Cultivating Community Culture

As Resident Services Director at The Kentridge Senior Living, I am the energy and engagement designer of the community. My job description specifically states I am to be a “Culture Creator.” Each day, I work to set the perfect tone for our community events and resident engagements. Providing socialization opportunities in senior living is more than just playing the beloved game of bingo. Beyond the events, essential amenities, and daily care lies the heartbeat of every community – a culture that fosters connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

Each monthly calendar features events tailored to the residents’ interests, focusing on key programming elements: physical, cognitive, spiritual, sensory, and social. We always celebrate major holidays in a big way, incorporating traditions from various cultures based on our residents’ backgrounds. Unique to The Kentridge and Arrow Senior Living, each month, we also celebrate several Arrow Traditions. These include focusing on Black History Month, Mom and Pop Small Business Day, Be Kind to Humankind Week, and so many more!

Creating Joy and Continuity Through Resident-Centered Activities

I’m passionate about contributing to our community’s culture by ensuring that our events truly resonate with our residents. There’s no point in hosting an event if it doesn’t bring joy to our residents. That’s why I prioritize having genuine conversations and actively listening to understand what our residents love to do. By learning about their interests and past experiences, I can tailor our activities to create meaningful and enjoyable experiences for everyone at The Kentridge. Fostering a healthy and diverse culture is paramount to me because while each resident is unique. We can always find common ground to come together and have fun!

Culture holds immense significance in the world of senior living. Moving into a senior living community represents a significant change in our residents’ everyday lives. By organizing events that align with the interests and activities that they enjoyed before joining our community. We provide them with a sense of continuity and normalcy during this transition period. This helps our residents feel more at home and fosters a strong sense of belonging within our community.

Every senior living community has its own culture built around the engagement and interactions of the residents. I am proud to set the stage for socialization and events for my residents as we continue building and expanding our culture at The Kentridge Senior Living.