How Plymouth Harbor Stayed Connected During Hurricane Season

Posted by Kyle Robinson, MA on July 31, 2025


Leveraging Wellzesta to inform, reassure, and engage residents and families during critical moments.

At the recent LeadingAge Southeast conference, Jeff Weatherhead, CEO of Plymouth Harbor in Sarasota, Florida, joined a panel of senior living leaders to discuss a critical topic: “From Risk to Readiness: Enhancing Community Resiliency Through Proactive Planning.” With hurricane season running from June through November, communities across the Southeast must prepare not just with logistics—but with communication tools that keep residents and families informed and reassured.

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Jeff Weatherhead, CEO, Plymouth Harbor at The LeadingAge Southeast conference.

During the session, Jeff shared a story that resonated deeply with attendees.

“We are big proponents of Wellzesta — it was invaluable during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. We quickly were able to stay in touch with residents and families before, during, and after the storms.”

This moment was a powerful reminder of how technology—when integrated into daily operations—can become a lifeline in times of crisis.


A Proactive Approach to Resident Safety

Plymouth Harbor has long embraced a forward-thinking approach to resident engagement and communication. By using Wellzesta, the team was able to:

• Send real-time updates before, during, and after the hurricanes

• Keep residents and families informed—even when external communication lines were disrupted

• Reduce anxiety and confusion through clear, centralized messaging

• Ensure continuity of care and services across their campus


Why communication tools matter in crisis scenarios

For senior living communities, resilience is not just about backup generators or emergency supplies—it is also about information. During weather events or other crises, residents and families need to know:

  • • What’s happening
  • • What to expect
  • • How to stay safe
  • • Who to contact

Wellzesta’s communication tools allow staff to manage this all in one place—sending personalized messages, sharing updates, and receiving feedback instantly.


A model for other communities

Jeff’s leadership offers a clear example of how nonprofit senior living communities can build resilience—not just through infrastructure, but through smart use of technology. Whether you are preparing for hurricanes, snowstorms, or other emergencies, a reliable engagement platform can support faster response, stronger trust, and safer outcomes.


If your community is preparing for hurricane season — or simply wants a better way to keep residents and families connected — we would love to show you what Wellzesta can do. Book a virtual coffee with Kyle to learn more: