Stephanie Johnston has joined the Virginia Health Services team as Executive Director of Senior Living. She is responsible for establishing the strategic direction to achieve operational excellence at The Hamilton & The Huntington Assisted Living and The Arbors Independent Living.
Stephanie has more than 20 years of sales and operations experience in various industries, including mortgage, residential and commercial real estate investing, telecom, and commercial lumber. She grew her passion in senior living for nearly six years in a sales leadership role, providing strategic support and training for 38 communities before joining VHS.
“It’s an honor to serve others. If you lead with a caring heart, and an open mind, you will make a difference,” she says.
Her previous experience in senior living included a lot of travel – sometimes up to 4,500 miles a month by car, plus flights – but she says it also allowed her to help the sales team and be closely connected to the operations side to help offer the best first impression and experience to residents. She also assisted with caregiver education and dementia training for team members.
Stephanie says she is excited to use the depth and breadth of her experience to help build the VHS senior living team to be the best it can be.
“Everyone has a different skill set and so it’s about taking what’s exciting for them and motivating them to grow what they currently experience day-to-day and bring in their personal passion,” she says.
Resident experience
When it comes to senior living, it’s all about providing the best experience that’s personalized to the residents. Whether it’s learning of a resident’s favorite meal that will provide comfort or a family story, Stephanie says engagement and communication for peace of mind are key.
“It’s our honor to be able to care for them and allow them to live their best life,” she says.
Solid wellness and dining and nutrition programs, engaging activities and events, and making sure residents feel independent to “continue to be who they are in their everyday life and allow their life history to flourish” factor into a well-rounded resident experience, she says.
“We want to make sure we’re impacting their health in a positive way,” she says. Having VHS Rehabilitation within the team allows a streamlined and convenient option for care.
“It’s our honor to be able to care for them and allow them to live their best life.”
Stephanie Johnston, VHS Executive Director of Senior Living
All can be achieved, she says, by helping keep familiarity for the residents. “We have to ask questions of families to help orientate a resident when they come in to provide a sense of comfort and peace. Knowing a favorite meal or type of music and offering it can set the tone to make them feel the most comfortable when they move in and call us their home.”
Utilizing monthly resident council meetings to be sure residents have a voice and input into menus, calendars, community projects and more also can help the team improve the resident experience.
Background
Stephanie graduated from ECPI with a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. The Virginia native resides in Gloucester with her husband. She has a daughter who is a Gloucester County Sheriff’s deputy. She says they enjoy “country living,” which includes spending quality time with family, exploring with her Boxer and enjoying nature. Stephanie also is new to gardening – “trying to find my green thumb,” she says.
Senior living with VHS
Virginia Health Services offers senior living options in Newport News and York County.
When the responsibilities of home ownership become too much, The Arbors Independent Living offers a maintenance-free lifestyle with private apartments, inclusive dining, events and activities, and personal transportation. Also included are valet parking, concierge service, housekeeping and linen service — all without a costly entrance fee. Schedule a tour of The Arbors.
VHS assisted living communities, The Huntington and The Hamilton, provide a safe environment when an individual needs extra assistance with their healthcare needs. A nursing team is available 24/7 to residents, and private apartments are designed for safety and ease. Dining, activities, housekeeping and more are included, without an entrance fee.
Schedule a tour of The Huntington or The Hamilton.
