Devoted, enthusiastic, and caring: Natasha Hargrove cares for community at Life Care Center of Valparaiso

Much of Natasha Hargrove’s career has been spent at Life Care Center of Valparaiso.

“I started in the medical field in 1995 as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) here at Life Care Center,” she said.

After a brief stint as a medical records consultant outside of Life Care Center, Hargrove returned and has remained at Life Care Center for more than a decade.

“I came back in 2013, and that’s when I became a social worker here at this facility again,” said Hargrove. “This is my second time around here! I love this place. I love my co-workers, I love the residents, and, of course, their families.”

Each day, she looks forward to seeing the center’s residents and working alongside them with whatever they are struggling with.

“Seeing the smiling faces of the residents and knowing that they either had a wonderful night or they’re continuing to have a wonderful day is incredible,” she said.

Like Hargrove, the members of her team have also worked at Life Care Center for a long time. This helps to form relationships and foster colleague connection, which in turn pours directly and positively into their work.

“My team members that I work with, we all have longevity here,” said Hargrove. “It was a joy to return back here to notice that a lot of my team members were still here and had advanced from one position to a higher position. We work together, and team work makes the dream work.”

Hargrove’s family is very important to her. When she’s not with her work family, she’s usually with her immediate family.

“I have 18 nieces and nephews,” she said. “17 of those are nephews.”

Hargrove’s only niece is following a bit in her footsteps. As a registered nurse, she’s also in the medical field.

“I’m close with all my nieces and nephews,” Hargrove said.

For her birthday, Hargrove’s great-nieces and great-nephews are taking her on an international trip. The destination is yet to be announced and remains a surprise for Hargrove. Traveling is one of Hargrove’s hobbies, so the trip is very fitting.

Hargrove also enjoys spending much of her time out in nature.

“I’m an outdoors person,” she said. “I can’t say I’m very adventurous, but I’m an outdoors person.”

Hargrove originally entered the medical field because of her passion for caring for the elderly.

“I’m the youngest of six,” she said. “As a result, at a young age, I saw my parents go through the aging process. Because of this experience, I grew to have a particular passion for caring for the elderly.”

Hargrove is certainly a devoted, enthusiastic, and caring member of the Life Care Center team. With her dedication to Life Care Center of Valparaiso, her residents are in more than capable hands.

Learn more about Life Care Center of Valparaiso online or by calling (219) 462-1023.