The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family while creating lasting memories, for children and aging parents alike. There are always the usual stresses that arise this time of year, like making sure gifts are bought, meals are sorted, and activities are planned to keep everyone happy. However, […]
Paradise Living Centers warmly welcomes, Kristie Chadwick, our new Care Manager. Kristie joined our team in May.
Q: What made you choose a career in senior care?
A: I actually started out training horses and spent many years in Europe and the U.S, training with Olympians. Training horses takes a toll the body, so as I got older, I began thinking about what else I may want to do. My experience as a trainer gave me an opportunity to get involved in pet therapy. My passion for working with others and providing care led me to make the career change. Six years ago, I accepted a position as the Activities Director for an assisted care community.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in an assisted living community?
A: Well, I started out as the Activities Director for Ventana Winds Assisted Living and Memory Care in Sun City. There I loved working with residents and knew I found the right career path for me. I also spent two years at Encore Senior Living in Paradise Valley working as the Community Relations Coordinator. I found my passion working with seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s and helping their families cope. I became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association’s dementia division and participated in several of their Walk to End Alzheimer’s events.
Q: In your current role as Care Manager, what do you do for PLC residents and families?
A: I do quite a bit to make sure things run smoothly in our community! To start off each day, I oversee daily monitoring of residential care and ensure that our wonderful staff is engaging our residents during daily programs and activities. I also meet with residents’ families and make certain that their expectations are met, especially those coping with loved ones suffering from dementia.
Q: Outside of work, are you involved in any organizations?
A: Oh yes, a handful of them! I like to stay up to date in my industry to benefit our residents as much as I can. I am a member of the Alzheimer’s Association, Arizona Assisted Living Homes Association, Nursing Care Institution Administrators and the Assisted Living Association of America. I am also a part of the fundraising committee for Justa Center, which is a resource center for homeless people over the age of 55.
Q: What is your long-term vision for Paradise Living Centers?
A: I hope to expand our community and diversify our programs! I want our residents to be in a home that will meet their particular needs.
