February 24, 2023
No matter our age, building relationships with others is fundamental in enriching our lives. Research has shown that people who enjoy healthy relationships, live longer and happier lives. Maintaining relationships as we age has numerous health benefits such as increasing our physical and mental health, increasing mental acuity, promoting laughter and more!
At Carriage Court Senior Living, I, as the Resident Services Director, play a pivotal role in helping to create opportunities for our residents to build relationships with their peers as well as helping to maintain these relationships through daily events. Oftentimes, aging adults are afraid of senior living settings. They see it as an end to their independence. Most fear being isolated from family and friends. One of the stigmas associated with senior living is, “I’m too young and active to be in senior living.” Therefore, many avoid it as an option all together. Unfortunately, this means they also lose out on the abundant opportunities to create new friendships and memories that this setting provides.
In our community, we have a group of residents who are professionals at welcoming new residents and helping them to feel at home as they settle in. We also ensure that new residents are invited to join all events, based on their preferences. Once our residents take advantage of these events, they often find themselves meeting new people or even connecting with old friends or neighbors. Through our daily events and programs, we often see close friendships form that continue. Residents begin having meals together or even take trips out of the community for shopping and family get-togethers.
It is my goal to help build and foster these relationships and break the stigmas associated with senior living communities. As a Resident Services Director, one important role is to welcome all residents and help them feel at home. We have daily activities that help build relationships and bring residents together. They depend on the activities for their socialization and enjoyment. I try to get all the residents involved, so they don’t stay in their apartments.
I think senior living is more than a place just for older adults. Our residents enjoy the activities, and it doesn’t matter the age. They all live in one community, and everyone socializes together.
Sources: https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316
Carriage Court Senior Living in Hilliard, Ohio offers assisted living and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Located in a quiet neighborhood just off Main Street and Scioto Darby Road with convenient access to major shopping centers, Heritage Golf Club, and Highway 70 and Highway 270.
