Stepping up, taking the lead
Communities allow residents to help with activities
Many senior living communities are empowering their senior adults to get involved with daily operations in order to promote personal growth and social interaction. From starting clubs and groups, to volunteering at the front desk, to designing community newsletters, residents are relishing the opportunity to pitch in and help out.
“(The areas in which our residents work are) the front desk, library, monthly newsletter design, event photography, the Holly Hall Shoppe, the annual Holly Hall Bazaar, the annual Houston Garden Club Bulb Mart, and wood working (projects) for the community and for churches,” said Janet Rimmer, director of marketing at Holly Hall.
Not only do residents undertake various administrative and volunteer roles, they initiate their own groups, clubs and activities. Rimmer said this has a very positive impact on the entire community.
“Residents head up card games and other types of mixed group games as well. With resident participation in clubs and other activities, they demonstrate getting older is only a number. Then other residents see and recognize the fun and the engagement that it brings to all who are involved,” Rimmer said.
Aimee Dubuisson, activities director at Treemont, a continuing care retirement community campus in west Houston, said her residents “work” in many areas of the community and enjoy doing so.
“We have a resident, Lois McCall, who works at the front reception desk. McCall also writes articles for the Tattler, Treemont’s newsletter, as well as public relations articles for the Houston Chronicle,” Dubuisson said.
“I am surrounded here at Treemont by people dedicated to the comfort and satisfaction of all the residents,” McCall said. “Volunteering is a privilege — and infinitely rewarding.”
Treemont residents also are actively involved in activities such as musical performances, arts and crafts; and gardening.
“Another assists me showing movies when I’m unable — he’s always happy to help. There’s also a group that staff the gift shop — that’s a blessing. There are those who call Bingo and lead bible study and play piano before and during worship,” Dubuisson said.
Dubuisson said her community had a resident initiate and run a Life Transitions group. The Life Transitions group meets with new residents to help them cope with, and adjust, to the new and exciting — but sometimes frightening — transition to community living.
“This resident had counseling background, and our new residents needed help transitioning to community life. It worked beautifully, and everyone got what they needed,” Dubuisson said.
“We also have the Residents’ Council. This is a group of residents who meet routinely to discuss concerns, recommendations or suggestions, positive or otherwise, from the residents to administration. The council gives the residents a voice and a vehicle to make a difference.”