Campus Director at Brightmore of East Memphis Senior Living Community Takes a Servant-Leader Approach to Meeting Residents’ Needs
January 12, 2024
Growing up in Osceola, Arkansas, Tommy Baker saw the toll it took on his family when they cared for his grandmother at home, while juggling jobs and other responsibilities.
“I saw the stress it had on my family,” he said. “It inspired me to become an advocate for families.”
Baker’s goal is realized today as he works as an advocate for residents and their families in his role as campus director for Brightmore of East Memphis.A full-service rental senior living community. The community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. Beautifully situated on a warm and welcoming campus in the Kirby Gate neighborhood of East Memphis.
Compassionate Experience
In his younger years, Baker worked as a certified nursing assistant. A role that ignited his empathy for patients and a desire to provide for their healthcare needs with dignity and kindness. He earned a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management.Baker is currently pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare management from Arkansas State University.
Post Bachleor’s Degree
After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Baker went on to work in various healthcare settings. Roles include marketing and admissions director in a skilled nursing community in Arkansas. He was surprised and pleased one day when a resident came to him with an idea. “She asked me if I’d ever considered being a nursing home administrator. I hadn’t, but a seed was planted because she saw greatness in me,” he said.
Baker earned a nursing home administrator license and went on to manage healthcare communities.
His talents and commitment were recognized again when he was recommended for the role at Brightmore of East Memphis. He enjoys working with residents and building a caring and talented staff.
“It’s all about developing people. We are in a people business,” he said.
First Impressions
When he first visited Brightmore of East Memphis, Baker said he was overwhelmed by the beauty of the campus. The outdoor amenities include courtyards, gazebos, a putting green, a fire pit, a dog park and more. Inside the building boasts beautiful apartments with oversized windows and 10-foot-high ceilings. Not to mention, shared spaces including a heated swimming pool, art studio, restaurant, and more.
Baker described his leadership style as being “a servant leader.” He said this means there is no task he’s not willing to take on.Whether it’s knocking on a resident’s door to visit or helping keep the campus tidy.
He enjoys getting to know residents and meets frequently with them at Donut Talks with Tommy.
“We have donuts and coffee in the bistro, and we visit,” he said. “It’s like a fireside chat with donuts!”
Baker said working with seniors is a natural pursuit for him.
“I grew up in a small town, so I was raised by a village,” he said. “It was a community of people 20, 40 or 50 years older than me. I soaked up a lot of wisdom from them.”
He takes pride in returning those blessings offered to him as a child by providing a high level of customer service and care for the residents of Brightmore of East Memphis.
Whether at a Donut Talk or a chance meeting in a hall, he’s happy for their input about better serving them.
“I am still in a place of learning from older adults,” he said.
Brightmore of East Memphis
Opening in 2023, Brightmore of East Memphis is a rental retirement community providing independent living, assisted living and memory care. Brightmore features a scenic campus in the prominent Kirby Gate neighborhood of East Memphis, Tennessee. It is known as the city’s garden district. The 8-acre property offers a wide range of on-site amenities. Inclusive amenities: an indoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center and multiple dining venues.
Brightmore of East Memphis is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, LLC, a division of Liberty Healthcare Management. this division specializes in senior living and retirement communities. To learn more about Brightmore at East Memphis, visit https://www.BrightmoreOfEastMemphis.com. Learn more a bout Liberty Senior Living and the communities they offer, please visit www.LibertySeniorLiving.com .