A Conversation with Mary Kay McMahon, president and CEO of Fellowship Community in Whitehall

LVB: Tell me about the different types of living options that exist on the Fellowship Community campus?

McMahon: Fellowship Community is a senior living community that offers a continuum of services. This variety allows seniors to remain within our community as they age and their needs change. Our beautiful independent living single-story townhomes and apartments allow residents to enjoy a very active lifestyle. They may be as socially engaged as they choose with access to dining, activities and entertainment. There is comfort in knowing that should they need short- or long-term care, they have priority access on campus.

Our health services, which are also available to the local community, include assisted personal care, memory support and skilled nursing care.  Personal care residents are provided 24/7 assistance by specially-trained and dedicated nursing staff.  Socialization and activity engagement are also important components which add purpose in their lives. Fellowship offers a secure memory care unit with specially trained skilled professionals who care for our residents with Alzheimer’s or related dementias.

Fellowship Manor, our skilled nursing facility, has received the Joint Commission Gold Seal for its comprehensive and outstanding short-term rehabilitation and nursing care services. It has achieved Joint Commission Accreditation in post-acute care, memory care and a disease specific certification in heart failure care. Residents receive professional medical, nursing and rehabilitation care 24/7.

LVB: Why is that a benefit to your residents?

McMahon: When you move to Fellowship Community, you know that we’re here to help you as your needs change. Moving through our continuum of care is an ideal arrangement. You can rely on us, giving you peace of mind with much less stress and worry.  It’s a priceless benefit to living here.

LVB: What other kind of support services does the community offer?

McMahon: Our holistic wellness program provides fitness programming, education, activities, nutrition and assistance that allow our independent living residents to age well by focusing on enriching their minds, bodies and spirit. Our robust maintenance, housekeeping and grounds services also provide our residents the time to enjoy the things that really feed their souls without worrying about doing household chores.

LVB: How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your operations? Are things starting to return to normal?

McMahon: The past year has been very stressful and unfortunately, we saw the worst of what the COVID virus had to offer. However, I believe that the resilience of our residents and the dedication of our staff made a truly terrible situation a labor of love. We ultimately prevailed by trusting in each other. During the pandemic we had to pivot our operations at times on a weekly basis to keep up with changing guidance and the situation.

However, one of the more difficult challenges our residents faced was social isolation from family and friends. We knew we could never replace their families but we loved and cared for each resident and paid personal attention to them. Our activities department went into overdrive coming up with creative, physically-distanced ideas to keep residents engaged and family connected.

With over 95% of our residents vaccinated, we are cautiously optimistic as we slowly reopen our care areas. Visitation, group activities and dining have resumed per state guidelines, improving morale for residents and creating a sense of normalcy. We are breathing a big sigh of relief as it definitely feels like we are gaining momentum and moving in the right direction.