Residents and Staff Members Collaborate at Seabrook

Residents at Seabrook, an Erickson Senior Living community in Tinton Falls, N.J., enjoy the opportunity to create the vibrant lifestyle they want. Many participate in activities they never had the chance to try before, while others continue enjoying hobbies they've loved for years.

While there's so much to fill their days, many residents choose to make a difference for others by volunteering with the Resident Advisory Council (RAC). The RAC works closely with members of the community's administration to share ideas and provide feedback gathered from their neighbors.

Recently, the Tribune spoke with Jen McNamara, Seabrook's executive director, and Linda Gural, RAC president, about the way they work together to maintain a welcoming and inclusive culture that enables residents to live their best lives at Seabrook.

Tribune: How would you describe the relationship between residents and community leaders?

Linda: We have an open dialogue with the administrative team, which is essential for us to stay informed about what's happening within the community and across Erickson Senior Living. At the same time, it's important to share ideas and concerns from residents so the staff members understand resident experiences and whether any process changes could be beneficial.

As president, I meet weekly with Jen, and we discuss everything under the sun, big or small. We have eight committees that focus on key areas such as Health, Safety, Dining, General Services, Resident Life, and Diversity and Inclusion, and our committee chairs meet regularly with the directors of each area. We also hold a monthly meeting that includes committee chairs, RAC leaders, administrators, and directors.

Jen: The partnerships that we have with the RAC and the chairs of our committees are what drive the success of our community. They are a sounding board that helps us evaluate ideas as they arise. When we consider a new program, we discuss it with RAC members to better understand how residents may respond. Their feedback helps refine programs during the planning stages. The product turns out better because of the input we receive from residents.

Tribune: How does this collaboration enhance residents' daily lives?

Jen: As we're thinking through program enhancements, we want the perspective of the people who live here, and the RAC has its finger on the pulse of the community. That feedback not only shapes the resident experience but also helps create the welcoming culture that makes Seabrook special.

Improvements can range from changing carafes in our restaurants to keep coffee warmer to organizing "The Big Return," a spring-cleaning campaign encouraging residents to return glasses or utensils accidentally taken home, which the RAC created last year.

RAC members take pride in making the community the best it can be. They play an important role throughout the community and we couldn't do our jobs without them!

Linda: Jen always welcomes our input, whether during meetings, through surveys and comment cards, or even just when she's walking through the community. Her collegial manner makes it easy for us all to work together and know that our voices are heard. We feel like part of a team working together to benefit everyone at Seabrook.

Tribune: Can you share an example of a change that came directly from resident input?

Jen: There have been so many! In addition to The Big Return, we have opened a new Wellness Center that was based on a resident's suggestion. Just as important are smaller-scale improvements added in response to requests, such as installing an umbrella over the gazebo for the pet club and creating a new fishing club.

Linda: Our Health Committee suggested requiring private-duty aides to register with Seabrook and wear identification badges to enter and work at the community. The committee worked with the Safety Committee, the Resident Life Committee, and Associate Executive Director Michael Lloyd to create an implementation process. The program is now in use at other Erickson communities around the country.

The RAC Safety Committee also developed a plan for inspecting electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can pose safety concerns when used improperly. The committee brought the issue to senior management, and it's now being considered for implementation across Erickson Senior Living.

Jen: We're in this together. That's why the residents trust us with their new ideas and concerns. The whole purpose of our being here is to serve the residents and make Seabrook the best place to live and to work. The RAC is integral to that effort. It is our engaged residents who share ideas, provide input, and create clubs and programs that help make Seabrook such a special community.

To learn more about the ways you can explore senior living, request more information today.

By Linda L. Esterson