Support and Expertise
Standing currently at over 800 villagers, the size of the Cross Keys Village population allows our community to offer features and programs that are beyond the reach of smaller retirement villages with a few dozen residents. We have regularly covered our dining, wellness, art and education capabilities on this blog. However, we haven’t yet cast a spotlight on our Resident Support Services.
Some years ago, Cross Keys Village adopted a philosophy of aging in the preferred place, updating the traditional Continuing Care model which favored transitions as residents aged, from larger residence to apartment, then to Personal Care, and finally to Health Care – depending on an individual’s needs. Such transitions still occur, but less often and later in life thanks to a thorough portfolio of residential services that we have labeled Cross Keys @ Home.
Under the Cross Keys @ Home umbrella we offer our villagers the assistance of full-time licensed nurses and skilled social workers, devoted only to Residential Living care, and who are thoroughly familiar with life in our cottages, apartments and homes. Villagers with an age-related difficulty or challenge depend on our Resident Support Services team, consisting of Resident Support Coordinator Christy Yeiser and Resident Support Specialist Christina Summers – both experienced social workers. The talented pair helps villagers navigate various on-campus services and connect with resources, agencies and organizations outside our community.
“In addition to our amazing residential nurses, we recognized an increased need for social services and educational resources,” shares Director of Cross Keys @ Home Jennifer Knight. “This extra layer of support and expertise helps our team assist residents in a more comprehensive manner.” In extreme old age, one’s problem-solving abilities can diminish, and the smaller concern can grow into a major nuisance. “Our top focus is to address those challenges and help villagers age in their place of choice. No question is too small for us. We research and provide resources as long as it is possible – while maintaining safety,” says Christy. “When needed, ongoing communication is established with a villager’s family, which smooths an eventual transition and decreases the likelihood of an emergency.”
“I’ve been here for almost 8 years, and our residents have become family to me,” says Jennifer. “It gives me peace of mind knowing they’re in good hands with Christy and Christina guiding them efficiently, while gaining their trust with their sunny and easygoing style. That’s what we’re all here for!”