For Matt, the environmental services and maintenance director at Elim Shores Independent & Assisted Living in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, working in senior living has been a rewarding career.
“If you ask me why I continue on this journey with this line of work and if I would promote it for other folks, 100% I would,” he says. “It’s encouraging for my professional and personal growth. It helps foster a culture of integrity and responsibility.”
Matt knows a thing or two about serving older adults in his career. He has done it since 2008, and has worked in Cassia communities since 2021.
Matt’s Career Path to Elim Shores
In 2008, Matt was working a part-time seasonal job at an elder care provider. He was also managing three locations for a retail franchise.
“I thought it would be a more secure opportunity in the healthcare field and a lot more growth there. Maybe I should see if there’s more of a full-time position,” Matt says. “I had spoken with my boss at the time. He said, ‘I’d love to have you.’ He made a full-time position for me.”
Matt enjoyed his time there, but he abruptly lost his job in 2021.
When he interviewed at Regent at Burnsville senior living, they hired him on the spot. He then went to work for Hastings Senior Health and Living before settling in at Elim Shores.
“I’m a strong believer that everything happens for a reason,” Matt says. “It put me at Elim Shores and in the lives of these residents, which is a true blessing. I’ve built a lot of friendships. It’s a beautiful thing to be a part of.”
The People Make it Special
Matt believes that Elim Shores is a special place. With views of Mitchell Lake, delicious dining and beautiful outdoor amenities, the community has a lot to offer.
Even more special than the community itself are the residents who call it home. Matt has grown close to many of them.
“I get to know the residents,” he says. “I wouldn’t look at them as family members if I was just having a few-second interaction or just fixing something in a room. I’m giving them time, hearing them and helping them.”
He especially enjoys when residents share about their lives, which many enjoy doing.
“Being able to work in an environment where you can interact with individuals and share their lives with you, there can be a lot of gems you can gather,” Matt says.
Serving Others
He realizes that he is at Elim Shores to serve them.
“My boss is every resident who lives here,” Matt says. “Without residents, we wouldn’t be here. We have to look at them first and foremost and be certain we are doing everything and being able to follow through with their needs and be certain we’re performing at an optimal level and bring joy and happiness into their lives.”
Everyone works together to make that happen.
“We all come together and unite as one,” Matt says. “Residents recognize that. When there’s an event, we all show up and help. It’s not asking a lot because we all truly enjoy doing it, knowing we’re enhancing the lives of others.”
Work as a Calling
Matt recommends working for Cassia because he believes it’s more than just work.
“Look at it as a calling: practicing altruism and being selfless,” Matt says. “Gratitude is the basis of a good life. Being able to see the resilience of others when I come to work, it encourages me to count my blessings.”
Matt wants to continue in this calling at Elim Shores for as long as possible.
“A lot of people might look at work as a four-letter word and think of stress. They look toward retirement,” Matt says. “We all want to spend time with our families. Elim Shores is like a family to me with the relationships we form … I want to continue to grow and be a part of this community as long as God’s willing to keep me here. I want to retire here.”
Looking back on his life, Matt appreciates the journey that brought him to Elim Shores because he believes that is where he belongs. “Everyday I’m blessed to be a part of Elim Shores and work for Cassia.”