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LVB: What were some of the highlights of the year at Fellowship Community?
McMahon: We recently acquired a seven-acre property adjacent to our campus which has provided us with an excellent opportunity for expansion. Therefore, for the past year we have worked on a plan to add additional independent living units to our community. We are hopeful that in 2025 we will see this plan come to life. In the past year we have also been updating our Wi-Fi infrastructure, physical plant, and amenities to better serve our residents.
LVB: Many nursing and personal care facilities have struggled with staffing in recent years. How do you tackle the issue?
McMahon: Nationally, the health care industry has faced significant challenges in securing staffing. Despite this, the Fellowship Community has maintained higher than average staffing-to-resident ratios which really make a difference in employee morale and their sense of well-being. This achievement is a testament to our proactive strategies and our commitment to providing exceptional care along with competitive salaries and benefits.
To attract and retain top talent, we like to focus on our mission and core values, these provide the foundation of our workplace culture which we refer to as the “fellowship way.” The work that we do is meaningful and critical to the human experience that many of our employees find fulfillment and purpose in doing. Our recruitment efforts emphasized the opportunity to “make a difference” in the lives of our residents—a message that resonates deeply with compassionate individuals. At Fellowship Community, our employees are truly remarkable, embodying hearts filled with care and dedication to serving seniors. Our core values—relationships, innovation and growth, stewardship, and excellence—naturally draw individuals who share these principles.
I deeply value and appreciate our employees, which is why I maintain an open-door policy to encourage communication and collaboration. We strive to facilitate a sense of belonging to our community and treat the staff as family. We host events throughout the year to express our gratitude, including food trucks, prize wheels, candy buffets, and providing gift cards. These celebrations are small tokens of our immense appreciation for the incredible work they do.
In a recent employee survey conducted by an independent research firm, one of our highest-rated factors was the belief among our staff that they are truly making a difference. And they are. That sentiment speaks volumes about their impact and the meaningful work we do every day.
LVB: What do people need to know when looking into senior living?
McMahon: There are many options available for senior living. Fellowship Community is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), also known as a Life Plan Community.
We provide a full continuum of care, including independent living townhomes and apartments, personal care, skilled nursing, memory care, and short-term rehabilitation—all conveniently located on our beautiful 65-acre campus.
Many individuals choose communities like ours because they offer the opportunity to age gracefully with access to varying levels of care as needs change. For example, residents may transition to personal care when they prefer having meals and snacks provided, need assistance with medication management, or require help with daily activities. Residents facing memory challenges have access to a secure memory care area specifically designed for their needs.
For those requiring more intensive medical care, skilled nursing services with 24-hour medical staff are offered, whether for short-term recuperation or as a long-term living solution. Additionally, occupational, speech, and physical therapy services are available on-site.
Seniors seeking independent living should consider whether a community is pet-friendly and explore the variety of on-campus events offered, such as art programs, exercise classes, guest speakers, and planned off-campus trips. It’s also a great idea to speak with current residents to gain insights into the community and its culture. Above all, seniors should choose a place that truly feels like home.
LVB: What do you see in the future for Fellowship Community, your staff and residents?
McMahon: We envision an incredibly bright future for Fellowship Community as we continue to grow and serve more residents. By integrating advanced technology across our campus, we aim to simplify daily tasks for both residents and staff, enhancing efficiency and ease of use.
Our plans include adding new amenities and shared spaces, such as an art gallery and a maker’s space for woodworking, arts, and crafts. These areas, along with designated spaces for socializing, will greatly enrich the quality of life for our residents by fostering creativity and connection.
The natural beauty of our campus grounds, highlighted by native trees and plants, is a cornerstone of our community. We look forward to further enhancing this environment by improving foliage and upgrading features like the bridges and pavilion in our park. These enhancements will create an even more inviting space for residents and guests to relax and enjoy nature.