Independence, Privacy, Dignity, Choice: These four tenets are at the forefront of resident care at Aberdeen Crossings
By Mary Malik
There’s always something new and exciting at Aberdeen Crossings Assisted Living in Highland Heights. After a long year of lock-downs and isolation from family due to Covid-19, the residents are back in action, welcoming visitors and busy planning new activities along with Diane Strunak, Senior Living Counselor.
“I approach all of the issues and decisions at Aberdeen with a very resident-focused eye,” says Diane. “I have more than 15 years of experience working in senior living, and I know that in order for residents to thrive both physically and mentally, family members and each team member here must be involved in their daily care and interactions. Nothing can fall through the cracks.”
Since 2009, the staff at Aberdeen Crossings has been providing care and services with a deep commitment to its resident-centered approach that focuses on independence, privacy, dignity and choice.
“I think everyone would choose to age in their own homes but that’s not always the best and safest option,” says Diane. “The reasons usually involve the fear of losing these four tenets that we strive each and every day to protect for our residents.”
Every apartment home at Aberdeen Crossings has a private bath and kitchenette to provide residents with independence and privacy. Help is available as needed.
“The ability for residents to remain in their apartment homes, especially during Covid-19 when isolating was necessary, helps us to keep everyone separate but allows staff safe access to keep them engaged with exercises and activities while constantly checking on their physical and mental well-being,” says Diane. “No matter the circumstances, our approach to care is never compromised. The fulfillment of our residents’ needs on their own terms is always our goal.”
Residents at Aberdeen Crossings are once again enjoying all their meals and activities together in a community setting if desired.
“We have resumed all of our outings, park visits, shopping trips and lunch and grocery store visits…whatever the residents would like,” says Diane. “Also, things like our Zumba and yoga classes, musical entertainment and more have all been resumed inside the building. Aberdeen Crossings is a busy, bustling Community once again.”
Planning new activities is one of Diane’s favorite things to do with the residents. Learning about their hobbies and interests and turning those into activities and entertainment to be shared within the Community is a great way to connect.
“I love getting to know the residents here,” says Diane. “It’s the part of my job that matters most and lets me do the rest of it better. Also getting to know the families and understanding their needs and expectations is critical to the residents’ happiness and success.”
Diane and the staff conduct one-on-one meetings with families in order to ensure everyone’s needs are met. Knowing the family dynamics and history of each resident is another way Aberdeen Crossings remains resident-focused.
“We’re a team here and that includes the families,” says Diane. “Just like any community, we do better when we all work together toward the common goal of the health and well-being of the residents. If we’ve learned anything recently, it’s that life is unpredictable and isolation, especially for the elderly, is never a good thing. At Aberdeen Crossings, your loved one is cared for with their individual needs always in mind.”
Aberdeen Crossings is located at 399 Bishop Road in Highland Heights. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 440-460-0686.or visit LifeServicesAssistedLiving.com.