Career Blog

During the month of November we celebrate National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.

A time to educate about the disease, celebrate the amazing caregivers and recognize the many struggles and success’s that come with both living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone who does.

Just recently in 2023, President Biden proclaimed that November would be Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Alzheimer’s Disease is recognized in many ways and throughout many months. In June we celebrate The Longest Day honoring caregivers on the day with the most light. In September and October communities around the country participate in The Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising both funds and awareness in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

At Northbridge, we are celebrating National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month but featuring a few of our compassionate, dedicated and incredible Avita Program Directors. Avita Program Directors oversee programming in our Avita Memory Care neighborhood. They are some of the most caring, passionate and creative people you will ever meet and we are lucky that they share their talents with Northbridge!

Avita Program Director: Alison Stockman
Community: Laurelwood at The Pinehills

What first made you interested in working in Memory Care?
My friend told me she started working at a retirement home, serving dinner and they were looking for someone to help. I always loved spending time with my grandmother and great aunt, so I decided to apply.

How long have you been working in Memory Care and what was your first job in this field?
I got the dietary position at the retirement home in 1989. I worked there are a year when they asked me to become a nursing assistant. I became a certified nursing assistant in 1990 or 1991. I knew from that point on I loved working with seniors.

What is your favorite part about working with residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia?
My favorite part is when you see them having pure enjoyment, feeling at peace within themselves, engaged so it is almost like the memory impairment is not there. It is hard to explain, they are just in their element.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Nothing is perfect, embrace the good times and support the individuals with memory impairment and your co-workers. We are all in this together. Teamwork is the dreamwork. One of my favorite sayings is, “They are always right, we are wrong, and we are always sorry.” This is how we enter their world, we know what is true and almost all individuals with memory impairments are unable to be reasoned with.

What is your favorite program to run with residents?
I love Cooking up Memories – especially baking, Barre Balance Class and dance parties. There are so many I enjoy doing with them.

What is a popular program among your residents?
Music and dancing programs.

What keeps you invested in the field of memory care?
The individuals with memory impairments, bringing joy and the people I work with.

What is your favorite part about your job?
I have so many favorite parts to my position. I can’t name one. I love engaging with residents and making their day better. I really like teaching, mentoring and empowering associates in working with individuals with memory impairments.

We asked our families to provide testimonial about why Alison, her team and Laurelwood at The Pinehills are so special, here is what they had to share:

“Anyone who has a loved one with cognitive impairment knows how worrisome it can be making sure they are properly taken care of; that being said look no further than Avita at Laurelwood. From the day we toured the facility, to the move in, to the continued outstanding care she receives around the clock has been amazing. The staff love what they do and it shows in every interaction with the residents. The director Alison immediately wanted to learn more about my mom and her past so that staff could engage her more. The staff has learned not only about her but our family as well. My families experience has been nothing short of excellent! I highly recommend Avita at Laurelwood.” – Michael E., resident son

Northbridge residents enjoy engaging programs based on our three pillars of engagement – to move, to connect, to feel and to learn. All of our associates receive dedicated dementia training to provide the best and most compassionate care for our residents. Northbridge offers a variety of signature programs that provide our residents and families excellent engagement and learning opportunities as well as a sense of purpose. Be sure to learn more about our Northbridge Signature Programs, Senior Green, Artist in Residence, Cooking up Memories, Eat Fresh, Eat Local, Join My Journey.

Find a position at a Northbridge community near you!

Click here to view jobs.

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Working at a Northbridge senior living community

If you are considering a career in senior living, we hope you’ll consider one of our communities. Our team of associates makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents, every day. Because of that, we treat our team like family and we’re happy to offer:

• Competitive Pay
• Flexible Schedules
• Direct Deposit
• Vacation & Personal Days
• Paid Holidays & Sick Time
• Your Birthday Off
• Health Insurance to Qualified Associates
• 401k Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Ongoing Education
• Associate Appreciation

View our careers website today to view open positions, what a day working at Northbridge is like, and why our associates love to work here.

As a New England senior living company, we pride ourselves in being the local choice for families in need of assisted living or memory care. We look to our teams of associates to truly make our communities home for our residents. Whether that’s a helping hand or a moment to listen to a story, our associates are dedicated and compassionate. With 19 communities in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, we hope you’ll find your home here too. If you already love what you do, and want to love where you work, apply now! We look forward to meeting you.