Listen up: A Life-Saving Example From Our Senior Living Community

It’s amazing what you can hear when you really listen; this is an important lesson we can all learn from Associate Dining Room Manager Amanda Williams. Amanda’s attentive ear and quick thinking helped save a resident’s life from a dire medical emergency.

The Power of Listening

When a typically punctual resident was 15 minutes late for breakfast, Amanda called for a routine check-in. It was not long after the resident picked up the phone that Amanda realized something was wrong.

“I could tell by the way she was talking,” Amanda said. “Her speech was slurred, and it just wasn’t the voice I know.”

Not content to write off the irregularities as drowsiness, Amanda acted immediately. She quickly notified a nurse of the situation and asked for an in-person check-in. Upon arrival, it became clear that this wasn’t just a case of early morning sleepiness: She was having a stroke.

Staff members wasted no time getting emergency services on-site and involved, and the resident was soon receiving life-saving care at a local hospital. Thankfully, because the stroke was caught early, the resident has since made a full recovery and is back to enjoying life at New Horizons. 

Amanda received an Impact Award for her role in identifying the emergency, and received congratulations for her efforts from Massachusetts Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “I was just doing my job,” Amanda said. “I’m happy I was able to help. That’s what my colleagues and I are here to do every day.”

A History of Service

Amanda’s words ring true. New Horizons staff members go above and beyond for our residents every day. From simple check-ins to weekly staff meetings concerning resident welfare, our team takes measures to ensure residents enjoy comfort and stability.

As part of their employment, New Horizons colleagues receive primary first aid training, education on infectious diseases, and training on caring for and interacting with seniors. In addition, they are taught to recognize and notify nurses and/or directors of any recurring issues that may be indicative of developing health problems.

“Our staff members work very closely with the residents daily,” said Executive Director Betsy Connolly. “In a lot of ways, they’re the first line of defense if something goes wrong. That’s why it is so important we remain vigilant and keep an eye out.”

New Horizons at Marlborough: Putting Residents First

Here at New Horizons at Marlborough, we work tirelessly to ensure your loved ones have the best experience possible. Our residents are and always will be our top priority, and you can count on our first-rate team of volunteers, staffers, and directors to put them first in every situation.