Tea Retirement Living brings a new vision for senior care to Tea
Morgan Lane Village is under new management and will be renamed Tea Retirement Living by Caring Professionals. The new administration is taking the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their residents and their families.
As the first residents arrived at the 32-unit assisted living facility in December of 2024, staff and administration welcomed all and explained their new approach to senior care.
“Our assisted living stands apart from other senior care options by offering a unique blend of independence and personalized support. Assisted living focuses on helping residents maintain their autonomy while receiving assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management,” said Tea Retirement Living Administrator, Danica Bertsch.
Having a welcoming approach to care helps residents feel at ease as they make their transition into their new homes.
“Our community is designed to feel like home, fostering a sense of belonging and social connection through shared spaces, activities, and events. Tea Retirement Living also emphasizes a personalized approach, tailoring services to meet the individual needs and preferences of each resident, ensuring they feel valued and supported in a safe and nurturing environment,” she said.
With 24-hour care staff available, Tea Retirement Living is able to offer a variety of services that may have been previously unobtainable to the resident.
“Amenities we offer are private or semi-private apartments, 3-meals a day, housekeeping, laundry services, recreational activities, wellness programs, 24/7 staff assistance, emergency call system, secure entrances, and regular safety checks. These amenities aim to promote independence, social interaction, and a worry-free lifestyle tailored to individual needs,” Bertsch said.
Bertsch has a background in healthcare administration and business with over six years of experience in senior living and five years experience in an emergency department.
“I have a strong commitment to exceptional customer service and make sure that I am available for our residents and their families. My time working in an emergency department and Senior Living communities has provided me with a deep understanding of healthcare operations and the importance of delivering compassionate care. I have a proven ability to lead, problem-solve, and build meaningful relationships, which is crucial in fostering a supportive and efficient environment for both residents and staff. I believe I have had some of the greatest mentors when it comes to Senior Living Leadership and hold communication and safety at a high level when it comes to our residents,” she said.
Helping someone determine if they’re ready for retirement living involves a thoughtful supportive approach that considers their physical, emotional, and financial readiness.
“Tea Retirement Living meets with a resident and their loved ones and analyzes together the prospective resident’s current needs, lifestyle goals, health, and safety. Staff at Tea Retirement Living are patient and supportive through this process as moving to a retirement community is a significant decision, and it’s normal for someone to feel hesitant. By addressing their unique needs and concerns, we can help them feel confident and prepared for this new chapter,” she said.
Family is just as important when it comes to determining levels of care.
“We like to really get to know our families and prospective residents and have a relationship of trust with them,” she added.
Advocating for senior care is close to Bertsch’s heart as she feels there are not enough rooms available for those who need care the most in the area.
“Tea currently does not have any other Senior Living facility and it’s important for seniors to have these services readily available to them and near their area. It’s becoming more and more common that seniors are having to look out of the area for care assistance. Having the option local to Tea not only brings more involvement to the city of Tea but also gives our senior population an option to stay close to where they call home,” she said.
The level of care can be increased over time to evolve as the resident ages and adapting the services to meet their changing physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.
“This progression ensures residents receive the right balance of support and independence throughout their journey. We can evolve their care by adding increased assistance, health monitoring and palliative and end of life care,” Bertsch said.
Throughout the evolution, staff collaborate closely with residents, families, and healthcare providers to reassess and update care plans, ensuring that the facility continues to meet the resident’s unique and changing needs.
Helping answer any question is the role of the Tea Retirement Living Administrator and Bertsch is looking forward to building relationships with those that have any question big or small about the facility.
“My favorite part of being an assisted living administrator is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents and their families. Building a community where residents feel safe, valued, and cared for is deeply rewarding. Every day brings a chance to foster connections, solve challenges, and create a positive environment that enhances residents’ quality of life. I take huge pride in the great people I have on staff here at Tea Retirement Living and believe the staff are a huge part of our success,” she said.