Community Corner
The Seneca, An Assisted Living Community, To Open In July
Jenna Robberson, Director of Resident Care at The Seneca, reveals what's in store for the new community.
This Patch article is sponsored by The Seneca.
The Seneca is a brand-new assisted living and memory care community offering a new model of senior living rooted in hospitality and integrated wellness, much like you’d find at a boutique hotel or a luxury resort and spa. The community will open in July at 55 W Gude Drive in Rockville, right next to King Farm.
Patch had the chance to chat with Jenna Robberson, Director of Resident Care at The Seneca, about her role in the community.
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Patch: How long have you been doing business in town, or how long has your organization been around in the community?
Robberson: The Seneca is a brand-new assisted living and memory care community; we are excited to open our doors this summer!
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Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Robberson: I worked in the developmental disabilities field for over 23 years with a variety of individuals and settings. In 2011, after 10 years working as an accountant for a large non-profit organization, I realized I wanted to see people as people and not as the bottom line of my financial statements. Caring for others and making a positive difference in the world was important to me and gave me joy, so I decided to go back to school to become a Registered Nurse.
Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?
Robberson: Vitality, unprecedented luxury, individuality, choice.
Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?
Robberson: The challenges of the past year with the COVID-19 pandemic were the toughest I’ve faced as a nurse. It was incredibly tough to care for those suffering with the disease and to be isolated from loved ones, as it wasn’t safe to socialize.
Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Robberson: Making a real difference in the lives of my residents and effecting positive change, as well as creating meaningful relationships with residents and their families.
Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?
Robberson: The Seneca is a partnership between operator Watermark Retirement Communities and owner/developer Silverstone Senior Living. Both companies have led the way in transformative developments in senior living in order to better the lives of their residents.
The Seneca is part of The Élite Collection, a curated collection of senior living communities brought forth by Silverstone and Watermark. The Élite Collection was created to shape a new model and change the way people think about assisted living by introducing boutique senior living communities rooted in hospitality and integrated wellness offering impeccable service, innovative care and pioneering programming following a mantra that focuses on renewal, rather than retirement.
The Seneca aims to dramatically improve the quality of life of the residents we serve by supporting not only their physical and intellectual health but also their emotional and spiritual well-being.
At The Seneca, our highly trained associates provide custom care, personal assistance and award-winning programming like Watermark University and EngageVR. Watermark University provides an opportunity for residents, associates and family members to continue learning, growing and achieving wellness with customized courses based on personal passions, experiences and areas of interest. EngageVR offers a virtual reality exercise that keeps the brain active while providing uplifting and educational experiences.
Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?
Robberson: Always remember the steps that brought you to where you are and never look back or you’ll lose your way forward.
Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about? If so, what details can you share and what makes it so exciting?
Robberson: I’m currently working on obtaining my Doctorate Nurse Practitioner degree with a focus on the role our genetics play in the development of Alzheimer’s/Dementia.
Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community? If so, tell us about them.
Robberson: Yes! As a way to introduce ourselves to the community, we’ve been hosting a weekly lunch and learn in King Farm every Tuesday. We have weekly lunches planned for the rest of May and would welcome anyone interested in learning more about our community to give us a call at 240-614-2800 to reserve a spot.
The Seneca and the two other communities in The Élite Collection recently partnered with Medium Rare Restaurant and local nonprofit Feed the Fridge for a Mother’s Day event where we delivered meals to local residents and facilitated family reunions for mothers who hadn’t seen their family members since before the pandemic started.
In June, we will be hosting additional events like Meet the Care Team and Spa Days for healthcare professionals as well as a Stroke Come Back virtual event.
Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business? (site URL, Facebook, Twitter, contact information, etc.)
Robberson: Check out our website and get social with us by following our Facebook page!
https://senecarockville.watermarkcommunities.com
https://www.facebook.com/SenecaRockville
http://instagram.com/thesenecarockville
Phone: (240) 614-2800
Visit our leasing gallery at 402 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 145, Rockville, MD 20850.