A hero in long-term care
Published: June 12, 2007
What’s the secret to Rufus Millsap’s success? “I like what I do. I like being around people, not only the elderly people in my work, but in my church,” he says.
That dedication has earned this Joliet man a unique title. He’s one of Illinois’ heroes in long-term care.
Until he was recognized last month by the Illinois Council on Long Term Care and the Illinois Health Care Association, Rufus was Deerbrook Care Centre’s unsung hero, often going above and beyond his regular job duties, according to Kevin Kavanaugh, the council’s director of public affairs.
Rufus’ ready smile belies his serious attitude about his occupation — that of activity director for the general population of the Centre. “My goal is making somebody’s life happier, just helping,” he says. “Just because we are in a nursing home, we still can have a happy and meaningful life.”
He’s responsible for doing activities with the residents, making sure they are appropriate for them.
The residents respond very well to their activities, he said. “It gives them a good feeling. And it’s how you approach them. How you speak to them in a nice, kind manner.
“I ask them why they like to exercise. They say, ‘For my health, keeping in shape.’”
Rufus said the residents like to do the things they did at home — like going out dancing. They like to watch the movies. And he says they enjoy doing activities that are new to them.
“They love to come to exercise and to talk-group sessions. We do meeting groups, talk about things they used to like to do. I work with different age groups. Thank God I’m here to help them.”
The Antique Tea Show is a welcomed event. “They serve tea and the residents bring a picture or item they have, maybe a baby picture of themselves. They talk about it. The last time, I brought a bowl I had for 40 years.”
After a short respite in May, the event is back on the calendar for every week in June. There are also programs with live entertainers and with church entertainers being involved at Christmas. Young people come in to entertain during the year and come out in the summer.
Besides the indoor activities, Rufus says they go out into the community. “We have scheduled activities for outings. We went to the Bicentennial Park for the Kiwanis Show, Cantigny VFW Post for lunch and card games, Joliet Historical Museum, shopping at Kmart and the Dollar Store.”
Music is a favorite of the residents. For that, Rufus has an excellent background to serve them. A member of the Greater Bible Way Apostolic Temple (Pastor District Elder Brian S. Allen), Rufus is minister of music. He directs three choirs — children’s, sanctuary for ages 16 to 50 and senior, which is the Bishop Allen Seniors Ensemble for ages 55 and up. He sings, plays the organ and the piano.
Rufus also is state minister of music for Greater Bible Way in Illinois and Indiana. His wife, Bobbie, is president of Greater Bible Way’s Women’s Council and she’s also president of the Women’s Council for Illinois and Indiana. They have six children and 24 grandchildren.
Bobbie is a certified nursing assistant doing private duty. Rufus has been with Deerbrook 17 years, starting out as a CNA, then he went to medical records, then as a psych social aide, then activity aide and now as activity director, a post he has held the last eight years. Rufus went to Lockport High and Joliet Junior College. Bobbie and he both were born in Mississippi.
Rufus is just as enthusiastic about his work as he is about working for Deerbrook. “It’s the best place to be if you need to bring a loved one here. I would recommend it.” He says he likes working with the staff, the administration. “I think it’s wonderful.”
New residents to Deerbrook are always greeted by Rufus, who is quick to establish their trust and friendship. Yes, Rufus’ spirit, kindness and genuine interest in providing residents with meaningful activities are irreplaceable at Deerbrook and have ranked him with more than 100 other extraordinary individuals honored about the state, according to Kavanaugh.
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