Brandy Lewis sincerely loves her job as director of housing at Chapel View Senior Living in Hopkins, Minnesota. She especially enjoys engaging with residents through events, activities and everyday interactions.
“We’ve almost doubled the number of events we have,” Brandy says. “We like to have something big each week and I participate in it. I’ve gotten to know pretty much all the residents … Getting to know them, getting to know their stories, it’s a lot of fun. I have great staff to take care of business things so I can focus on building relationships with residents. That’s what I enjoy the most.”
From potlucks and happy hours to luaus and disco parties, Brandy has had plenty of opportunities to have fun and build relationships with those she serves.
Guided by Family, Driven by Compassion
Brandy’s grandparents raised her in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and growing up with them helped her become who she is today.
“Being raised by my grandparents made me relate to a lot of the seniors I work with now,” Brandy says.
Later in life, when her mother was ill, she provided care for her for a few years.
“I was frustrated with a nursing home experience I had, so I moved into health care,” Brandy says.
She registered for nursing school but didn’t enjoy it and she decided chiropractor school wasn’t for her, either. Finally, she found a fit as a certified nursing assistant and decided to pursue a career caring for older adults.
In 2018, she joined Cassia as a scheduler and administrative assistant at Apple Valley Village and worked there for about three years. Then she served as assistant director of housing at Regent at Burnsville for about two years. After completing Licensed Assisted Living Director training through LeadingAge Minnesota, she became the housing director at Chapel View.
“This position came open and it was the right time,” Brandy says.
A Director’s Unique Perspective
In addition to working at Chapel View, Brandy also lived in the community for about a month while she was waiting for her nearby duplex to be remodeled.
“I was seeing residents and how the building holds together after hours. It’s interesting when the housing director gets to stay and see the building they don’t normally see on nights and weekends,” Brandy says.
She has worked with members of the resident council to improve the community. Residents have largely approved of the improvements.
An Assisted Living Community with Charm and Character
Chapel View has been serving seniors for decades. Brandy says she appreciates the character and charm that comes with an older community. For example, she prefers brick walls to the sheetrock that has become standard in newer buildings.
“Our building is older. I think there’s uniqueness. I like the look,” Brandy says.
Staff focus on improving the community. Exterior improvements and replacing river rock with fresh mulch have brightened the outward appearance of the community.
Everyone Wins with Increased Engagement
“We’ve seen some improvements over the months. That’s because of the staff,” Brandy says.
Some staff members have worked at Chapel View for decades, forging relationships with residents. Some residents have lived in the community for decades themselves.
“They know the building inside and out and know the residents,” Brandy says of the staff.
New employees jump right in to help residents in different ways, including one who volunteered to provide pedicures.
Brandy enjoys watching staff interact with residents and everyone benefits when that happens.
“The staff like to be involved with residents,” Brandy says. “Residents like the engagement we’re having between staff and residents. I always say on tours, ‘We might be an older building, but we have a lot of heart and have a lot of fun together.’ It’s a great community to be a part of.”
