Staff Highlight: Donna Brice of Wesley Village 

So you or a loved one has decided to move to a senior living community. Your head may be spinning. You may not know what to do when you get there, how to settle in or what procedures to follow. The process may seem overwhelming, but luckily, it won’t be, especially at Wesley Heights! Donna Brice, Resident Service Coordinator of Wesley Heights Apartments and Cottages, will be there for you.

Five years ago, Donna started working at Wesley Village as the Wesley Height’s receptionist and Administrative Assistant to Dr. Wollman, the campus medical director. After a year, she transitioned to her current role as Resident Service Coordinator.

Donna was raised in Bridgeport, CT and married her high school sweetheart of 30 years. She enjoys hiking with her husband and two dogs, sitting on the beach with a good book and spending time with her friends and family, especially on vacations to Aruba and Florida. Years ago, Donna was asked by a good friend to help care for her elderly mom with Dementia. This was when Donna discovered her passion for serving the elderly.  From that point on, Donna has transformed the lives of so many seniors.

On the Wesley Village senior living campus in Shelton, Donna works with Wesley Heights Apartment and cottage residents. The cottages are for older adults who are able to live completely independently (cook, clean, drive), but are looking for the social opportunities and security a community offers. On the other hand, Wesley Height’s apartments provide assisted living options. Meals, housekeeping and nursing services are offered to Wesley Height’s residents.

Donna’s job is to work with residents in both the cottages and apartments to ensure they thrive at their new home. “When I have a move-in, my first goal is to help make the transition easy and stress-free for both the resident and family,” Donna explains.

Not only does Donna provide residents ongoing supportive services, community resources and State and Federal programs depending on their financial and physical needs, she sits down with new residents and their families with a welcome binder to discuss the opportunities Wesley Heights has to offer: educational programs, activities and the dining room experience.

“Residents know they can go to Donna with any concern, thought or question, no matter how big or small, knowing it will be resolved. Donna is kind and patient and regularly goes above and beyond to make sure every resident is safe and comfortable,” explains Pete Belval, Vice President of Wesley Village.

Donna encourage residents to participate in activities and often joins them on out-trips and at parties and events. “From trips to the movies, lunch outings and musical shows, I am able to get to know the residents through their life stories. I know their hobbies, likes and dislikes and have the privilege to get to know each resident personally,” Donna says.

Because of staff members like Donna, the care for residents is second to none. Employees work together to accommodate changing care needs, which makes the aging process less stressful.

Making a life change isn’t easy for the resident or the family, but knowing your loved one will be safe and well-cared-for should give you peace of mind. Not only will staff members like Donna ensure a smooth transition, other residents will help smooth the process too! At one point, they all went through the same transition, so they understand how nerve-wracking it may seem.

UMH offers worry-free, loving, family-oriented senior living communities. The staff is compassionate and committed and treats residents like family. If you’re interested in learning more about Donna or touring a UMH community near you, visit https://www.umh.org/schedule-a-tour-senior-living-connecticut-umh