Empowering Our Seniors Through Our Resident Council

At Heather Glen Senior Living, we believe in empowering our residents to truly feel at home. For us, it’s not just about providing exceptional personal and memory care services in the Lehigh Valley—it’s about ensuring that every voice is heard, valued and respected. One of the many ways we uphold this commitment is through our Resident Council—a platform that allows our residents to have a direct say in their community.

What is the Resident Council?

Our Resident Council is a space where the voices of our residents take center stage. Kim Garrison, our Director of Marketing & Admissions, describes it best: “What the resident council is, how we do it at Heather Glen—it’s almost like a town hall meeting. We do it monthly with our management team and our residents. It’s scheduled on the activity calendar, and any resident can join in and have a say.”

To us, this isn’t just a routine meeting—it’s a gathering that gives residents the opportunity to shape their living experience. Whether it's suggesting new activities, voicing thoughts about dining options or proposing ideas for community outreach, the Resident Council allows for meaningful collaboration between residents and staff.

The importance of having a voice

At Heather Glen, we understand that our community is our residents' home—and it should always feel like it. That’s why giving them a platform to express their needs, desires and opinions is at the heart of what we do. “There are so many opportunities during these meetings. It allows our residents—this is their home—to truly have a say,” says Kim. Whether it’s trying new foods, incorporating fresh activities or refining processes, our residents are integral in shaping the direction of our community.

As we welcome new generations, cultures and lifestyles into Heather Glen, we believe it’s essential to keep up with those changing needs. “As new residents move into Heather Glen, it’s important to us that we keep up with those changing needs and make sure everyone really feels at home,” Kim adds. Our Resident Council is the vehicle through which we ensure that these needs are not only addressed—but embraced.

Building trust

At the core of our Resident Council is the principle of open communication. Every meeting is a chance to connect, listen and act upon the concerns and ideas of our residents. It’s not just the Heather Glen management team that is present at these meetings—sometimes, we invite local representatives to further ensure that our residents’ voices are heard. “Sometimes the local county ombudsman will even come and join the meetings to make sure our residents are truly heard. It’s honestly so rewarding to know we’re providing them with this opportunity and giving them a platform to speak up and voice their needs and opinions,” Kim notes.

These council meetings allow us to continuously fine-tune our care and services. Every suggestion is considered, and many are put into action. “We know what works for our residents, and it’s because of these frequent Resident Council meetings,” Kim says, illustrating the lasting impact of these discussions.

Empowering our residents at Heather Glen Senior Living

At Heather Glen Senior Living, the happiness of our residents is a top priority. “The happiness of the residents is centered around making sure they feel heard,” says Kim. This philosophy guides every Resident Council meeting, and it’s through this platform that we create an environment where our residents not only live comfortably—but also thrive.

In the end, our Resident Council is more than just a meeting—it's a reflection of our commitment to fostering a community where everyone has a voice, feels empowered and knows they are an essential part of Heather Glen. We are proud to offer our residents the opportunity to shape their home, and we look forward to continuing to work hand-in-hand with them to create a comfortable, flourishing and welcoming community. If you’re interested in learning more about the work we do at Heather Glen Senior Living or would like to set up a time to visit, give us a call at (610) 841-4478 or fill out our online form today.