The Kentridge Senior Living Elaborates on Their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

As a company, Arrow Senior Living has made learning about and celebrating our unique differences a part of our company culture. So much so that, in recent years, it has become an extension of our core values. And now, going on our second year, Arrow has expanded beyond yearly diversity, equity, and inclusion workshops to create Arrow’s D&I Speaker Series, which pairs special guest speakers with residents from our communities to have conversations on a wide range of topics such as mental health, PRIDE, Juneteenth, and so much more. We believe that sparking conversations on what some may believe to be sensitive topics helps to shed light on misconceptions and ultimately brings about understanding as it relates to the experiences of others. This ensures our employees and residents have the tools to build a safe place to live and work, one where a diverse group can come together and feel equally seen, heard, and included. 

At The Kentridge Senior Living, DEI goes beyond training and mentoring. It is a way of life. One of my favorite conversations thus far this past year was a Mental Health Awareness Conversation on Self-Care with Sandy McGatha & Richard Wikoff. 

It helped teach me that self-care is for any age. As individuals age, they may encounter various challenges, including loss of loved ones, declining physical health, and changes in their social circle. Engaging in self-care practices provides older adults with essential coping mechanisms to navigate these changes and reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness. It allows them to prioritize their emotional needs, leading to reduced stress and anxiety levels. Regular self-care routines, such as mindfulness exercises, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones, can foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment, enhancing their sense of self-worth, and boosting their mood. Self-care empowers seniors to take control of their mental health, promoting a positive outlook on life, and a higher quality of life during their older years. By nurturing their mental well-being through self-care, aging adults can truly enjoy this stage of life with greater resilience and contentment.

By promoting diversity and inclusion, we break down barriers, eliminate discrimination, and promote social cohesion, leading to a stronger, more united society that thrives on the strength of its differences. Embracing diversity and inclusion not only makes us more understanding and empathetic but also propels us towards greater progress and collective success, ultimately creating a world where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered.

These conversations have only just begun, and I look forward to the conversations to come and all the new growth and opportunity that lies ahead as we work toward creating the greatest and safest place to work that we can!