Assisted Living: A Letter to Residents

There is something to be said for naming a service and housing model that is so direct and to the point. Despite the clarity, it poses a small challenge for telling the story to an external audience, one that has never stepped foot into an Assisted Living Community.

If you have spent time in the space, you quickly learn that the “assistance” side of the business is a small fraction of the day. Assistance is a convenience; an extra set of hands, a tall reach, a friend to help with chores that are not as easy as they once were, a staff to help you conserve energy for what matters most. Counselors to help navigate the journey. Care partners that start to feel like family. A chef that spins up creative dishes handmade with love and packed with nutrition. A ride here or there when you don’t want to go alone or feel the need to rush alongside traffic. A concierge in the foyer armed with information and local knowledge. The maintenance department that shows up should you have an a need. All I hear is “You’ve Got a Friend in Me!”

Let’s not forget my favorite part. A team of creative minds and energetic spirits that spend their days carefully curating special experiences to unite a group of individuals from all backgrounds, magically creating a sense of community. You encounter a new group of friends that despite such a short-term history, look out for you and have your back. Every day there is a chance to be as social as you want or hang out solo in your own space. You pass by nooks and crannies, rooms and offerings that hold unknown conversations, hobbies (old and new) and the affirmation that the world is truly a small place. A friend that saves you a seat at a table and orders your favorite drink, awaiting your arrival.

Not once have I been in a community where I did not see you hugging and greeting one another to start the day. In 15 years, love and support is way more prevalent than assistance. Not because assistance is not occurring, but the bigger story is the opportunity others have a hard time understanding before being able to observe and experience the day-to-day.

Is it perfect? No. Is it the same as home? No, but it morphs into the next best thing. Do you miss things from the place you left? Absolutely? Still, through the loss and transition, beauty unfolds. Not always as expected, but in ways never imagined. It’s fascinating how people in the same stage of life intimately understand one another’s days and concerns. Sometimes more than the team and staff “assisting”. Throughout the days, the exchange is reciprocal. While assistance is given, wisdom, advice, love, learnings and life experiences are transferred. Your impact on the staff is undeniable.

It’s been said people either spend six months or a lifetime in senior living. First experiences working with an older generation shape the mind and change one’s perspective on life. I like to think these are the people we call “old souls” despite chronological age. You, dear residents reframe our goals, inspiring us to live life to the fullest, to cherish family and moments you cannot get back. To breathe and take in the minutes; wizards at knowing what matters most in life.

This week is one for recognition; for teams, residents and families, yet this is also me saying "Thank You." Thank you for trusting us with perhaps the most unexpected, influential years of your life. Thank you for saying "yes" and believing in your family. Thank you for making our morning every time we walk into the “office.” Thank you for giving us something so much more than a job, rather a mission, a career, a lifetime of standing up for the greatest people we know.

You are the reason we celebrate! The reason we leave knowing we made a difference in the world. Without you, I do not know what else I would do in life that would bring so much joy, commitment, satisfaction, pride and motivation. Never once have I feared the growth the accompanies aging. You inspire me every single day. I am not sure how I got so lucky, but I am certain it is because of you!?

Here's to more great weeks of LIVING, assisted!