Executive Director Makes Serving Residents His Priority at Millcroft Senior Living

Millcroft Living senior living community in Newark, Delaware is in good hands under the leadership of Executive Director J. Edward (Ed) Burleigh, who decided more than 40 years ago to dedicate his life to caring for older adults.

While studying gerontology at Villanova University, Burleigh worked as a unit clerk at a retirement community. It was during that time he committed to pursuing the training necessary to manage and lead a senior living community.

“When I was a desk clerk, I didn’t know I’d become an administrator,” he says. “But I saw firsthand what made a good administrator and what I wanted to emulate.”

One of those qualities, he believes, is being a visible presence. Every day, Burleigh spends time with residents, listening to their needs and learning how best to support them.

“No day is ever the same,” he says. “You need to be flexible and lead by walking around. You have to be out with the residents and staff, not holed up in your office.”

After college, Burleigh became an administrator-in-training and eventually earned his license as a nursing home administrator. His preparation involved gaining a deep understanding of every department in a senior living community—from the business office and health care services to dining, housekeeping, marketing, security, human resources, activities, and facilities management.

Throughout his career, Burleigh has worked in communities of varying sizes and types, including the nation’s oldest Continuing Care Retirement Community, founded in 1772.

Today, he remains committed to the path he first envisioned in college: fostering connection with residents and helping every department function at its best.

“I enjoy interacting with residents and the variety in my day. My job is never boring,” he says.

Burleigh regularly conducts operational rounds, meeting with department heads to ensure everything is running smoothly and to address any concerns.

“We’re always evaluating how we can improve our services,” he says.

True to the example that inspired him decades ago, Burleigh also continues to make time to stop and talk with residents and their family members.

“I enjoy getting to know them,” he says.

Whether he’s with residents or staff, Burleigh keeps the community’s mission front and center.

“Providing the best care possible for our residents is what we do—and it’s the reason we’re here,” he says.

Millcroft Living

Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood in Newark, Delaware, Millcroft Living is a full-service, rental, continuing care retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. Millcroft is managed by Life Care Services®. For additional information, visit MillcroftLiving.com or call 302/204-1088