Happy Assisted Living Week! This year's theme by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living is Inspiring Generations.
To celebrate, we asked our teammates and residents who inspires them, how they inspire others, and what brings them joy. See their responses below!
How have the seniors you serve inspired you?
When I was a little girl, I used to go across the street to an in-home care place. I would sit and listen to the stories they used to tell. It was my favorite place to go. It felt like home. So now that I work here at Avamere, the first day over two years ago I felt like I was back at that place I call home.
All those years ago, these people bring joy back into my heart seeing them every day. I'm here getting to know them some more than others, but all are a blessing. The stories I hear while having the pleasure in cleaning their apartments is fascinating. Life definitely would not be the same anywhere you go if it wasn't for the older generation. They paved the path in this world. We just have to listen to the stories a little more and we will find our way of life. Each one is truly unique. This is one of the best places I have ever got to work at.
Lorraine Warren, Avamere at Oak Park
Shortly after I started working in community-based care, my grandmother was diagnosed with dementia. She proceeded to live for eight years at The Pearl at Kruse Way. I worked there, growing my career throughout the remainder of her life before transferring to The Stafford. She and many others inspired me to be an advocate for residents who may not have anyone to advocate for them. Our seniors inspire me daily to advocate and provide the high-quality care that they deserve.
Rachel Erickson, The Stafford
I learned about assisted living and memory care in 2008. I immediately fell in love with this industry of serving seniors. I love hearing about their lives and experiences. They have been through so much and seen so much change in their lifetime.
When I found out about senior living, I loved the idea of having a place where residents can still have independence and can focus on living life and having fun. It’s nice for them having an environment where they don't to worry about some of the other less than fun tasks like cooking and cleaning, and they have peace of mind knowing there is someone around who can assist them when needs arise.
There is no greater reward than knowing you make a positive difference in someone's life and working in senior living. I feel that every day!
Mia Mullins, Regional Director of Operations, Areté Living
My favorite part of my job is hearing all of the life stories about their travels and past achievements.
Joseph Duran, Avamere at St. Helens
The seniors I serve inspire me every day with their resilience, wisdom, and unique life stories. They have lived through so many different eras and experiences, and their perspectives are invaluable. Whether it’s a piece of advice they share or a story about overcoming hardship, I am continually reminded of the strength and grace that come with age. Their passion for life, even when faced with challenges, motivates me to approach my own life with the same spirit of perseverance and gratitude.
Garret, Business Office Manager, Avamere at Sandy
How do you inspire your residents or fellow teammates?
I inspire my residents and fellow teammates by having patience, kindness, respect, and integrity towards everyone.
Stephanie, Caregiver, Avamere at Sandy
I work hard to inspire residents and teammates by having a positive attitude and wearing a smile on my face each day. I enjoy teaching, which in turn creates a knowledgeable and cohesive team. I love helping teammates to understand the "why" behind what we do and promoting a sense of purpose.
Rachel Erickson, The Stafford
By showing I care and that they are more than just a task on my "to-do list.” We are in their home even if to us it is work.
Joseph Duran, Avamere at St. Helens
Each day I'm here, I make it a goal to make each one of the residents smile even if it is just doing a silly face to a hug, it makes their and my day brighter.
I believe if you give people you work with a smile and see how they are doing not just as a co-worker but as a person and letting them know they are doing good here and just listen when they just need someone to talk to really does make a difference in how they think and work.
Lorraine Warren, Avamere at Oak Park
What brings you joy working in assisted living?
What brings me joy in working in assisted living is the satisfaction of doing something the residents love. Every Thursday we have a huge group come and play bingo and they all clap and cheer for each other when someone gets a bingo, or doing crafts with them and them having the mindset going into it, like " I can't do this" or " I don't know how to do this" and them walking out with something that they didn't think they can do. I have taken their advice and some of their habits home with me, and I can confidently say that working here at Ovation on the assisted living side has truly changed my life.
Destiny Schwartz, Ovation Sienna Hills
There are many aspects of working in assisted living that bring me joy. Overall, the greatest joy comes from seeing happy residents and loved ones. It is fulfilling when a resident moves to the community from a lower level of care and subsequently thrives with the enhanced care, community, and support. I love interacting with residents and their family members, working together as a team to bring the best quality of life possible.
Rachel Erickson, The Stafford
Watching people in the community thrive with their ADLs and independence, making new friends, strengthening old bonds, and coming together as a community to advocate for themselves and other residents.
Joseph Duran, Avamere at St. Helens
Everything. I have really good colleagues I get to work with and an amazing boss here. I'm thankful she took a chance on me.
Lorraine Warren, Avamere at Oak Park
I find joy in the little moments, a resident's face lighting up when children walk through the door, when they win the game of the day, and when they grab my hand for an impromptu dance session. I find joy in watching team members learning new things and their excitement when the pieces finally make sense. I find joy in watching their friendships build, knowing that they'll make an unstoppable team some day and their residents will thrive because of it.
It's important to stop and take in the little moments around us every day that make what we do meaningful for both ourselves and the residents we serve.
Tara Blount, Executive Director, Areté Living
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