We’re taking a bow!
We are so proud to announce that Residences Senior Living, locally owned and offering licensed assisted living and memory care community services through Residences at Deer Creek, Schererville, and Residences at Coffee Creek, Chesterton, brought home to Northwest Indiana three of the eleven distinguished awards presented by the Indiana Assisted Living Association (INALA) at the Awards Luncheon culminating their Annual Fall Conference, September 12. There are currently 366 assisted living communities in Indiana.
“Innovation of the Year” honored Residences at Coffee Creek for their outstanding vision, innovation and creativity through the development and implementation of an idea, design, or project that has benefited residents, staff and community.
(left) Dee Welnetz, Director of Life Enrichment; Chelsey Medina, Nursing Supervisor; Lindsey Sherron, Director of Social Services and “Caregiver of the Year”; Sue Aimone, Director of Resident Services and “Outstanding Nurse Leader”; Kaitlynn Redmon, Executive Director and recipient of “Innovation of the Year”; Natalie Reisen, Director of Marketing and Sales; Jen Willett, Director of Business Office.
Citing the invitation to the Coffee Creek Farmer’s Market to relocate in the front parking lot as an innovation, the many benefits to residents within and throughout the Chesterton and surrounding communities were described. Included wereincreasing access for those who use assistive devices, enabling senior living residents to socialize and foster the feeling that they remain a part of the larger community; supporting local vendors and purchasers to obtain healthy produce and artisan-created items. “We are the only senior living that we are aware of that offers an actual free-standing farmers market to our residents, their families and the community at-large on our property,” noted Kaitlynn Redmon, Executive Director, accepting the award.
Kaitlynn credits the incredible teamwork of the Residences at Coffee Creek staff for working closely with the community and for fulfilling the mission of putting residents first every day and with every endeavor.
“Collaborating with the founders to host the weekly Parkinson’s Support Group and unique Exercise Program and hosting an annual Fun Run fundraiser for their efforts filled an important void in Porter County. Working with the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, we are also able to present a monthly support group for caregivers, along with a local Grief and Loss support group. All are open to the public as our response to the ever-growing need to provide opportunities for information about chronic conditions affecting the aging and their families,” Redmon emphasized.
“Working in tandem and both receiving awards, we are so proud of our staff: Sue Aimone, RN, won 2024 Outstanding Nurse Leader for her exemplary guidance in putting residents’ needs first and leadership in the community’s caregiving efforts.
Sue’s passion for seniors began at the age of 17; she brings over 20 years of nursing experience with special interests in geriatrics, rehabilitative and dementia care. She is a leader to roll up her sleeves and pitch in whenever and wherever there is need throughout our community.
Lindsey Sherron, our Master’s Level Licensed Clinical Social Worker, won the prestigious 2024 Caregiver of the Year. Nominated by Residences at Deer Creek, Lindsey works tirelessly at both Residences Senior Living sites to offer her expertise as well as connections to additional community resources for mental and behavioral health. Her certifications in dementia have led her to be an additional facilitator for the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana; she is instrumental in our support groups at both locations. Lindsey’s compassion for new residents and families adjusting to senior living is admired by our entire staff, residents and families. ‘She exceeds the INALA criteria for making our assisted living a valuable community asset,’ adds Karen Ayresman, Executive Director, Residences at Deer Creek.
About the Indiana Assisted Living Association
The Indiana Assisted Living Association wants to raise the profile of professionals helping to run residential care communities, also known as assisted living communities in the Hoosier State. INALA is highlighting National Assisted Living Week by honoring caregivers and communities who have gone above and beyond their required duties to serve senior Hoosiers.
“Each year the National Assisted Living Week is a week to stop and reflect on and celebrate the incredible caregivers who serve our industry and are called to help seniors live their lives to the fullest by helping them regain their independence when limited by physical challenges,” said INALA Executive Director, Dan Kenyon.
“In order to enhance the awareness of senior living communities and caregivers, INALA hosts a special awards ceremony each year to honor those making the most impactful and innovative contributions to the assisted living community,” Kenyon continued.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2034 the number of older adults is projected to outnumber the amount of children in the United States, this will be a first in our nation’s history. In Indiana, there are about 336 assisted living communities that provide services and care for an estimated 57,000 seniors in the state of Indiana. Currently, over 24,000 caregivers and other employees work in the Indiana assisted living industry, which together, have over a $3.2 billion dollar impact on the Indiana economy.
Residences Senior Living has consistently garnered accolades from INALA.
Since the opening of Deer Creek, Schererville in 2012 and Coffee Creek, Chesterton in 2019, each has won Community of the Year, Marketing Director of the Year, Caregiver of the Year. Additionally, Residences Senior Living INALA honors have included Community Director of the Year, Activity Director of the Year, Caring Angel of the Year, Food Service Director of the Year.
