IntegraCare brings 3-Dimensional Difference to Candle Light Cove

EASTON, Md. - Feb. 3, 2015 - PRLog -- As the newest member of the IntegraCare “family,” Candle Light Cove’s residents and employees have been introduced to the 3-Dimensional Difference.

    “Our ‘Personal Touch’ program focuses on the well-being of our residents, their friends and family, and our employees,” said Richard Irwin, co-founder and CEO of Pittsburgh-based IntegraCare, which operates 12 senior living communities located throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania. “This is the 3-Dimensional Difference.”

     “We believe IntegraCare is a great place to work and a great place to live. Candle Light Cove and Easton are a perfect fit with IntegraCare,” Irwin said. “We look forward to enhancing the lives of seniors throughout Easton and the surrounding region.”

    IntegraCare purchased the Candle Light Cove in December and announced both expansion and renovation plans for the assisted living and Alzheimer’s care facility.

“IntegraCare’s approach was immediately noticeable and impactful to our employees, residents and families from Day 1,” said Lynne Ewing, Executive Director of Candle Light Cove. “It’s only natural to feel nervous about such a big change, but the IntegraCare transition team has made it as smooth as possible. IntegraCare is a great fit for Candle Light Cove and Easton.”

    Candle Light Cove currently consists of 32 units in two 16-unit buildings – one for assisted living and one for memory care. Irwin said IntegraCare plans to construct an additional building, which would double the community’s size, as well as renovate the current facility. Candle Light Cove is located adjacent to Easton Hospital, which is part of the University of Maryland Health System.

    The 3-Dimensional Difference begins with IntegraCare’s Personal Touch Program, which enables residents and family members to transition into senior living, whether in assisted living or memory care. The program also focuses on IntegraCare’s employees’ well-being.

    “The difference is distinctive,” said Loriann Putzier, IntegraCare co-founder, President and COO. “It is plain and simple: At IntegraCare, we care. We call it the ‘Personal Touch,’ but it is more than just a catchphrase. In fact, it is a promise. Our goal is to provide all the resources and services necessary to improve quality of life. We extend this promise to our residents, our employees, and friends and family.”

    The 3-Dimensional Difference impacts:

·         Residents: IntegraCare’s “Personal Touch” program is initiated during the first 30 days after a move-in. Residents receive one-on-one attention from a management team member to ensure that each resident has a stress-free transition into the community. Team members help residents acclimate to new routines and familiarize them with the services and amenities available to a new resident.

·         Employees: IntegraCare strives to provide a stimulating, respectful and appreciative work environment. “We believe our employees should wake up each day and love going to work,” Irwin said. “Our employees are happy because they are passionate about what they do. We know that treating our own employees with exceptional care motivates them to provide high quality care of residents.”

·         Friends and Family: IntegraCare encourages residents to include family and close friends in their experience. With future expansion at Candle Light Cove, our residents will have an opportunity to host those who are closest to them. “We invite guests to engage in many of the amenities and services that we provide for our residents throughout the IntegraCare communities,” Putzier said. “Families may gather in private dining rooms or socialize throughout the entire community in theater rooms, themed parlors, libraries, and quaint porches.”

    “IntegraCare has made our team and our residents feel special from the outset,” said Gale Mitchell, Activities Director, at Candle Light Cove. “The 3-Dimensional Approach makes a difference. The employee benefits are excellent, and we knew that when we came to work with IntegraCare, we could both work hard and enjoy our time at work.”

    The 3-Dimensional Approach has been effective throughout IntegraCare communities.

    “It sets us apart and acts as the very foundation of our care,” Irwin said. “By focusing on employees, residents and families, we capture the essence of the entire community of people we serve. This approach emphasizes dignity and respect in all interactions within the company -- employees and residents; families and community leadership; residents and families; families and employees.

    “We work every day to improve the work lives of our employees, knowing that it translates into a positive experience for our residents as well as their families,” he said.