Area nursing home employee enjoys quality of life found in northwest Iowa

Northwest Iowa has a way of calling people home.

Meet Melody – a perfect example.

“Northwest Iowa is a great place to call home,” says Melody, who moved to the Albert City area in 2015. 

She works at Pleasant View Home, a skilled nursing home facility and independent living apartments in Albert City managed by Hawkeye Care Centers of Iowa. 

An original Nevada, Iowa native, she moved to Florida at 18 years of age.  After 32 years of being away from her family, she made the move back to Iowa – Albert City specifically – to be closer to her family. 

“It is so nice to be back,” Melody says. 

People have many reasons for choosing to return or relocate to the lakes region of northwest Iowa. There are many jobs available in a variety of fields, ample housing opportunities and, of course, a lot of fun to be had exploring activities offered by the region’s lakes and many other attractions.

Melody says she chose to return because she missed her family dearly. She loves the changes in season, loves the scenery with all the hills, and the wonderful people in Iowa.  

Her work at Pleasant View Home has also been a fantastic fit. She enjoys her flexible position managing the needs of the residents at Countryside, the independent living apartment complex. 

Her day-to-day duties can vary, yet Melody has a routine that she is familiar with. She knows the residents by name.

“I treat them like my own parents, like how I would want someone to treat my family,” Melody says. “I have a bunch of moms and another dad. They have called me if I am home sick from work to check on me and make sure I am ok. Never in 100 years would I have thought I’d be working with the elderly and I love it.”

Melody also praised the people of northwest Iowa and the residents at Prairie View Home.

“Everyone in this area of Iowa is so nice,” she says. “And the support I get from my coworkers is just the best, I wouldn’t trade my residents for anything. I love it here!”