Written by Betsy Natter
Climbing into the driver’s seat of the blue Frederick Living Express—FredEx for short—Suzanne Carper is full of energy and ready to go on the day’s deliveries and requested transportation pickups. The rear compartment of the electricity-driven jitney is loaded with packages destined for residents’ homes. A voice comes over the walkie-talkie announcing a resident’s request to be picked up and driven to the main building for lunch. The FredEx quietly hums to life and Suzanne is on her way.
Suzanne, who has been a member of the transportation services team at Frederick Living for six years, knows the campus well. Point to any home and she most likely knows who lives there. And she probably knows who gets regular deliveries of Chewy dog treats or Keurig K-Cups. Visiting resident homes and apartments regularly has allowed her to really get to know many of the people on campus, which is a favorite part of her job. “I love the residents,” she says. “I love the community life here. I love that they are retired and can just enjoy their lives here.”
Several years ago, Suzanne was working part-time as a nurse aide in home healthcare and filling in hours as a driver at Frederick Living. She liked the driving position better, so when the opportunity for a part-time slot became available, she eagerly accepted it. She enjoys seeing the residents regularly, chatting with them during their rides to the Bistro for dinner and especially taking them to doctor appointments off campus.
Whenever a new resident moves into Frederick Living, Suzanne quickly learns their habits and preferences. Where might they like a package left? Who might benefit from a little chat along with the package delivery? “I see it as a way to provide excellent service to the residents. I want to make it easy for them.”
Sometimes it is the little extra things that Suzanne enjoys doing the most. When a visitor to the community dropped off two dozen bouquets of snapdragons to share with residents, Suzanne delivered one to a particular resident who had recently undergone surgery. “It was a simple way to bring him some cheer.”
Suzanne also loves listening to the residents’ stories and histories. “I find people interesting,” she says. “I especially love older adults because they have so many experiences and so much wisdom to share with the rest of us. They have more wisdom because they have been there before us, and we can learn so much from them.”
As Suzanne drives throughout the community, both residents and team members wave and shout hello, reflecting the sense of community and connection that Suzanne so appreciates at Frederick Living.
This article first appeared in the Fall/Winter issue of Destination.