Meet Christy Edwards, Executive Director of Twin Creeks Assisted Living & Memory Care Community

Our Executive Director since June 2024, Christy gives 100 percent every day to help each resident of Twin Creeks feel cared for and at home. She listens to residents’ ideas, concerns, and suggestions and strives to continually improve life at the community.

When asked about the best part of her job, she says, “For me, it’s caring for our residents. I want to make sure they have the best experience possible.” Christy continues, “It makes me happy to spend time with residents and know the other members of my team and I are doing everything we possibly can for them. It’s the greatest feeling ever.”

Christy was drawn to Twin Creeks because of its reputation. “What sets Twin Creeks apart is the exceptional level of care our staff provides,” she says. “Our care directors have been here a long time, and there’s a real family feeling within the community.”

With almost 30 years of experience in geriatrics, Christy has overseen numerous communities that provide care to older adults. “People love the layout of Twin Creeks. There’s a home-like feel, and residents enjoy our beautiful common areas.”

She created policy and procedure manuals and administrative systems that are still in use. As part of her role as Asset Business Manager, Christy was charged with providing support to communities facing challenges. She helped the staff reorganize, comply with regulations, and optimize life for each resident.

While in a leadership role at a skilled nursing facility, she also enjoyed serving as a key point of contact for residents and their families. She coordinated the staff development efforts and was dedicated to helping all employees maintain positive working relationships and achieve their potential.

The next phase of Christy’s career was serving as a Business Office Manager and Medicaid Specialist for 17 years. She oversaw the daily administration and financial operations of the community.

Christy played a crucial role in helping her residents navigate the complex world of Medicaid and obtain benefits to help cover the cost of care. Key responsibilities included guiding residents and their families through the Medicaid application process and communicating with state agencies.

She began her first Executive Director position in 2016 and has served in this capacity ever since. “When I first became an Executive Director, I was also a Corporate Finance Director,” she says. Christy played a pivotal role in managing the financial health of the organization to ensure stability while achieving its mission of providing exceptional care.

Twin Creeks is located in Riverview, Florida in Hillsborough County, which many consider to be one of the best areas to live in the state. As a suburb of Tampa, Riverview offers all the benefits of proximity to a large metro area combined with a low population density that creates a sense of spaciousness.

Christy refers to her role as ED at Twin Creeks as a “great fit.” “Twin Creeks has a great staff, and many of them have been here for many years. RLA [Retirement Living Associates, the parent company] is amazing to work for.”

Christy explains that RLA owns and manages multiple communities in Florida and North Carolina, each with its own culture and personality. She appreciates the opportunity to connect with the Executive Directors of the other RLA communities on a regular basis to share ideas, information, and support.

Her workday typically starts at 8 am. In addition to a morning meeting with other top management, Christy walks the entire building to touch base with a wide range of other staff and talk with residents. She plans the rest of her day based on these interactions.

She focuses on resolving any immediate challenges to ensure that all residents receive the best care possible. She strives to anticipate issues and emphasizes implementing proactive solutions, rather than waiting for problems to manifest.

“I have an open door policy with my staff,” Christy says. “All of us respect each other. The building runs so well because we have such a great team. Everything else becomes easy.”

Christy says it can be difficult for people to make the decision to move from their home to an assisted living community because they don’t want to give up their independence. Until they visit, they often aren’t aware of all the benefits and how independent they can remain.

Activities provided include going out for lunch, taking walks, listing to live music, enjoying the garden, celebrating special occasions like Father’s Day, and events like tea parties with delicious food. Wellness classes, cards and other games, and art activities like wreathe painting round out the schedule.

The rhythm of life at Twin Creeks encourages healthy habits and routines that include exercise, enriching activities, time with peers, and nutritious meals. “Often people thrive once they move into an Assisted Living or Memory Care environment with the appropriate support,” Christy says.

“Moving to retirement living is about starting a new chapter of your life,” she adds. “Older adults who move to Twin Creeks realize there are many more wonderful memories to make. And families tend to feel a lot of relief because they know their mom or dad’s quality of life will improve.”

Residents decorate their living space to suit their needs and personal style so it feels like home. Many Twin Creeks residents appreciate the handicap accessible features of their studios, apartments, and companion suites.

“Every aspect of the community’s design focuses on safety and care,” Christy says. Features like grab bars, ramps, and large bathrooms with walk-in showers make life a lot easier and more comfortable. The community features wide corridors, and two people in wheelchairs can easily pass each other.

“Our Chef Jerome Jackson is outstanding, and the food is really good,” she says. “The quality of our Dining Services Department is one of the main reasons residents love Twin Creeks.” The restaurant offers nutritious, chef-prepared meals and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.