Jessica Pelligrino Tsoukalas is the executive vice president at Bridgeway Senior Healthcare
and CEO of Bridgeway Care at Home. Avalon Assisted Living is part of Bridegeway.
We asked Pelligrino Tsoukalas six questions about Avalon Assisted Living:
ROI-NJ: How does Avalon Assisted Living enhance the quality of life of its residents?
Jessica Pelligrino Tsoukalas: As a leader in the senior care community and a proud, third generation owner/operator of Bridgeway Senior Healthcare and Avalon Assisted Living, I’ve always believed that caring for seniors means addressing more than just their physical needs.
At Avalon Assisted Living Residences, we focus on the whole person — providing care that nurtures not only physical health but also mental, emotional, and social well being. This philosophy has driven the creation of our comprehensive continuum of care and our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for every resident.
ROI: Describe personalized care for every stage of aging?
JPT: At Avalon, we have built a flexible care model that adapts to each resident’s unique needs. By offering multiple levels of care within our assisted living program, we can deliver personalized support that evolves as those needs change. Whether residents are part of our traditional assisted living or require the specialized attention offered by our memory care program, we ensure that their individual health goals and personal preferences are met.
Leading the charge on dementia and Alzheimer’s care has been particularly close to my heart. I’ve worked to ensure that our memory care program integrates targeted support strategies for individuals with memory impairment. This includes specialized staff training so that our team is not only equipped with the skills to meet the challenges of memory care but also trained in compassionate communication. Our support doesn’t stop with residents — we offer caregiver support groups to help families cope with the challenges of memory-related conditions, ensuring that everyone involved feels heard and supported.
ROI: How does Avalon provide resident-driven engagement and increased social connection?
JPT: A key element of enhancing seniors’ quality of life is fostering meaningful engagement. Avalon has embraced a resident-driven approach to our activity programming, encouraging seniors to take an active role in shaping their experience. We empower residents to start their own clubs and suggest activities that align with their passions, creating a community that reflects the interests and desires of its members. This approach fosters both independence and a deep sense of belonging.
From recreational activities like group outings and book clubs to individualized engagement programs, we strive to keep our residents connected and engaged — because staying active in mind and spirit is as crucial as physical health.
ROI: Describe how your facilities provide a comprehensive wellness for mind and body?
JPT: Wellness is a priority at Avalon, and we’ve invested in programs that promote both physical health and mental well being. We offer daily exercise classes and therapies in our onsite, fully-equipped gym, and we provide residents with access to physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Keeping seniors in peak physical health allows them to maintain their independence longer and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Beyond physical fitness, we also embrace alternative wellness approaches such as meditation, yoga, aromatherapy and sound therapy. These holistic offerings help residents find balance, manage stress, and improve mental health, ensuring that every resident can nurture their overall well being.
ROI: Talk about your ability to extend care beyond assisted living.
JPT: One of my proudest accomplishments has been expanding our continuum of care beyond the walls of Avalon. Through Bridgeway Care at Home, we provide outpatient therapy and home care services that support individuals before they need assisted living. And when more advanced care is necessary, our skilled nursing facilities within the Bridgeway Senior Healthcare network offer a seamless transition, ensuring consistent and personalized care throughout every stage of aging.
ROI: Finally, the company’s commitment to the whole person helps it stand out. Can you describe how that works?
JPT: At Avalon Assisted Living, we don’t just care for seniors — we care for the whole person.
Under my leadership, our commitment to personalized care, resident-driven engagement, and comprehensive wellness has allowed us to create a community where seniors thrive. By addressing the full spectrum of physical, mental, and emotional needs, we’re proud to lead the way in enhancing the overall quality of life for seniors
in our care.
###
Jessica Pelligrino Tsoukalas is an accomplished healthcare executive, entrepreneur and advocate, and has a decade-long career dedicated to enhancing the quality of care for seniors. She currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Bridgeway Senior Healthcare, where she is responsible for strategic planning, overseeing operations, and driving initiatives that improve care across skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Under her leadership, Bridgeway has implemented innovative programs such as the Transitional Care Program, which has significantly reduced hospital readmissions, and developed a data-driven approach to case management and care coordination.
