Meet Rachel McDonald, Resident Engagement Director at Stroudwater Lodge, who has been working in senior living for nearly 15 years. Inspired by her own experiences with loved ones, Rachel found her calling in creating meaningful connections and supporting others through every stage of life. Her favorite part of her role is getting to know residents, learning their stories, and helping them create new memories. Rachel believes resident engagement goes far beyond activities, requiring creativity, compassion, connection, and a willingness to wear many different hats. She especially loves exploring the greater Portland area with residents through restaurant outings, concerts, boat cruises, nature walks, and new adventures.
Resident Engagement Director Spotlight – Rachel McDonald
Resident Engagement Director: Rachel McDonald
Community: Stroudwater Lodge
How long have you been working in senior living and what first made you interested in the field?
I have been working in senior living for almost 15 years now. Growing up, I watched a lot of my family and loved ones go through battles with cancer, dementia, heart disease, and various mental health challenges. I was in and out of hospitals and communities visiting them. I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare to be there for people who are going through similar challenges the way that healthcare workers were there for myself and my family. I have been in senior living for as long as I can remember. My first “official job” was working in the dining room of a senior living home. Before that, I was volunteering and visiting senior living homes since I was a young child. Senior living is a way that I can give back to others and heal through my own grief.
What is your favorite part about working in senior living?
My favorite part about working in senior living is the RESIDENTS! It’s a common answer, but it’s common for a reason. The residents are truly what make the job so special. I love to learn about each resident’s history, their story, and what they’ve learned throughout their life. Not only that, I like to continue to engage and create new memories with them in this next chapter of their life.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about being a Resident Engagement Director?
One thing I wish everyone knew about being a Resident Engagement Director is that it is way beyond just “activities.” Northbridge refers to them as engagement programs and that truly describes what they are. Some days I am an Event Planner. Some days I am a Social Media Manager. Some days I am a shoulder to cry on. Some days I am an adventure buddy. Some days I am a teacher. Some days I am a Project Manager. As a resident engagement director, we constantly search for ways to enrich the community through programs and special projects, getting to know one another on a deeper level, and celebrating what makes each of us special.
What is one piece of advice you would share with someone thinking of starting a career in Senior Living?
One piece of advice I would share with someone thinking of starting a career in senior living is to lead with compassion. Compassion is essential to this job and this field. A job in senior living is not a job you clock in and clock out and check tasks off your list. Working in senior living is about compassion and connection. Not only does it make it that much more fulfilling but it makes your job easier too. If you’re able to connect with someone on a deeper level, it will be easier for them to accept your help and open up to you.
What is the best part about working at Stroudwater Lodge or at Northbridge?
Northbridge truly cares about their residents and associates. They want to see their associates grow and succeed and are willing to help make that possible. Northbridge also looks out for the residents and are constantly evolving to what today’s seniors need. I always say, just because we have Bingo 3 times a week right now, doesn’t mean we always will. If we find that residents moving in are less interested and would rather have more educational lectures, then we will put that on the calendar more. I like that we, as a company, always ask for feedback and evolve to meet the needs of our residents and associates.
What is your favorite program to do with the residents?
My favorite thing to do with the residents is go on outings! I love exploring the greater Portland area with the residents. I love trying something new whether it be a new restaurant, a concert, a boat cruise, a nature walk, or many more of the wonderful opportunities we have in beautiful southern Maine!
Work in Resident Engagement with Rachel!
Click here to apply!