Emily Neustadt receives Rising Star award from LeadingAge

Social Services Manager Emily Neustadt of King-Bruwaert House (KBH) in Burr Ridge has been recognized with the 2021 LeadingAge-Illinois Honoring Excellence Rising Star-Management Award during the organization’s annual meeting held virtually June 22-24. The award honors Emily for demonstrating a strong work ethic, commitment, initiative, leadership plus the ability to be a team player during her first stages of employment. She joins with six other senior living community professionals who were selected in several award categories for their exceptional performance.

During the pandemic, Neustadt stepped in to help the Life Enrichment Department in scheduling FaceTime visits with family members when in-person visits were temporarily discontinued. Neustadt also made arrangements for “window visits” that provided another means of visual support for residents who missed seeing their loved ones.

Throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, Neustadt visited residents who were confined to their rooms, helping them to cope with challenges associated with the pandemic. She made time for everyone, offering support and guidance to residents, families and staff who benefited from her kindness and compassion.

During the required COVID-19 testing for staff and residents, Neustadt volunteered her time to support nursing staff with bi-weekly testing procedures. Once the vaccine became available to KBH, she offered to assist Walgreens pharmaceutical professionals during a series of vaccine distributions for staff and residents.

Neustadt has been praised for the support and appreciation she offers to co-workers. She values the dedication of more than 160 employees who provide invaluable and dependable services to residents in all care levels. She emphasizes the importance of everyone working cooperatively to keep the KBH community healthy and safe.

Neustadt respects and appreciates the senior adults she represents at King-Bruwaert House. She learned, at a young age, that older adults have expertise to share with others. “This is a wonderful population,” she said. “Our residents have so much to teach us. They have so many stories to tell and are so grateful for the experiences that shaped their lives. They are truly role models for us.”

CEO Terri Bowen joined with staff to congratulate Neustadt for receiving the Rising Star-Management Award.

“Emily brings professionalism and a caring spirit to her Social Services position and we all benefit from her positive attitude and enthusiasm,” Bowen said. “She has also built a high degree of trust with residents, family members and staff – which is very important in her position. “We are pleased and proud that LeadingAge-Illinois selected her for this special honor.”

King-Bruwaert House continues a long history as a 501c3 continuous care retirement community located on an expansive, scenic campus in Burr Ridge. Services include independent living, assisted living, memory care and 24-hour skilled nursing. For more information, call (630) 230-9551; or email admissions@kbhouse.org.