hard thing to do, but it is something that is unbelievably rewarding in extraordinary ways.
What lessons have you learned working in long-term care that also help you outside of work?
Patience, caring and compassion for others is essential. We do not know the roads others have taken or the one they’re currently on. Everyone has a story, so be patient and learn.
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
I love seeing my friends and family. I am also in grad school for my master of social work (MSW) degree, which involves lots of homework and studying.
What is your favorite quote and why?
“Anywhere I see suffering, that is where I want to be, doing what I can.” – Princess Diana. Helping and assisting others is what I’ve always been drawn to and that’s what made me want to be a social worker.
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