REGIONAL — When Oxford Living bought Carefree Living last year, residents in Babbitt and Ely noticed some changes. The biggest was new Executive Director Demetrius Bray.
“We always want to seek out individuals that show the combination of compassion and competency,” said Greg Fortier, national director of operations for Oxford Living. “Demetrius exemplified both qualities since we have met him. He has brought a fresh perspective and people-first leadership. Staff and residents make up the focal point of his leadership, and we feel that is the perfect representation on our company values.”
Bray is no stranger to working with the elderly.
“I’ve been doing this for 15 years,” he said. “I just love the older population, and I love serving them. Every day is something new. We learn so much from them.”
Spending time with residents is a part of the job that Bray really enjoys.
“I’ve formed great relationships with residents,” he said. “I love learning from them about the history of this area.”
The relationship goes both ways, said Janice Stellmach, a life-long Babbitt resident who now lives at the facility, acknowledging Demetrius is one of her favorite people. She said she wasn’t quite sure about him when he started, a large man with a booming deep voice, and not someone she thought she’d be friends with.
“But now I feel like we are best friends. He always makes me smile.”
Residents in Ely share that fondness.
“He’s a good man and cares about the residents,” said Rick. “I love the daily activities and they keep us all busy. The food is great as well.”
Florence, who has lived at the Ely facility for 10 years, said, “I really like the new management team. They all come and see me daily, which I really enjoy.”
Niisa, a member of the life enrichment team in Babbitt, said she loves being a part of the residents’ everyday life and being able to engage in activities with them.
“I love listening to their stories about their lives and building deeper connections with them. It is very important that every resident feels seen, heard, and valued,” Niisa said.
Both facilities offer a range of in-house activities almost every day, including exercises, crafts, Bible study, and many types of games.
“My favorite is the Bible study we do every Wednesday,” said Bonnie, a resident in Babbitt, who added the workers show a lot of dedication to their job and “you can tell that they truly care.”
Bray may also be familiar to folks in Tower-Soudan, having helped manage Vermilion Senior Living for a while.
“The biggest change with the company is that we got positions filled with the right people, and we’ve had a consistent nursing staff,” he said.
But there’s another reason for the changes at the assisted living centers, and that has to do with the support received from the wider community.
“We get so much support from local businesses and churches,” he said. “They help at holidays and with birthday celebrations.”
The activities calendars at both locations are busy, and they do their best to get residents out in the community.
“We go out to movies in Ely and go out to eat at Grand Ely Lodge,” said Bray. “We also have karaoke, bingo, and card games. Residents really enjoy it when the community comes in and gets involved.”
Bray said they also do their best to get residents moving outdoors.
“I’ve never worked with groups that are this active,” he said. “They love doing things and love getting outdoors for walks.”
The food service is “as close to home cooking as you can get,” Bray said. Last Saturday, residents sat down for meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and gravy at lunchtime, a favorite according to residents. The kitchen also provides meals for those on special diets, and residents can order a different meal if they do not like what is on the menu.
Both locations have active Facebook pages, which highlight visits from community groups and special activities. Ely Community Resource often brings students over for special afterschool activities, and college students also volunteer with residents.
Carefree Living is planning a community barbecue in both Ely and Babbitt. In Babbitt, “The Great Grill-Out” BBQ will be June 19 from 12 noon - 2 p.m., and in Ely, “Through the Time Capsule: ;Decades Drive-In” BBQ will be June 26 from 12 noon – 2 p.m.
Community members are invited to stop by for lunch, tour the facility, and meet the staff, Bray said.
Both the Babbitt and Ely locations have multiple room openings right now. Residents pay a lease on a monthly basis that covers room and three meals a day, plus nurses are on staff to help with whatever special health needs residents require. Rooms range from smaller studio apartments to larger double rooms. While assisted living is costly, fees do vary depending on the level of support required, and many residents qualify for financial assistance.