Culture is the driving force that propels a successful team forward. It’s not something tangible. More so, a belief in a shared idea that it’s simply not about us, it’s about our residents. The underlying current of passion, compassion, and sense of urgency is what motivates us each day.

It is such an amazing feeling bringing a smile to someone’s face. The warmth and kindness that resonates in a simple act of acknowledgement is so rewarding. So where does it all begin? How is culture born? It is quite simple really. Each person lives out the heartbeat of the community. The Birth of our Culture comes from moving in unison to the heartbeat of our residents’ daily opportunities, knowing that our sole purpose of working in Long-Term Care wasn’t about us, it was always about the residents for which we cared.

Building a Foundation

I worked as a Concierge in a Memory Care Community for nearly a decade. Residents who lived there were diagnosed with varying degrees of cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Our first impression and subsequent follow through with prospective residents and families was the building block for the development of a trusting relationship. This foundation led to a lasting impression which nurtured the relationship with our residents and families.

Each Team Member brought their own unique personalities, gifts and passion. We had a sense of urgency to better our Team, enrich our residents’ lives, and make life just a little easier for their families. We journeyed in celebrating their lives and we shared their sorrows. We stayed in tune with our residents, families, and Team to anticipate, plan, and follow through to stay on top of matters at hand as well as stay ahead.

We had a sense of urgency to better our Team, enrich our residents lives, and make life just a little easier for their families. We journeyed in celebrating their lives and we shared their sorrows.

Maintaining a fluid atmosphere is an opportunity to create the ideal resplendent and whimsical environment for our residents.

Culture is something that is carried on through conversations and actions that speak louder than words. The laughter and conversations that fill the building spoke volumes, it exuded a homelike experience for those that came to visit.

Melissa Gagliardo

Written by Melissa Gagliardo

Senior Executive Assistant

Melissa is passionately dedicated in her pursuance of bettering the lives of all seniors.