Residents and Staff Members Work Together at Avery Point

At Avery Point, an Erickson Senior Living community in Short Pump, Va., residents have a true say in what happens on campus, thanks to the Resident Advisory Council (RAC).

The RAC works closely with community leaders to not only provide feedback from neighbors but also to collaborate on matters both large and small. From sharing compliments on the General Services team's great work to requesting another community shuttle, this open communication ensures that services reflect the needs of those who call Avery Point home.

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Recently, the Tribune sat down with Carroll Bruner, chair of the RAC, and Bryan Bee, executive director at Avery Point, to learn more about how this collaboration strengthens the community and supports residents.

Tribune: Carroll, how does the RAC help shape community life?

Carroll: The RAC's purpose is to listen to residents' points of view, suggestions, and compliments. We represent all residents and speak with administration members to improve the overall quality of life for everyone at Avery Point.

Tribune: How often do the RAC and its committees meet to discuss residents' ideas?

Carroll: The RAC meets twice a month. The first meeting is solely with RAC members to discuss what's going on in each committee as well as ideas from residents. We decide what needs to be addressed first. At the second meeting, RAC members get together with administration members to address those needs.

The RAC has eight committees representing different departments, including Dining Services, Resident Life, and General Services, that meet monthly. Each committee has a chair, and the chair reports back to the council monthly. Each committee will discuss ideas or concerns related to its designated department. For example, residents had asked the Dining Services committee why onion rings were removed from the menu. We communicated this, and staff informed us they would return.

Tribune: How would you describe the partnership between the RAC and community leadership?

Carroll: The RAC regularly meets with Bryan, Associate Executive Director Kelly Davis, and Finance Director Luke McKinley. We share anything that's important! The RAC can be totally open, whether there are good ideas or constructive suggestions to pass along. We have strong, two-way communications.

Bryan: RAC members really embrace our open door policy. In addition to our monthly meetings, RAC members often stop by our offices to provide feedback or request clarification. These quick conversations help us stay up to date between meetings. Overall, it's very collaborative. We have a powerful connection because there's mutual trust.

Tribune: Can you share some positive changes that came directly from resident input?

Carroll: Sometimes, they're relatively minor, like the onion rings returning. But in other cases, they're rather big ideas. Previously, residents requested a second community shuttle to travel off campus. It was approved through recommendations from the RAC. This year, residents asked for spotlights in the on-campus Life Enrichment Center, as the stage lighting isn't sufficient. This request is now with the RAC. Then, it will move over to management.

Bryan: We've also added automatic door openers to all trash room doors on the first floors of residence buildings, and now we're doing the same on the third floors. This is a result of direct feedback from residents who communicated with the RAC.

Tribune: Sounds like conversations with the RAC are very important, Bryan. What other ways does leadership solicit feedback from residents?

Bryan: We have comment cards and online surveys for our on-site restaurants. When residents use General Services, they also receive comment cards. Our yearly resident satisfaction survey gives us a lot of valuable insights too.

Tribune: What is the best part of working together?

Bryan: We want residents to feel as though they have a voice, and they do--thanks to the RAC! The RAC helps us communicate when the resident satisfaction survey is going out and determine how to handle the feedback. They weigh in on action plans and let residents know how seriously we take their comments, which enables us to make their lives the best they can be.

Carroll: Working with administration and informing changes, based on resident suggestions, shows our neighbors that we really do have a voice here at Avery Point. I can't emphasize how fortunate we are with the staff members we have--not only with their relationship with RAC, but the entire community. There's a real sense of trust here, and that's what it's all about. We're one big family!

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By Michele Wojciechowski