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New Concierge is On the Job at Monarch Landing

She has by her own assessment, the greatest job in the world.... helping people out, and scoring a smile or two in the process. Lisa Durrance, who has been a much loved team member of Monarch Landing since it opened ten years ago, has recently taken on a newly created position. Formerly in the transportation department where Lisa was responsible for getting residents where they wanted and/or needed to go, Lisa is the newly named concierge. In that capacity, Lisa is a "one stop shop" for getting all residents' needs taken care of quickly, and with a smile.

Before coming to Monarch Landing, Lisa was a school bus driver; a job she truly treasured. "I love driving and I love being around people, so it's a great combination," she said. When she came to Monarch Landing, she found that driving seniors made it a perfect combination. "I especially love being with seniors. People love to talk to me so I've heard such wonderful stories," she said. As the bus driver, she'd take residents to medical appointments, grocery shopping, to the mall and more. She'd also schedule and accompany residents on day trips with destinations including theaters, concerts and a lot of ventures into Chicago.

Earlier this year, management came to Lisa and asked if she'd like to be the concierge. "Honestly, I was a little bit leery. I loved driving and hanging out with the residents every day. It was a hard decision, but the job sounded great, so I took it and started on June 1," she said. "I am finding that I really love this job too. And I'm getting so much great feedback. I'm really pleased."

Before the concierge position was created, requests for information or services would go through different channels. As the concierge, Lisa streamlines the process. She takes all phone calls to schedule maintenance, housekeeping, transportation, dining room reservations and take-out orders from the residents. "Instead of having to figure out who to call, when residents have any questions or don't know where to go or who to see, they ask me. I felt like I was a good pick for this position because I know so many people here. I'm a people-person."

While Lisa admittedly misses driving and hanging out with the residents, she loves her new position. "My favorite thing is to make people laugh, and if at the end of the day I've done that, I've done good. It pleases me. It's a very fulfilling job and it makes me feel good," she said.

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, 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

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