Meet Milissa Burnett, Resident Care Director at Riverbend at Farmington, whose 23-year nursing career has been dedicated to caring for older adults. From her beginnings in the emergency room to her work in home health and hospice, Milissa has spent years supporting seniors and their families through every stage of their health journey. She is passionate about helping residents achieve the best possible quality of life by serving as an advocate, guide, and trusted resource. Milissa believes that understanding each resident’s unique life story, values, and goals is essential to providing meaningful care. She is proud to be part of a team that works together each day to help residents Live Well and Love Life while finding comfort, connection, and purpose in their community.
Resident Care Director Spotlight – Milissa Burnett
Resident Care Director: Milissa Burnett
Community: Riverbend at Farmington
How long have you been working in Senior Living and what first made you interested in the field?
I have worked with seniors throughout my entire nursing career and recently celebrated 23 years as a nurse. I started in the emergency room, then transitioned into Home Health and Hospice, where my work focused on caring for seniors in assisted living communities across Connecticut.
What is your favorite part about working in Senior Living?
My favorite part of caring for seniors is making a meaningful impact on their health journey. With my experience, I can help guide them, explain what to expect, and support them as they make decisions throughout their wellness journey. Being their advocate is one of my greatest strengths.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about being a Resident Care Director?
The satisfaction you can have by assisting residents and their families to make decisions that will provide the best quality of life for the stage they are in or want to be in.
What is one piece of advice you would share with someone thinking of starting a career in Senior Living?
Take the time to understand each resident’s life story—how they lived, what brings them joy, and what happiness means to them—before creating a care plan. Their thoughts, values, and beliefs should guide their wellness journey; when those are overlooked, it becomes much harder for anyone to succeed.
What is the best part about working at Riverbend at Farmington or at Northbridge?
Our goal is to support every safety and care need while working together each day to help residents “Live Well and Love Life.”
What is one thing you want families to know as they’re moving their loved one in?
The decisions you face, the questions your loved one may have, and the initial frustration they may feel are all normal. Every new chapter comes with both challenges and benefits. Once they begin to settle in, many residents find joy, comfort, and connection in a community of peers who are experiencing a similar transition and discovering the best parts of senior living.