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 Fox Run 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 Resident Services Director at Fox Run it’s my job to make sure each resident feels welcomed to every event, every meal, and anything else going on. When a new resident is arriving, I review their social profile and meet with my Jolly Squad and discuss some events and meals for them to attend with the new resident. I always make sure to create a nice “Welcome Home” sign and give them a welcome gift bag when they first arrive. Spending time with them one-on-one allows for building of friendships and lets them know early on my role and that they are not alone. After learning about their interest, I create an event I know they will enjoy. New places and faces can be overwhelming, so my main goal is to make them comfortable with me, the other residents, and staff.
Once you educate a person that believes moving to a senior community is a bad thing, by showing them what it’s really like, most learn it’s more beneficial to be with people who will support you in the things you can do and assist you with your needs. Residents can continue to be as independent as they were at home in the senior living community.
Sources: https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316
https://www.eddyseniorliving.com/latest-news/the-importance-of-senior-friendships-for-healthy-aging/
Fox Run Senior Living in Fairborn, Ohio offers assisted living and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Newly renovated in 2021. Amenities at Fox Run include dining at Grissom’s Restaurant, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Peacefully located just east of Hwy 675 with convenient access to local shopping and attractions.
