When Holly Hudson and her family were looking for a senior living community for their mother, they were pleased to discover Encore at Parkside. The full-service rental continuing care retirement community offers independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing.
Holly’s mother, Kay Spence, 77, moved into independent living at Encore at Parkside in March 2022. Sadly, she was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in August 2023 and passed away in October.
Little did Holly know at the time that her mother moved in that she would soon become an employee. After learning that Encore at Parkside was looking for a dining room manager for independent living, Holly, who previously handled all aspects of food service for the Delaware School of the Deaf, decided to apply. She got the job in October 2022 and was able to be on the scene to see her mother’s transformation as she enjoyed her new home at Encore at Parkside
Mother Finds Joy at Millcroft.
“She really enjoyed the social aspect,” Holly says. “She made some great friends here. She met other residents and organized card games. She thrived here.”
While Holly enjoyed working as a dining room manager, she recently applied and was welcomed for the role of Admissions Coordinator for Encore at Parkside’s skilled nursing care.
“I think it’s very much in my skill set,” she says. “I am very attentive to details, and I enjoy providing customer service.”
Working in admissions, she also enjoys being the first point of contact at Encore at Parkside for new residents and their families.
“I welcome them here and help them feel at ease. I explain Encore at Parkside to them and their procedures. My goal is to help them get ready for their next step in life, whether that is returning home, moving into independent or assisted living or staying on in skilled nursing.”
Transitioning as Health Needs Change
After Holly’s mother became seriously ill, she moved from independent living into skilled nursing, where she also received hospice services from an organization working with Encore at Parkside.
Witnessing the excellent care her mother received throughout her experience in both independent living and skilled nursing at Encore at Parkside, Holly says she is uniquely prepared to help families understand and take advantage of the caring staff and the services they have to offer.
She treats every resident as she would her own mother.
“I think I have a unique perspective,” Holly says. “Because my mother had been here, I see every resident as a family member. No one could be a better advocate for Encore at Parkside than me.”
Holly’s job is to meet with families and potential residents, experience Encore at Parkside’s rehabilitation and skilled nursing with them and verify their insurance or private pay.
Working with Older Adults
Holly feels as if her mother led her to her current position and loves working with older adults.
“They are excited to see you every day,” she says. “They have rich, deep stories, and they love to share them. They are also the biggest cheerleaders for staff. When you leave for the day, they tell you that you did a good job and you deserve a rest.”
She also likes being in touch with the dear friends her mother made while at Millcroft.
“I get to hang out with her best friends,” she says. “That’s really a blessing.”
Encore at Parkside
Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood in Newark, Delaware, Encore at Parkside is a full-service, rental, continuing care retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. Millcroft is managed by Life Care Services®. For additional information, visit MillcroftLiving.com or call 302/204-1088.