O'Connor Talks About New Victory Centre

by Pat Lenhoff

For today’s edition of our series “Have you met?” I’d like to introduce you to Pat O’Connor, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for Pathway Senior Living, a company that specializes in senior living projects — including the new Victory Centre of Vernon Hills.

Q:What do you think is the best part of living in a project like Victory Centre, especially for those who may be reluctant due to the often negative perception of senior residential facilities?

A: One of the best and most rewarding aspects of moving a senior into a community like ours is seeing them make new friends, try new activities and hobbies, take new trips and outings, and have new friends to dine with. One of the downsides to living alone is the cognitive decline that often occurs due to a lack of socialization and conversation. Many of our seniors have been living alone for a long time, with few opportunities to have contact with friends on a daily basis.

When they come to us, many of them have stopped cooking because eating alone is not very enjoyable. Their nutrition, hydration and overall health usually improves dramatically once they live in a community. We are able to overcome most fears and perceptions when we get a senior into our building for a tour. The building is so beautiful, inviting, clean and welcoming, as are the staff and current residents. Once they visit, they fall in love with the building and it’s a lot easier to explain to them the safety, security and socialization benefits. It can also help some who have doubts if we schedule a time for them to talk one-on-one with a current resident. They often open their apartments to new prospects and talk about how happy they are now that they here at VC. This is very beneficial because it’s coming from one of their peers and not a staff member.

To read the full article http://libertyville.suntimes.com/opinions/lenhoff/13322624-452/oconnor-talks-about-new-victory-centre.html