How One Company is Redefining Senior Living
Esmerelda Lee, Chief Operating Officer/EVP at Century Park Associates
In a world where aging is often met with fear and uncertainty, some companies are challenging the narrative by creating spaces where seniors can truly thrive. In a recent episode of The Breakfast Podcast, host David Mansilla delves into a conversation with an inspiring leader in the senior living industry. This leader has transformed her company into a community-focused organization that prioritizes engagement, fulfillment, and joy for the elderly. Her approach to senior care is nothing short of revolutionary, proving that age can indeed be a time of continued growth, connection, and purpose.
Building a Culture of Belonging
The company’s philosophy stands out in the senior living industry. It’s not just a facility where people go to live out their days, but a vibrant community where residents are encouraged to remain engaged with life. The guest emphasizes the importance of hiring the right people—those who see working with seniors not just as a job, but as a calling. This dedicated team becomes family for residents, making the environment feel less like an institution and more like a nurturing community.
Central to this culture is the interaction between residents and staff, which fosters a sense of belonging. Every associate is trained to treat residents as individuals with unique stories, talents, and aspirations. This approach makes the residents feel valued and respected, significantly enhancing their quality of life. The result? Residents don’t merely live; they thrive in an environment that feels like home.
Moreover, the company's focus on creating this family-like atmosphere fosters meaningful, intergenerational connections. This support structure not only brings residents comfort but also encourages them to maintain and even rekindle social relationships, which is key to a fulfilling life at any age.
Innovative Programs That Bring Life to Every Day
The company offers an exceptional range of lifestyle programming designed to keep residents active and engaged. Known as “lifestyle programming,” this initiative includes everything from intellectual enrichment classes to community service opportunities, creating a dynamic atmosphere. Residents can take up hobbies, join classes at nearby universities, or learn new skills, providing a fresh sense of purpose.
In addition to intellectual stimulation, the company’s programs promote physical and emotional well-being. With wellness programs like mindfulness sessions and exercise classes, residents find a renewed zest for life. These programs provide an outlet for residents to express themselves, fostering personal growth even in later years.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of these programs is the opportunity for residents to give back. Volunteerism has been integrated into the daily lives of residents, allowing them to find purpose through service. This approach not only benefits the community but also gives residents a renewed sense of accomplishment.
Revolutionizing Senior Care with Compassionate Leadership
The heart of this approach is the leadership’s dedication to a compassionate, people-first philosophy. With years of experience in the senior living sector, the guest’s perspective is grounded in the belief that genuine care comes from leaders who are willing to serve alongside their teams. During challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, this leadership style became even more pronounced, as the guest and her team worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of every resident and staff member.
This leadership approach cultivates a strong sense of trust between management and employees, which translates to better care for residents. By being transparent and leading with empathy, the guest has fostered a culture where employees feel supported and valued. This commitment to compassionate leadership is evident in the high standards set for care, which has allowed the company to grow successfully across 19 states.
Empowering associates to lead with kindness and empathy not only ensures excellent care but also sets a positive example for other organizations within the industry.
The Power of Giving Back: Seniors as Active Contributors
A standout aspect of this company’s model is its emphasis on empowering seniors to give back to the community. Often, aging is accompanied by a decline in self-worth, especially in a society that places high value on productivity. But in this organization, seniors are not passive recipients of care—they are active participants. Through partnerships with local charities and initiatives, residents are given opportunities to use their skills and passions to make a difference.
For instance, residents can teach local children piano, language skills, or other talents they’ve honed over their lives. This mutual exchange benefits the young learners and allows residents to feel purposeful and valued. By facilitating these interactions, the company creates a model of senior living where age is not a barrier to impact and engagement.
This focus on community involvement not only improves residents’ mental health but also strengthens their connections to the world around them. For many, this opportunity to give back has become the highlight of their day.
Spiritual and Emotional Resilience in Senior Living
Spirituality and emotional resilience are core components of the company’s philosophy. Recognizing that many seniors turn to spirituality during challenging times, the organization provides spaces and programs where residents can explore their beliefs and find comfort. This has become especially important as the pandemic brought feelings of isolation and loss to the forefront.
The organization understands that residents are often dealing with significant changes, such as the loss of loved ones or declining health. By encouraging mindfulness, meditation, and spiritual practices, the company provides residents with the tools they need to stay grounded. This spiritual support fosters resilience and helps residents cope with life’s transitions.
In addition to formal programs, the guest herself sets an example by openly sharing her own journey of faith and resilience. This vulnerability resonates with residents and staff alike, reinforcing the company’s commitment to emotional and spiritual well-being as integral to the senior care experience.
Conclusion
This podcast episode sheds light on a truly remarkable approach to senior care—one that respects, empowers, and celebrates seniors as active, valuable members of the community. Under the guidance of a visionary leader, this company has created an environment where seniors do not merely live; they flourish, maintaining their autonomy, dignity, and joy. As more organizations adopt this model, we may begin to see a new standard in senior living that honors the full potential of life, regardless of age.
Written by Dhan Ababa
“Inspiration versus obligation—Inspiration will always win, because then people will actually be self-directed, and they will actually be able to make the right decisions when the boss is not watching.”
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