Community Relations Directors Ashley Cochran and Katie Vail at Chateau Retirement join Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders podcast. They talk about what's hard about working in the senior living industry as well as what makes it such a worthwhile career. They also share what families should know about the tour process and making the decision about which community to choose. They provide their best advice for family's making the decision to approach mom or dad about a senior living community move. They also talk about what qualities sets Chateau Retirement apart. The interview was recorded live at Chateau Bothell Landing in Bothell, Washington.
Katie says, "I want families to know that there is that right fit for you out there. There is a community that will resonate with you, and there are people out there, like our team here, that want to help guide you through the process. It's a daunting and overwhelming process. But we're here to meet you where you're at, and learn about your journey, because everyone's journey is different."
Ashley adds, "It's okay to get emotional. It's an emotional process. I've been on the other side of it, and I sat in those offices, in those chairs, and I've cried because I didn't know what questions to ask. And it's okay. And we're here for you. We support you and you will find, like Katie said, there is a community for everybody. It's a matter of finding the right one."
Suzanne asks, "Tell us about your secret sauce, girls. You two and Debbie are called the dream team. Why is that?"
Katie answers, "I think we're just all super-mission focused on why we're in this industry. I think Debbie has mentioned, it's not for that paycheck. I know we are fortunate in this industry to get a second paycheck, when we see the residents that move into our community and how they thrive.
Suzanne says, "As a marketing person, you're more like an ambassador. Would you agree with that??"
Ashley says, "Yea. We live with these residents, we're here 40 hours a week, spending time with them, and we love that. But it's such a joy when we you start from the very beginning, and then you get to watch them move in, and you get to help them through that process. And then you walk into the dining room with another tour, and they stand up and they want to tell that tour all about how great it is to live here, and all the activities, and the food, and all these things. And you get to see them on an ongoing basis. So "the sale" isn't done just the minute the check is signed. We're there for the very end too, which makes it an emotional journey, but it is so impactful. And we work really well together as a team of three. We complement each other, we trust each other."
Chateau Retirement provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. They have been locally owned and family operated for more than 25 years. Chateau Retirement has three communities in Washington's Seattle/Puget Sound area: Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Bothell Landing in Bothell, and Chateau Valley Center in Renton. Visit them online or call 800.960.1944. Visit Chateau's specialist page on Answers for Elders.
Mentioned in this episode:
Walk to End Alzheimer's
Learn more about the Walk to End Alzheimer's at https://www.alz.org/walk.
Chateau Retirement
Chateau Retirement