Staff writer
Bonnie Sawyer’s new job as director of Marion Assisted Living has resulted in not getting to spend as much time working with the residents, but she makes an effort to spend some time with them, she said Thursday.
Sawyer, who previously was a CMA and activities director for the facility, succeeded Janet Blue as director on Sept. 7.
“She is completely qualified,” Marion Assisted Living manager Bob Brooks said. “We’ve been impressed by her work.”
He said Sawyer’s commitment to providing a high quality of care for the residents matches the philosophy on which Marion Assisted Living was founded.
“I’ve worked in the health care industry for about 20 years,” Sawyer said. “I like the older people and knowing we’re giving them a safe, secure, and homelike life when they can’t live in their home anymore.”
She said working with the residents is an enriching experience, and she hopes it is for them as well.
Sawyer said she is learning new things as director. One ongoing challenge is getting used to the idea of being the decision maker.
“I like challenges, so it’s nice, keeps things interesting,” she said.
Sawyer grew up in the small town of Bixby, Okla., near Tulsa. Her husband grew up in Marion. She has two grown children and a 2-year-old great-grandson. In her spare time, she likes to do spontaneous things with her family.