Residences at Coffee Creek Senior Living offers Concierge services daily 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. We thought you’d like to meet these ladies so dedicated to serving the needs of our residents and their families. This is Part 1 in our series introducing our Concierges.
Duties of a concierge, by dictionary definition, include meeting with guests and providing outstanding customer service to all guests, owners, and visitors of the hotel. Add to that, assisting guests in a branded, friendly, proactive and efficient manner with appropriate follow-up as necessary. It’s a French word, defining a person who has charge of the entrance and is often the owner’s representative in charge of special services for guests.
Ask any resident who has an apartment in Residences at Coffee Creek about the Concierge and they will immediately start calling out the names of Wendy, and Hillary because they are always there to help. Each has a unique background in service, which, they agree, has helped them in their current positions.
Wendy Towner previously worked in a Pediatric office prior to joining the team at Residences at Coffee Creek in February. Wendy is always ready to “plunge right in” wherever she has been during her working career. She has studied computer programing at Purdue. She also has experience as a realtor which led to learning how to be a home inspector. She’s attended beauty school, been a phlebotomist and a Paramedic, all while raising her children who are now young adults.
She loves being a concierge and says she has learned so much. “Being here has opened my eyes to how we should all be treating our loved ones as they grow older. Every day I see how much people want and value their freedom and independence, which we take for granted, and yet they still want and need our help,” she emphasized. “My day is hectic. Phones are ringing, families have questions about their loved ones who live here; others are trying to find a safe and caring place for a loved one to move to in our area. Residents are asking whether they have mail, what time the bus is leaving for their doctor’s appointment or activity, what’s for lunch, or who can help with getting a cup of coffee,” she said.
“But the best part is talking with the residents, greeting new faces, asking how we can help. The residents trust us and tell us about how they are doing, feeling, thinking about things, and sharing any concerns. That’s part of being front and center,” she notes. Another feature of being at the front of the house is that the concierge is the first line of safety and security, always vigilant with the entrance and comings and goings of residents, staff, other healthcare providers, and visitors. The Concierges take pride in knowing they make a difference with keeping residents safe.
Hillary Jordan certainly agrees with Wendy—it’s all about the residents! Hillary learned to love what she’s doing as Concierge as she took a part-time position to supplement her full-time teaching position with the East Porter County Schools. She’s the type of person who likes to be busy all the time. “My teaching background was actually a great stepping stone for what I am doing now; splitting my time between Life Enrichment and being Concierge,” she explained. “The last day of school was my last day of school in May as I decided I really wanted to be full-time at the Residences. It’s such a beautiful environment, like a luxury hotel, but with caring support for everyone who lives here.” Both Wendy and Hillary rave about being so close to the Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve, to enjoy walks during lunch or after work. Hillary also enjoys the clerical work and knowing all about the residents. She’s enjoying the activities and this is also where she uses her teaching skills but in a more satisfying, “ hands-on” manner. “I have the best of both worlds with the opportunities I’ve been given here at the Residences,” she continued.
Hillary also observed the teamwork at Residences as she worked part-time and that also inspired her decision to go fulltime. “There’s another aspect of value to families here; not only the residents but also the staff, the leadership, they all work together. Everyone supports each other. You always hear ‘I’ll take care of it’ when something comes up,” and she likes being a part of that focus on the residents’ needs.
Hillary earned a BA in English, Education and a MAT, Masters of Teaching English during her years at Purdue North Central. She also has a second degree, TSL, Teaching English As A Second Language, from Liberty College. She has no doubt her skills will be a valued contribution at Residences at Coffee Creek while she is learning everything she can about supporting the needs of older adults.
Residences Senior Living values each and every member of our team. For more information about joining the Best Assisted Living and Memory Support communities in the Region, click here to view opportunities at Residences at Deer Creek, Schererville and Residences at Coffee Creek, Chesterton.