People with Disabilities Transform Senior Living Employment
Eskaton Gold River, a premier senior living facility in Sacramento, is part of Eskaton’s expansive network of communities throughout Northern California. Known for compassionate, person-centered care, Eskaton holds employees to high standards in the belief that strong team member-resident relationships are essential to creating stability and comfort. Yet like many senior facilities, Eskaton Gold River faced ongoing challenges in senior living employment, especially for dining and hospitality roles.
The Challenge: Retention and Reliability in Senior Living Employment
Eskaton was looking for a solution that would provide stable, long-term staffing to enhance resident care and foster stronger bonds between team members and residents. And because turnover has traditionally been high for senior living employment, the company knew it had to think outside the box.
“This partnership started with the need for regular employees,” said Paul Nelson, Director of Culinary Experience. “We had a lot of issues having people show up consistently and staying with the job. We needed a long-term solution, so we didn’t have to take the time to constantly train new employees.”
The lack of reliable staff not only strained operations but also disrupted routines that residents depend on. High turnover meant employees were unfamiliar with individual preferences and care needs.
“Without consistency,” said Executive Director Alfredo Cruz, “we won’t have team members that really know our residents, what they want for lunch or breakfast, and the type of care they need. At the end of the day, our residents want to see familiar faces and smiles every day. If that’s always coming from the same person, it will make their days go better during this chapter of their lives.”
The Solution: Dedicated, Supported Employees from PRIDE Industries
To solve persistent turnover, Eskaton partnered with PRIDE Industries, bringing in a team of dependable and dedicated employees with disabilities. These individuals came supported by an on-site employment coach and reliable transportation services, ensuring long-term success and a consistent presence on the job.
“Retention is a huge issue in this industry,” said Cruz. “That’s why it’s so important for us to recruit quality team members. When hiring, I always look for people who care about the work they do here and the population they serve.”
With the help of PRIDE Industries employment coach Carol Compton, Eskaton Gold River became an environment where employees could thrive and, in turn, provide reliable, meaningful service to residents.
“These employees bring something so different to the table. They’re able to enrich the lives of our residents in ways we wouldn’t have anticipated when our relationship with PRIDE Industries started,” said Cruz. “Between our leadership team here and the employment coach, we’ve really been able to generate the best possible outcome for our residents.”
Cynthia Driver, Director of Work Partnerships, emphasized the importance of the employment coach, Carol, who plays a crucial role in supporting employees and ensuring they meet Eskaton’s standards.
“The coaches are the best part,” Driver said. “If you have a good coach, you’re going to have good staff because the coach makes sure the employers and employees are getting what they need.”
By partnering with PRIDE Industries, Eskaton was able to secure a more stable workforce for senior living employment that directly benefits both residents and team members by fostering long-term relationships and improving retention rates.
The Results: Stronger Retention, Better Resident Care
The partnership has yielded powerful results. Eskaton Gold River now has consistent staffing in key dining and hospitality roles with employees who build real connections with residents and contribute to a warm, familiar environment.
“The residents really enjoy the presence of the PRIDE Industries employees,” said Nelson. “They know residents by name, anticipate their needs, and create a welcoming atmosphere every single day.”
Eskaton team members have also seen the broader value of inclusion in action.
“There are misconceptions when you hear ‘disability.’ People assume limitations,” said Driver. “The same is true in aging populations. But when these two groups come together, they challenge those assumptions in the most beautiful way.”
The Bottom Line: Inclusion as a Strategic Advantage
Through its partnership with PRIDE Industries, Eskaton Gold River has achieved far more than staffing consistency. They’ve created a work environment where purpose-driven employees thrive, and residents benefit from deeper relationships and continuity of care.
By rethinking traditional hiring models, Eskaton is demonstrating how inclusive senior living employment practices can be a powerful tool for solving industry-wide challenges while elevating the human experience in senior living.
Services Provided
- Kitchen and dining services staffing
- On-the-job employment coaching
- Transportation coordination
- Long-term retention support
“The residents really enjoy the presence of the PRIDE Industries employees. They know residents by name, anticipate their needs, and create a welcoming atmosphere every single day.”
