Medical Director Alexandra Kovaleva Sets the Standard at Seabrook

Alexandra Kovaleva, M.D., loves coming to work each day and spending time with residents at Seabrook, an Erickson Senior Living community in Tinton Falls, N.J.

"My patients are the best part of my day," says Kovaleva, a senior care specialist who has served as the community's medical director for the last two years. "When patients thank us for helping them, it's all the reward we need."

Inspired by family

Kovaleva's interest in medicine began at a young age. During her last two years of high school, she lived with her grandparents. Her grandmother was primarily caring for the family, including her grandfather, who had diabetes.

"I watched her give him injections of insulin every morning, and she explained everything to me," Kovaleva recalls. "She inspired me to not only become a doctor but to go into senior care. She always found a way to smile every day, no matter how hard it was."

Impressed from the start

In her previous role as a home care physician, Kovaleva visited patients living at Seabrook and found herself impressed by the services and amenities available in the community.

"I remember noticing that the residents at Seabrook were always so happy and living full lives," she says. "They have everything available to them here, including a medical center, physical therapy, fitness center, and even a swimming pool. My patients received therapy in the clinic and didn't need to go anywhere else."

She adds, "Plus, whenever I sent a prescription to the CVS Pharmacy® inside the community, it was delivered to my patients the same day."

When a position opened for a physician at the on-site medical center, Kovaleva applied. She recalls her interview well.

"I instantly connected with the interviewers, who shared the same passion for caring for patients," she says. "The providers I met were so professional and great with the patients. I wanted to be a part of the medical care here."

Once hired, Kovaleva quickly integrated into the care team. She values the time she spends with residents and the chance to hear their personal stories and learn about their lives.

Personalized care

As residents age in place at the continuing care retirement community, Kovaleva and the care team are there to help support their needs.

If a resident requires additional services, they can coordinate with the various levels of care available on site. They work closely with team members in assisted living, skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, home care, and memory care.

As medical director, Kovaleva prioritizes communication among all practitioners at the community. In addition to morning huddles, when the entire team meets to share changes in medications and care, Kovaleva added a huddle at the end of each workday.

"I really want us to be in close communication," she says. "In the clinic, each provider sees their own patients. But there are times that patients need acute, same-day appointments, and they see whoever is available. We also rotate coverage in different care areas and being on call at night."

She adds, "This way, we are aware of each patient's status and their individual needs. This helps improve overall patient care."

Building relationships

Caring for residents at Seabrook is a special calling for Kovaleva. "It's meaningful to be a doctor, and it's a privilege to serve residents as they age in our community under our care," she says. "We develop relationships with everyone we see."

One such resident is Frances Yim Kim, a retired pulmonologist who moved to Seabrook in 2017, six

months after retiring from her 30-year practice.

Once Kovaleva joined the community, she became the primary care physician for Frances and her husband, Heekook Kim.

Frances, who followed her sister to Seabrook, describes Kovaleva as extremely knowledgeable, competent, and compassionate, citing her calm demeanor and bedside manner as particularly helpful.

She's also thankful for Kovaleva's assistance with their diet, specifically tailored to their medical conditions, including advice on what foods to eat and how to prepare them.

Having specialists, such as a cardiologist and dentist, regularly visit Seabrook is an added benefit for the Kims. In fact, Seabrook added a full-time podiatrist to the medical team last fall.

"Our care is excellent all the time," says Frances. "We don't have to worry about anything here. I'm very happy we're here!"

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

By Linda Esterson