Monarch Landing Introduces Spiritual Wellness Coordinator

Boasting a strong and religiously diverse population, Monarch Landing in Naperville has created the position of spiritual wellness coordinator. Patti Stambaugh of Aurora has been named to the role.

"Patti is here to support the residents by providing different events and educational opportunities for religion and spirituality. She supports our different faith communities and other spiritual groups," said Sara Friel, interim executive director of Monarch Landing.

Stambaugh has impressive experience which makes her particularly well-suited for her new role. "My background is in psychology and gerontology, and my most recent work experience is as a social services director and nursing home administrator. I've also done work with dementia training," said Stambaugh. "The two colleges that I attended were faith-based institutions which helped to shape and challenge my world view."

As the spiritual wellness coordinator Stambaugh said, she is responsible for providing spiritual support to residents including the faith communities, by being involved, working alongside them, and overseeing spiritual services and activities. "We are very conscientious about supporting the beliefs of all residents," she said. "I am working to develop and maintain relationships with the residents in order to address their spiritual needs and interests."

Stambaugh said that what appealed to her about the newly created position at Monarch Landing, was the opportunity to work in a meaningful way with residents and their spirituality or faith. "It's rewarding to connect with them on that level. My faith is important to me and I know that it is also important to many of the residents. As we get older and have more challenges and difficulty, being able to rely on spirituality or faith is important, and is sometimes, the only thing you have."

Stambaugh said that her two months thus far on the job have been "great." She explained, "I have met lots of people and learned their histories, stories, experiences, preferences, and what they'd like to change. That's been awesome. The staff and residents have all been so welcoming. And most importantly, I feel like I'm making an impact."

She concluded, "I'd like to serve Monarch Landing's vision of providing a vibrant and enriching lifestyle in a way that's joyful and loving to others. I've told the residents to call me out if they don't see me doing this. I expect they'll follow through."

Monarch Landing

Monarch Landing is a Life Plan Community located on a scenic campus in Naperville, Illinois-named "one of America's best places to live and retire" by Modern Maturity, and "the best city for early retirement" by Kiplinger. Monarch Landing offers independent living, promoting a vibrant life style for active seniors. The Springs at Monarch Landing offers assisted living memory support, enriched living, respite, rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, thus providing complete continuing care for seniors. Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToMonarchLanding.com or www.TheSpringsatMonarchLanding.com.