Frontline Honors Award Winner: Delondia Blue, Housekeeper, Friendship Village

Delondia Blue, Housekeeper at Friendship Village, has been named to the Frontline Honors Awards Class of 2025 by Senior Housing News.

To become a Frontline honoree, an individual is nominated by their peers. The candidate must be:

• A dedicated, high-performing frontline worker who delivers exceptional experiences and outcomes
• A passionate worker who knows how to put their vision into for the good of their respective industry, the patients and residents they serve, and their families
• An advocate for their industry and their fellow colleagues

Senior Housing News recently caught up with Blue to discuss her time in the senior housing & senior living industry.

SHN: What drew you to this industry?

Blue: It all started when I was 14 years old and began working for my Dad’s cleaning company, Mitch Merch Maintenance. That drew me into the industry. There, I assisted in cleaning offices, lobbies, and whatever else was needed.

SHN: What’s a misconception you had about this work before you started – and how has reality differed?

Blue: My only misconception was that I wouldn’t like it or it would be too hard, but the reality was I ended up mastering the critics with cleaning. My Dad taught me to be on a high standard and that stays with me to this day.

SHN: Was there a moment in your career when you realized, “This work really matters”? What happened?

Blue: When I came to Friendship Village, I actually had applied for an Activities role, but there was not a position available. Someone suggested I apply for a housekeeping role, so I did and the rest is history. I was able to apply my skills that my Dad taught me and bring it to Friendship Village.

SHN: What’s the most valuable skill you’ve developed on the front lines that people often overlook?

Blue: Being detail-oriented because things can be overlooked. I was shown to start from the back and work your way out of the room, paying attention to corners that collect dust. I also check in on things throughout the day. It is important for it to not only smell nice, but that is is clean. I also recognize patterns with the residents when they go to breakfast and when there are events going on.

SHN: What’s one decision leaders make that has a bigger impact on frontline workers than they might realize?

Blue: I think sometimes the frontline workers are in the open and see more. For example, we see anyone coming into the building more often than what some of the leaders may see. As a frontline worker, it is also important to let the leaders know of different things that are seen to keep the building and our residents safe.

SHN: What’s a simple change – policy, tool, or mindset – that would make frontline work more effective?

Blue: All of those things are important because you can’t have one without the other. Mindset is very important. You can have the policy and the tools, but if your mindset is not positive and focused, things can get past you. It all goes back to the details.

SHN: What gives you optimism about the future of this industry, despite its challenges?

Blue: The challenge is what you make it. You have to remember there is still work do.

I want to continue this path, and I know, eventually, I will continue to be who I am. I will continue to apply the work ethic that was taught to me by my father.

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