“The Asbury Park Press,” a long-standing daily publication in Monmouth and Ocean counties, recently announced its annual Best of Best awards for local businesses across various industries. We’re proud to share that Arbor Terrace Middletown was named Monmouth County’s Readers’ Choice Best of the Best in Assisted Living and Adult Community.
Community-nominated awards, local neighbors and other businesses were able to write in nominations and relay their first-hand or indirect experiences with our community.
“Especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic, it feels good when we receive these types of awards,” said Mica Gilles, executive director. “It makes us proud and happy to know that others recognize the work that is put in day in and day out by staff for our residents and families.”
An example of the kind of above-and-beyond service that earned the team this award includes the voluntary adoption of a group of residents by each Arbor Terrace Middletown staff member. During the months of quarantine, we offered special attention to adopted residents. Becoming the eyes and ears of their families, staff provided extra visits, assisted with resident clothes changes, deep cleaned residents’ apartments and were there to help them navigate through the uncertainty of the pandemic.
In addition, Halloween was recreated in April amidst social distancing and quarantine. Staff dressed up as different characters to bring smiles to our residents’ faces. Residents were pleasantly surprised to find Shrek delivering their meals and to see a dinosaur passing through with the activity cart.
The staff’s ability to surprise and delight residents is one more reason this award was so well earned.