“I have always felt like I’ve had a connection with the [older] population, and I truly feel like I learn a lot about myself through them. They teach me as much as I hopefully teach them,” boasts Moorings Park Communities’ Resident Support Specialist, Amanda Addison.
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker works with independent living members of all three Moorings Park campuses. She guides them through the continuum of care, whether that means educating them on assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, or providing supportive services through their home.
Climbing the Social Work Ladder
Addison, who first graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2012, started her career in the Life Plan Community industry working at Shell Point Retirement Community in the Skilled Nursing Facility. She later became a Discharge Planner at Naples Community Hospital, which led her to realize that the acute social work role wasn’t what she enjoyed most.
“I love the relationship building and longevity of relationships,” Addison shares.
Speaking of relationships, a certain one she held came in handy. A friend and Mooring Park partner soon introduced her to a position at the organization. For three years, Addison was a Social Worker at The Chateau®, all while getting a master’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University.
She then became a Life Care Manager in the Home Health Department. Though, just last October, Addison became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Florida, which led her to her current role as the Resident Support Specialist at Moorings Park Communities.
Providing Education to Better Your Health
“A big part of what I do is education and connecting members to the various resources they may need,” Addison explains. “Whether it’s educating them on the services we provide in Home Health, or Life Care Management or private duty. Or, maybe they’re looking for outpatient therapy services. I’ll help them figure out which service will best suit their needs.”
The five-year Moorings Park partner works to help connect members to every health benefit that Moorings Park Communities provides to better their well-being and answer any questions they may have. In fact, she follows up with members any time an emergency system pull-cord is used to simply check in, see how the individual is feeling, and if there is any support they need.
In the case of an independent living member ending up in the hospital for whatever reason, Addison will work closely with hospital personnel to monitor the situation, and to make sure members are connected with proper resources.
“Basically, if somebody has a question and they don’t really know who to go to when it comes to [Moorings Park Communities] resources or how a transition works, they can call me,” Addison says, noting that she is there for anyone who needs assistance. “Sometimes members will call me if they have a planned surgery, and they just want to get connected with therapy services. So, I’ll review that whole process with them.”
Addison also assists with the Caregivers Support Group across all three campuses. She shares that she wants to ensure members (and their families) are comfortable, and notes that just because she is reaching out or if someone has a question, it doesn’t mean something is wrong. She is wholeheartedly available to provide guidance and education on what Moorings Park Communities has to offer to benefit your health and make the aging process stress-free.
A Genuine Contact
Addison says that her goal is to always learn and grow, not only for herself but also for members.
“The more I grow professionally and personally, the more I benefit the members. Also, in this role, my biggest goal is to always build as many relationships as I can. The more members I get to know and build a connection with, the more comfortable they will be with talking about what their concerns and needs are. I want them to know I’m here to help.”
