We’re thrilled to announce that Sarah Turcotte, Resident Engagement Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Westwood, was recently awarded the 2017 Excellence Award in Program Innovation by the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA) at the organization’s annual Excellence Awards Dinner on May 8.
The awards are presented each year to individuals at every level of assisted living who have demonstrated their desire to make a positive difference in the lives of residents and who, in the view of their peers, stand out as role models in the industry. The Program Innovation Award recognizes a resident or staff member who enhances the quality of life for residents by developing and implementing innovative programs such as a creative activity, a unique health and wellness focus or a family relationship program.
As Resident Engagement Director at Westwood, Sarah leads residents in daily programming and activities to stimulate and enrich their lives, build connection to the community at large and fulfill personal wishes. She’s implemented many new programs driven by residents’ interests, including a community service program, history tours, science labs, a journaling group and a pen pal program.
Sarah also goes above and beyond to create meaningful individualized experiences. For one resident—a lifelong Celtics fan who hadn’t been able to attend a game since his diagnosis because of an aversion to large crowds—she tapped her personal network and secured executive suite tickets (including special parking, a private entryway and all amenities on site), enabling him and a few other residents to enjoy the game without having to brave the crowds.
For another resident’s 69th wedding anniversary, she honored the resident and her husband’s love story by creating a special display in Westwood’s lobby, complete with wedding photos and a mannequin modeling the bride’s nearly 200-year-old wedding gown, a family heirloom. The story was featured on WCVB Channel 5 Boston and in USA Today.
In 2015, Sarah was named to Provider Magazine’s 20 to Watch list, which profiles senior care professionals who go above and beyond in their jobs. During this time, she served as Resident Engagement Director at Bridges by EPOCH at Hingham, where she also tailored programming to resident interests, including a jogging group, trips to local museums, a photography club and volunteer work.
Sarah truly goes above and beyond to create engaging, inspiring programs that help our residents lead fulfilling, meaningful lives, and we are so lucky to have her at Bridges by EPOCH at Westwood. Be sure to check out her monthly guest column on issues relevant to healthy aging in the Westwood Press—it’s definitely worth a read!