Community Spotlight: Brookdale Monroe
Today I had the opportunity to interview Barbara Lavelle, the Executive Director of Brookdale Monroe. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Brookdale firsthand. They have stunning and spacious apartments, an impeccably clean facility and a team of enthusiastic employees.
What is something you wish you could tell people who are on the fence about moving into an assisted living?
Continue to be an advocate for your loved one(s). No place is perfect. Ask questions, plan early, and go with your gut. If it feels like home, you are in the right place.
What drove you to become an Executive Director ?
Whatever I did in my career, I always knew I wanted to help people. Being an Executive Director at Brookdale Monroe has allowed me to not only help people, but also help their families. We are helping families during the most difficult and challenging times in their lives. Watching the transition of a family member playing the caregiver role to seeing them finally able to enjoy their loved ones company is more rewarding than I could have ever imagined and love doing what I do.
Brookdale Monroe has one of the most stellar memory care programs I have personally witnessed. Why do you think that is ?
Brookdale Monroe is known for creating a “home-like” environment for our residents. Seeking out what “home” means to our residents allows our staff to meet their needs while also making them feel at home. Our Clare Bridge daily path of programs are an individualized, gently structured, organization to the day that is designed to meet the specific needs of each resident. It is also designed to maintain our residents current abilities and encourage the use of their remaining skills. Regardless of a residents level of dementia, we pride ourselves on creating meaningful and purposeful activities each and every day.
How do you think daily recreation plays a role in the success of an assisted living ?
Brookdale’s vision is to enrich the lives of those we serve. Recreation is a big piece of the puzzle and also for great care. Not only does recreation improve the quality of life for our residents, it also brings awareness that they are not alone, and do not have to be alone in their aging in place journeys.
Lastly, what do you personally think makes Brookdale Monroe unique compared to comparable AL’s?
I can 100% attribute Brookdale Monroe’s unique point of difference to be our staff. We are like a family and the residents are a part of our family. Their passion to care comes from the heart, and this in return makes it an easier transition for our residents and their loved ones overall as they transition into their new environment of assisted living.
Comments