Director of Resident Services – Connie Schneider
May 8, 2017
The Director of Resident Services, Connie Schneider makes overseeing a number of tasks look easy. She took on the role about three years ago when the opportunity surfaced in an unexpected way. “A colleague found this opportunity and suggested I apply for it, as I’ve worked in the senior care industry for four years prior,” Connie explains. She only lives about a mile away and had friends that lived here, so she was very familiar with the community.
As the Director of Resident Services, Connie manages many different programs: fitness, trips and events, resident communications, transportation, spiritual programming, life enrichment, concierge services, and is the liaison for two salons which are outsourced. In addition to each of these departments, she also works with the interdisciplinary transition team. This is one of the most important parts of her job, as she works to help meet the needs of residents who are experiencing challenges to their continued independence . The interdisciplinary team works with residents and their families while they are still in independent living and supports them with the transition to assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. Each week, Connie meets with the leader of each department to discuss any successes or challenges.
One of the best parts of working at Emerald Heights is all of the activities that are going on. “It’s incredible because the residents are very involved and volunteer quite frequently. While we support from behind the scenes, the residents stay very busy donating their time and talents to the community,” Connie enlightens.
While Connie keeps busy with her daily tasks, she always makes time to plan and address what could be made better for the residents. A current project is integrating the “Seven Elements of Wellness,” more thoroughly into the campus-wide activities program. With that integration, residents will soon be able to see which of the seven aspects of personal wellness are involved in each activity, with the end goal of promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Connie exudes excitement when talking about her position at Emerald Heights. “I love the sense of accomplishment you get on a daily basis here by helping someone and making their life better. Each day is new and refreshing, and keeps me on my toes.”
