Little things mean a lot, as the old saying goes. For one of Celeste Genovese’s patients during the pandemic, that little thing was a McDonald’s frappe or a Dairy Queen Blizzard.

“Those small surprises meant so much to my mom,” shared the patient’s daughter. “You have no idea what those kind gestures meant during Covid-19 lockdown when I was only allowed to visit at a closed window on a cellphone. Celeste was standing in my place taking care of Mom’s need for human interaction when I was not allowed.”

Celeste is an RN Case Manager and has been with Hospice & Community Care since 2019, and over the past four years she has made a significant impact.

“Choosing to work for Hospice & Community Care is a decision that has had the biggest impact on my career,” shared Celeste. “I have loved being a nurse and have always enjoyed geriatric care, but working for Hospice & Community Care has reignited my passion for work. I enjoy working for Hospice first and foremost because it is a local nonprofit. In addition, you can tell they genuinely care for their employees from the great massages offered to the gift baskets given to employees during the holidays. The little things really do make a difference.”

Celeste cares for patients who live in senior living facilities in York County and the surrounding areas. She works closely with senior living staff to complement the care they provide to residents at the end of life. She is also an RN Preceptor, training new nurses in Home Hospice. She is highly valued as a trainer and mentor to both current and new team members. Celeste is also instrumental in helping Hospice & Community Care build and strengthen relationships with these facilities.

Celeste manages a high caseload while maintaining a strong team focus and working collectively to ensure the needs of patients and families are met. “Not only do we affect the patients we take care of but the families as well,” commented Celeste.

One of Celeste’s most memorable moments was during the pandemic. “I was able to coordinate graduation pictures for one of my patients’ daughters,” explained Celeste. “She was graduating from Millersville University during the Covid-19 pandemic and the patient was worried she would not be able to attend her daughter’s graduation. A friend of mine who is a photographer volunteered to take her senior pictures. The patient was ecstatic to see her daughter in her cap and gown! It’s not all about medical care. Being able to help a patient create memories makes this job amazing.”