Are you really giving appropriate consideration to your residents’ quality of life or just providing them the services they are paying for?
Are your residents actively living or merely existing? Here are some important issues that can have an effect on overall quality of life for the residents at your community.
Meals/Nutrition – No doubt you serve nutritious food, but do you serve delicious food? Do residents look forward to going to the dining room; the food, the atmosphere and the company? Are meals presented in an aesthetically appealing manner?
Activities – Are your residents merely participating or are they enjoying the activities? Are you challenging your residents and helping them learn new skills? Are they offered physical activity that can be modified based on physical ability? Do these activities help them build strength and balance as well as feel energized and productive?
Dignity – Do your residents get to express who THEY are, not who society thinks they are? Society sometimes tends to put all “seniors” in a similar box; aged, dependent, limited usefulness. But we need to remember they were once somebody – CEO’s, business owners and leaders in their community. They made a difference in someone’s life, they have raised families and they have volunteered hundreds of hours helping others. They spent years building and living lives we often forget to acknowledge. Do they get to continue to feel that sense of importance and usefulness in their current situation?
Encouraging Family/Outside Interaction – Do you make sure to notify and include family in activities and parties? Do these events appeal to the families as well as the resident? Sometimes, the residents enjoy things just because of the interaction with others regardless of the activity itself. Get outsiders and people of all ages (school aged children, church youth groups, family members, scout troops) involved with your residents.
Can your residents’ families talk about how well their family member has done since living in your community – testimonials can be one of your strongest marketing tools. What do prospective residents and their families see when they tour your facility? Will they observe a group of smiling, engaged residents who are truly enjoying themselves and their life in your community?
Remember, your business is just like that local restaurant or the movie at the theater: First impressions and word of mouth can contribute significantly to your struggles or to your success!