The Future of Senior Living

The Amsterdam at Harborside, a senior living community under construction on Fairway Drive near the Harbor Links Golf Course in Port Washington, recently named Gina D'Angelo as its Executive Director. D'Angelo, who has nearly 30 years of experience in senior living and health care, including a background in both sales and operations, said there is still a lot to do before the senior living community opens its doors in fall 2010.

She said she plans on paying attention to the fine details that can set The Amsterdam apart from other senior communities. "Our staff will be focused on first-class hospitality, providing outstanding service and delivering quality care when residents need it," said D'Angelo, a licensed registered nurse and nursing home administrator. "We want to make sure when [residents] move in, that they'll be delighted."

The six-story, $259 million community will consist of 229 independent living apartment homes. Residents will have amenities such as a state-of-the-art fitness center, an underground parking garage, media room and library.

D'Angelo said she is excited that The Amsterdam will be creating jobs for the Port Washington community. She plans to fill close to 140 new resident service positions during the second half of 2010, ranging from Dining Service Director, Lifestyle and Leisure Director and Nursing Home Administrator, and more. "This is a great opportunity to create jobs and getting the community involved," she said. "There's a need for business in Port Washington."

The Amsterdam at Harborside is the first life care community in Nassau County and only the ninth community of its kind in New York State. It is affiliated with North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System and is sponsored by Amsterdam House Continuing Care Retirement Community, Inc. (AHCCRC). AHCCRC is associated with Amsterdam Nursing Home in Manhattan, which has more than 135 years of experience in senior living.

D'Angelo said the goal of The Amsterdam will be to provide high quality access to long-term care including enriched housing, skilled nursing, and memory support.

"We will assemble the very best team to serve the valued members of our community as we move through the opening of The Amsterdam and watch the community take on its own character," D'Angelo said. "Our goal is that the community becomes a place where all residents' needs and desires are met, and they have every opportunity possible to enhance or maintain their vibrant and active lives."