Doing humanitarian work in Peru, 2011
Dr. Jacqueline Dupont
Gerontologist, CEO and Founder
Dr. Jacqueline Dupont is a Gerontologist. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of San Diego with a B.S. in Behavior Sciences and a minor in Religous Studies. She did her graduate work at USC in Gerontology and at the Geritatric Education Center at the Keck School of Medicine.
She did her post-doctorial studies at Ashborne in Oxford, England.
In addition to her gerontological education, she was a researcher at USC and an Assistant Professor, Biology of Aging. Prior to founding the Cottages, Dr. Dupont was a Director of Manor Care Health Care, special care units and also was the Alzheimer’s Director for Country Villa Health Services.
Dr. Dupont has served on several charities’ Boards of Directors (see below), as well as research entities. She is well-known for her passion for older adults and their families. In her fight to protect older adults from abuse she was featured on CNN, Dateline and the Orange County Register.
Dr. Dupont is constantly researching the latest information in regards to new approaches and the most up-to-date care and concern for older adults with memory loss or other cognitive impairments.
Dr. Dupont has received accolades and awards for her hours of dedication to resident families, eldercare organizations and to the larger community she lives and works in. Some of them are:
- 2004 Captain’s Ball Honoree
- 2005 Mother of the Year — St. Anne School
- 2007 Alzheimer’s Association Visionary Woman Honoree
- 2010 Mike and Terry McGraw Philanthropic Award
- 2010 UCI MIND Philanthropy Award
- 2011 The Bishop Todd Brown Exemplary Business Integrity and Ethics Award
She also sits on the Boards of Directors of the following organizations:
- Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County (over 10 years)
- Meals on Wheels
- WomanSage
- The National Parkinson’s Foundation
- The Elder Abuse Prevention Council
- UCI MIND Institute Advisory Board
- Orange County Catholic Foundation
- JSerra Catholic High School
- St. Anne School
Dr. Dupont is a past Board of Directors member of:
- Salvation Army
- Age Well Senior Services (13 years)
And now a few words from Jacqueline Dupont . . .
At Irvine Cottages it is my goal that every family member and resident feel content with our warm and loving care. I also feel that by hiring the very best staff and keeping our turnover low we accomplish everything. Happy caregivers and happy management equals excellent care.
I also like to point out to all families who tour or visit that we not only care with compassion but we care with intelligence. I have coined the term to my staff “care smartly.” Observe and constantly communicate with everyone!
Our staff turnover is the very lowest the in county and we are so proud of that. Our staff loves to work at Irvine Cottages. Bonuses, incentives, benefits and respect are all given to our staff.
I also have found that researching the best care in assisted living has made all the difference over the years. For example, I have implemented a dip stick urine test every week to prevent infections and have added bidet toilets, full camera monitoring and more natural light just name a few changes over the years.
We started grouping our residents by their level of cognition or memory loss many years ago when we found that seniors like to be around those who are at the same level of care. The Fit is very important!
We were also the first small facility to have activities such as music therapy, art programs and many others. Outings, parties and activities keep our residents happy and active!
Please feel free to call me or Aileen Sherman, our Family Services Director, at any time with any concerns or questions. I wish you and your familiy the very best!
