A health care hero

Alexis Barker 
NLJ News Editor
 
“Leilani Williams … most people in our small town may not know who she is. She isn’t someone you’ll find hosting a bake sale, decorating for town events or even attending many main events. Where you will find her, and where she is well known for her big heart and willingness to do anything for anyone, is at the Weston County Manor,” said Heather Ault, Williams’ friend and coworker. 
Health care workers across the globe have faced unprecedented situations throughout 2021, and local professionals are no different. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and staffing shortages nationwide, many health care professionals have gone above and beyond and nurse Leilani Williams is one of them. 
Shocked by the nomination, not knowing that it was her own husband who tossed her name in the ring, Williams said she is just doing her job. But to others, she does so much more. 
“Leilani Williams is the sweetest and most caring nurse. She loves her residents at the Manor and is always bringing home things from them for herself to fix or for me to repair,” Jason said in his nomination letter. 
Through the pandemic, the lives of the residents have been turned upside down by health guidelines and regulations, adding additional challenges to the job Williams already had. 
“As most of you know, COVID has been hard on communities all over, but none more so than the elderly. As we were forced to be locked down, due to federal guidelines, Leilani was one of those people holding your loved one’s hand and explaining day in and day out why their loved ones weren’t visiting,” Ault said. 
While Williams and the rest of the staff at the Manor have always cared for the residents they work with every day, Williams said that COVID restrictions have increased the bond between her and the people she cares for. 
“COVID restrictions have obviously changed things for all of us. We cared about each other before (the residents and staff), but during lockdown and restrictions, we became a lot closer since we were their only physical contacts,” Williams said. “Technology allowed visits with families/friends, but we all know it’s not the same as talking across a table or being able to hug a loved one. Together, we were all we had and we’ve made the best of some really dark times.” 
To her, the residents are more than a job, they are her friends and family. 
“I have gained many great friendships that I cherish during my years at the Manor. I want their lives to continue to be as good as possible,” Williams said. “No one wants to move into a nursing home; there is a stigma. I think we strive to make sure their lives remain as normal as possible.” 
That love for her residents radiates to others she works with, several of whom applauded her kindness,
positivity, dedication and
selflessness. 
“She has the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone,” said Meredith Tolley, friend and co-worker. “She literally puts everyone’s needs before herself no matter who they are.” 
“Leilani would not call herself a leader, but she is. Many people, including myself, look up to her, trying to mirror her kindness and willingness,” Ault said. 
Humbled by the recognition, Williams was adamant that she is not the only health care worker who should be recognized for what they do. 
“There are so many people involved in making the lives of our residents the best they can be. I am blessed to work with so many dedicated and caring CNAs, nurses, activities staff, dietary staff, housekeepers, maintenance, IT and interdisciplinary team members,” Williams said. “Each and every person working in every department has a positive impact on the lives of the folks living at the Manor. And most of these staff have also gotten to know the residents on a personal level. We are all ultimately doing our jobs in attempts to make someone else’s life a little better. This recognition should be the entire facility, including the amazing people that live there — we all play a part.”