By James Rada Jr.
Shay Young-King is a force to be reckoned with in the world of senior care. As the director of operations and administrator for Care For Life in the Charleston area, this 29-year-old leader is breaking barriers in an industry where she’s often underestimated due to her age and gender.
“I often feel that people assume I lack the expertise because I’m young,” she admitted, but Young-King has proven them all wrong. Her journey in health care began when she became a certified nursing assistant at just 18 years old, and she has since worked in nearly every facet of the industry.
“My grandmother Kathy, aunt Jerry and great-grandmother Ginny raised me with a strong work ethic, teaching me the importance of helping others and doing the job right,” Young-King explained.
This dedication fueled her career, as she eagerly embraced every opportunity to expand her knowledge and experience. From becoming a medical technician to working in the physical therapy department, mastering scheduling and eventually stepping into leadership roles, she rose through the ranks to become a senior administrator and now leads Care For Life Charleston. She is also proud to be Teepa Snow certified, a dementia care certification which has further sharpened her expertise in that area.
Despite managing team members that often are older than her, Young-King maintains a balance between being an approachable leader and ensuring a professional dynamic. “You have to trust your employees and the people you put in place,” she said. “By hiring the best, retaining them and fostering mutual trust, I’ve built a strong team that delivers outstanding results.”
Young-King’s career trajectory in health care wasn’t always her intended path. “I didn’t initially think I’d work in senior care. I always wanted to be an attorney,” she shared. But when she began helping her great-grandmother, who suffers from dementia, Young-King discovered not only a natural talent but also a deep passion for assisting dementia patients. “It’s incredibly rewarding to provide the tools and resources they need to live their best lives,” she said.
Under Young-King’s leadership, Care For Life offers a wide range of services, including companionship, personal care, housekeeping, transportation, medication reminders and more. Their team of background-checked, bonded and insured personal care aides and certified nursing assistants ensures that clients receive the highest quality care.
Looking ahead, Young-King is excited about expanding her impact. As Care For Life Charleston is just one branch of a 30-year-old company, she plans to continue her passionate advocacy for seniors. “The system is deeply flawed for our seniors,” she said. “We need more programs and stronger protections for them.”
With dedication, drive and compassion, Young-King hopes to change the landscape of senior care, one step at a time.
Shay Young-King
Care For Life
159 Civitas St., Ste. 206, Mount Pleasant
843-852-9090
careforlifecharleston.com
