Dispelling Senior Living Myths

Arrow Senior Living is known for doing things a little differently and challenging the status quo within the industry. It’s just who we are! Even with all the technological conveniences of today such as social media and websites, it is still common to meet individuals with a skewed perception of what senior living looks like. In this blog, I want to share my senior living journey, why I remain committed to the industry, the biggest myth I believe exists, and how to help others overcome the myths surrounding our beautiful Wellington Senior Living community and services.

Passionate Leadership: A Journey to Executive Director

I didn’t land the role of Executive Director at just any community; I specifically joined an Arrow Senior Living Community. With over a decade of experience in healthcare and two master’s degrees—one in public health and the other in healthcare administration—I watched Arrow Senior Living’s growth through social media, already knowing several individuals within the company. While pursuing my healthcare administration degree, I also served as a secondary caregiver for my father, who had Parkinson’s disease. This experience, though challenging, taught me invaluable lessons about caregiving for older adults, contrasting with my background in pediatrics. After his passing, I felt a void, missing the opportunity to provide care, empathy, and support to older individuals navigating their changing needs.

In 2022, on a random evening, I stumbled upon a job posting on a friend’s Facebook page for an Executive Director opening at Arrow Senior Living. Without hesitation, I applied, seeing it as the perfect opportunity to apply my education and continue pursuing my passion for helping others.

Two significant factors drive me to the community daily: my staff members and my residents. Every morning, as I enter the community, I’m greeted by the smiles and waves of residents enjoying their breakfast in the dining room. Since starting over a year ago, they’ve welcomed me with open arms. This has allowed me not just to be their Executive Director but also their friend.

My staff members exemplify passion and dedication daily. Many see their work not just as a job but as a chosen career, driven by their love for the residents they serve.

Revitalizing Senior Living: Personalized Programs and Vibrant Communities

One of the greatest myths about senior living is the misconception that these communities are dull, institution-like facilities. This idea suggests that older individuals merely exist in their final days. Senior living communities are vibrant, offering personalized programming tailored to residents’ interests. They’re places not just to coexist but to thrive, building meaningful relationships and friendships.

To dispel this myth, I actively engage with prospective and current residents and their families within the community. Beyond just hearing about our offerings, I provide firsthand examples of our personalized programming.

I also engage with residents during various activities like monthly outings, aqua aerobics classes, or special crafting events. Our Resident Services team works diligently to understand residents’ interests. They develop creative programming both inside and outside the community, ensuring our community remains active and vibrant.

I hope you found this helpful, and I encourage you to share it with others because here at Arrow, we are committed to reshaping the perception of senior living! Search #whatseniorlivinglookslike, and you will find so many great things that happen in our community every single day.