Lutheran Crossings’ Saralynne McDowell Receives Excellence in Care Award

Lutheran Crossings at Moorestown is pleased to announce that Saralynne McDowell has received the Excellence in Care Award from LeadingAge New Jersey. Presented to only 10 recipients in the state, this award recognizes individuals from LeadingAge New Jersey member communities who demonstrate extraordinary talent, expertise, and dedication in provision of exceptional service to residents.    

Celebrating 15 years of service, McDowell is the Director of Community Life at Lutheran Crossings, a senior care community for those in need of assisted living, skilled nursing, memory support, and rehabilitation services. In her role she develops and coordinates meaningful daily activities and memorable trips for the residents as if it was her calling in life. She also manages a staff of volunteers that provide assistance by sharing their time to connect with the residents. 

“Quite the talent scout, Saralynne is always on the prowl to find a cadre of volunteers to provide ways to promote resident socialization and meaningful activity,” explains Carl Tarbell, Vice President & Executive Director of Lutheran Crossings. “To that end, she nurtures her volunteer relationships and guides them toward providing opportunities for resident socialization and meaningful activity.” 

As part of the nomination process, several of McDowell’s Lutheran Crossings’ co-workers applauded her manner of making every experience a positive memory for the residents. Trish Wrisley, Community Life Supervisor, shared, “She has a gift of teaching others in a positive way. She is a good leader, loyal and trustworthy. She is experienced and knowledgeable in her work with the senior population.” Sonya Spisak, Human Resources Coordinator at Lutheran Crossings adds, “Saralynne coordinates many activities for the residents to stay active. Stop in to Lutheran Crossings on any given day and you may see residents enjoying Tai Chi, pet visits, music therapy, poetry readings and much more.”

The Excellence in Care Award is presented annually by LeadingAge New Jersey (formerly the New Jersey Association of Homes and Services for the Aging—NJAHSA), the statewide association of not-for-profit senior care organizations dedicated to advancing quality aging services in New Jersey through advocacy, education and fellowship. LeadingAge NJ honored each of the Excellence in Care Award recipients at their early December event held at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township.