The Vitalia Senior Residences at Stow Executive Director Shares How She Got Her Start in Senior Living

Senior living has certainly changed over the past decade. An industry that once provided very little hands-on care has blossomed into a wonderful option for older adults. It now provides varying levels of assistance with residents’ activities of daily living, while arranging many opportunities for socialization and community. I am fortunate to work for Arrow Senior Living leading the Vitalia Senior Residences at Stow team. I would like to share a little about my journey to becoming a senior living leader.

After high school, I went to college for my Licensed Practical Nurse license. During that time, I was a State Tested Nurse Assistant (STNA) in a long-term care community, working there for 11 years. While an STNA and attending college, I worked my way up in the management side of senior living. I absolutely loved working with the residents and helping the families decide the right direction for their loved one. I have found that every day is a different day in exciting and challenging ways.

Meeting so many new families and residents keeps me doing what I am doing today. I enjoy working with and hiring staff that’s a right fit for our community. Every day is different, and it keeps me on my toes! I have been blessed with a wonderful department head team and enjoy coming to work with them daily.

Arrow Senior Living is a wonderful company to work for. They support you, your decisions, and care about your overall well-being as a person. I have never worked for a company that does more for their employees and residents.

I always find senior living is a challenging industry. I think that Independent Living is a challenge since residents want to be “independent,” but they may need assistance with one or two daily tasks. Talking with families and explaining Assisted Living or Memory Care and how it works is one of my favorite things. Their interpretation of it is completely different than what it really is. I love the families learning about what we have to offer and how we can make their family members live their best life.

One of Arrow Senior Living’s core values is, “I believe acts of kindness can change the world.” The residents and their families just want help. They are leaning on us for guidance on what is the right thing for their loved one. Helping them, teaching them, and showing them is why senior living is a great career to be in.

Arrow Senior Living and I invite you to reach out and learn more about a career in senior living. Working in this industry can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Whether you’re interested in caregiving, management, or another aspect of senior living, there are a wide variety of roles available that allow you to make a positive impact on the lives of older adults and their families.