How Arbor Terrace Mountainside Is Innovating Senior Living

Arbor Terrace Mountainside is a new assisted living and dementia care community in Mountainside. Not only is the community new and beautiful, it also takes senior living a step further to focus on giving residents the freedom to do what they want to do, when they want to do it

Arbor Terrace Mountainside believes in giving seniors the best services, no matter what they need. Their location near golf courses, shopping and their on-site experiences make it easy for you or someone you love to continue living life to the fullest.

Maria Owens, senior care counselor at Arbor Terrace Mountainside, takes pride in helping seniors and their families navigate this next chapter of life. Read on to learn more about Owens and her 15 years of rewarding experience in the senior living industry:

Patch: How long has Arbor Terrace Mountainside been providing senior care in Mountainside, NJ?

Owens: Arbor Terrace Mountainside opened its doors and began welcoming new residents on July 16, 2018. Through the doors of any one of our communities, you will see that the Arbor family is committed to serving our seniors well!

Patch: What attracted you to senior care? How did you get started in senior living?

Owens: I have worked in the senior living industry for the last 15 years in various capacities. Working in this industry is hectic but emotionally rewarding in so many ways. How many can say that they are going to work and spend the day with their second family: our residents and staff. Each day, I encounter a new family that is looking for someone to listen to their story and guide them in the right direction. Seeing the weight that has been lifted once they discover the security and benefits of senior living. They finally have some peace of mind.

Patch: If you had to sum up the mission of Arbor Terrace Mountainside in five words, what would those words be?

Owens: Compassionate, exceptional, connected, integrity, family

Patch: What is the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you have faced in your job?

Owens: Seeing a family struggle with the decision to move their loved one into a community and seeing their heart ache with guilt, but also knowing it's a gift they are giving to their loved one. Senior living facilities are about giving your loved ones new opportunities to live their lives to the fullest.

Patch: What is the most satisfying part of your job?

Owens: Making a difference in a resident and family's life. To see a resident that was once isolated in their home, now socializing, laughing and truly living life to the fullest. Realizing life is not over, it’s a new chapter. To hear from a daughter that her mom said she “must call me back because she’s going to a program.” We have successfully seen a resident acclimate, but also witnessed the sigh of relief from her daughter. That's why we say we are here for the whole family, not just the seniors.

Patch: How would you say Arbor Terrace Mountainside distinguishes itself from the other senior living communities in the area?

Owens: Arbor Terrace Mountainside takes a great deal of pride in making deep connections with the community as whole and with its residents. There are a lot of good senior living communities out there, but this is the first one I've seen that truly takes the time to get to know their residents and responds to their needs individually.

Patch: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given when it comes to success?

Owens: Be accountable— own your mistakes and learn from them.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you are working on that you’re excited about?

Owens:

• We have successfully partnered with our local JCC. This is extremely important to Arbor Terrace Mountainside. We want our residents to stay connected to the community as whole. We will partner for events, programming and share in transportation.

• We will host a Fishing for a Cause event to raise funds for Alzheimer's New Jersey in late August.

• We have partnered with NJ Cares to do a Halloween costume drive for the homeless. These events help our local community, but also provide elevated, purposeful and meaningful programming for our residents through their Helping Hands Committee.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Owens: You can visit our website or follow us on Facebook. Call us at (908) 760-0599.

This Patch article is sponsored by Arbor Terrace Mountainside

Image Credit: Arbor Terrace Mountainside