Washington Township Growing Rapidly, Residents Building the Culture

The secret to success in Todd Aronson’s 25 years as Executive Director at senior living communities in and around Bergen County starts with building a strong staff.

And he is very confident that he has that at The Chelsea at Washington Township, a brand-new luxury assisted living and memory care community in the Pascack Valley region.

“I think that’s the most satisfying thing,” said Aronson, who has experience opening new communities. “I’m so happy with the team that we’ve built together.”

Matthew Werner, the Director of Community Relations at The Chelsea at Washington Township, has worked with Aronson for 14 years. He also knows the staff sets the tone for the atmosphere in the community, and the residents help drive the culture.

“When you walk past the dining room and you see residents sitting together, laughing, smiling, and talking, it’s heartwarming,” Werner said. “And it makes me feel and know, we’ve done a great job.”

Residents and staff enjoying a live performance at The Chelsea at Washington Township Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Bergen County, NJ.

In eight months, more than half of the apartments are occupied, and demand continues to grow.

Meghan O’Brien has worked with seniors for the past 17 years, specifically those who need memory care. She said this is the best experience she’s had.

“The culture is fun, it’s hardworking, it’s positive, it’s very approachable,” said O’Brien, the Country Cottage Coordinator at The Chelsea at Washington Township. “I definitely enjoy coming here every day, helping the residents and being with them.”

Her passion for advocating for seniors was fueled after witnessing a lackluster social life at her grandmother’s senior living community. Her grandmother had Alzheimer’s disease and she didn’t want other memory care residents to be treated that way.

Food Services Director Anthony Ribaudo puts on a cooking demo for residents at The Chelsea at Washington Township Assisted Living and Memory Care community in Bergen County, NJ.

That resonates with Anthony Ribaudo, whose reason for getting into senior living and becoming a chef was motivated by his grandfather. The Food Services Director continues to elevate the food quality that residents receive. But equally important are the relationships he’s made, which is a common theme among the staff.

“I walk outside for breakfast, say hello to the residents, get to know them individually; talk what their likes are, their dislikes, their diets, what their family life was like,” said Ribaudo, whose been in the health care industry for nearly 30 years. “I tell them specifically, this is your home, I’m just your guest.”

The decision to move to an assisted living community is a difficult one, especially adapting to a new environment. But, the empathy, care, and respect that poignantly emanates from each member of the staff and the current residents, make living at The Chelsea at Washington Township feel like home.

“It’s family,” Ribaudo said.