River City Six – Angie Armstrong
Meet Angie Armstrong, senior living consultant for CountryHouse Residence for Memory Care ( www.countryhouse.net).
Tell us a little about your business.
CountryHouse is a community designed specifically to help those living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia get the care they need in a place that looks and feels like home. Our Elkhorn community just opened at 3720 George B Lake Pkwy between Center and F Streets, but we have other locations in Omaha, Council Bluffs, Lincoln, Grand Island, and Kearney.
How did you get started in the business?
I was looking for a career change about five years ago and an assisted living community in Iowa hired me as their community relations manager. I quickly found my niche helping seniors who were diagnosed with memory loss, as well as their families. In my role, I get the opportunity to meet people, learn about them, and walk hand-in-hand with them through the process of choosing a memory care community for their loved one.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Our company is very focused on activities and outings, so COVID has forced us to make major changes to what we typically do. On the positive side, it’s been rewarding to learn how to reach people and innovate under so many restrictions. We’ve been forced to really get creative and think of new ways to do our job. I’ve think I’ve learned more in the last 10 months than in the last 10 years because of it!
Tell us a little about your family.
I’m happily married to my husband Drew. We have two daughters: Andi (18) is a freshman in college and Ashlie (23) is in her second year of graduate school. We also have a 10-month-old Golden Retriever named Rosie.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Anything outside. I also love being with my family. I have two young nephews who are a lot of fun to hang out with.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I was born in Loveland, CO. At six weeks old, I moved with my family to Iowa. My method of transport was a dresser drawer in the back seat of our Volkswagen Beetle!
Who inspires you?
My two daughters. I am continuously in awe of the fact that they’ve found themselves and their place in today’s world.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Compassionate.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
I’d run a small flower shop.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
The Alzheimer’s Association is an incredibly well-rounded nonprofit that supports all aspects of helping those dealing with Alzheimer’s, while leading the way to a world without it at the same time.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
I just finished reading Creating Moments of Joy by Jolene Brackey. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in Alzheimer’s and dementia. A lot of the points that are illustrated in this book are things that we really take to heart at CountryHouse.
What is your favorite TV show?
Friends.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
The Drover.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Michelle Obama.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(531) 999-2747; Angie.armstrong@countryhouse.net; www.countryhouse.net.