For Brookdale Manlius’ Executive Director Gretchen Helmer Maher, it’s the difference Brookdale makes in people’s lives that keeps her coming back every day. “I’m in a role where I can make joy happen. I’m a big believer in what you put out in the world will come back to you and I live my life that way. I try to emulate that in everything I do, and encourage that with everyone I lead as well,” shares Gretchen.
From an early age, Gretchen loved the senior population and helping care for them was always something she felt she was supposed to do. “It’s our responsibility to give back to those who are older than us. I like to see people happy and enjoying themselves, and I like to be in a position where I can create that kind of environment.”
Creating an environment that lends itself to residents talking with each other, meeting new friends, or laughing with associates starts with trust, and not only building trust with residents and families, but with associates too. “It’s important to me that associates see me, and the management team, contributing to the success of the overall community, and that it’s not all on them. We all are working together.”
And at Brookdale Manlius, they make sure to instill this philosophy from the very beginning, which Gretchen believes has helped build that culture of trust. “With all new associates, we spend time with them, sharing our stories and the personal connections we have with our residents, showing them that we are present in what goes on in our community. I think that’s what has been so successful; we’ve created a place where everyone is part of the team.”
Thank you Gretchen for your passion to serve seniors, for your commitment to Brookdale and your associates, and to all Executive Directors for your efforts to enrich the lives of those we serve.
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