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The Model Of A Retirement Community Leader
We live in a blessed bubble at the North Hill retirement community in Needham. We are a vulnerable population, all over 65. Through the pandemic we were served, cared for, and supported by a dedicated and compassionate team, people at all levels who kept smiling and showing up despite long hours, double shifts, no vacations, family stressors, and the ever-present losses and threats of COVID-19. Leading the team and shouldering the burden of keeping more than 900 people safe and a complex organization functioning was Ted Owens, president and CEO of North Hill. Whether scrounging for personal protective equipment, responding to the ever-changing regulations for the nursing home, or balancing the opposing needs for isolation and socialization in independent living and across campus, he was a steady hand, a transparent communicator, and an excellent role model, maintaining a sense of perspective, and even a sense of humor, through these unprecedented and trying times. We are deeply grateful.
Leila Kern, Anne and Bob Weaver
Letter to the Editor, Boston Globe, July 6, 2021""I feel safe and well cared for. Workers are always polite and helpful and if there are problems – (like for getting groceries,) they take care of things. Food service is excellent"
"I think managemenet here has done a superb job. Programming on channel 918 (internal channel) has been fantastic; ground beautifully maintained. Ted has kept us well informed – not ‘sugarcoating’…Meal delivey excellent – front desk cheerfully answers all questions. Increased variety and number of items available in Necessities (gift shop). Everyone welcoming and helpful. Coffee bar in the Commons brought cheer. Exercise classes all on channel 918! Grocery deliveries are working. Thumbs up all around"
"We feel extremely forunate to be here and to be cared for by such a skilled an supportive staff."
"North Hill is the best place to be."
"Programming even now and team members attitudes are excellent. We are so lucky."
"It felt good to know there were people close by I could call on if something happened, or if I just needed encouragement."
"I feel very fortunate to be a resident, particularly in these stressful times. Usually…I have spent my summers on Nantucket Island. This year I am staying home and turning my house over to my family. I am much more comfortable here, knowing that there is so much protection and, of of course, wonderful attention to all our needs! The team members are so good to us. Ted Owens is doing such a superb job of protecting all of us, as well as keeping us all informed he truly cares! What a nice feeling that is!"
"I would have felt so isolated if I didn’t live here"
"Team members are doing a super job!"