“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou
Every day is an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life when you’re working in senior living. The power that we as leaders in this field possess should never be underestimated. We can serve, protect and love elderly people daily. We also have the power to create a lasting impact not only for the seniors, but for their families as well.
Shifting the Focus in Senior Living
When I embarked on my journey in senior living almost 10 years ago, the magnitude of the responsibility weighed heavily on me. I knew that each resident in the community should feel safe, loved, protected and ultimately fulfilled. But how do you accomplish those things? Is it attainable?
The answer is very simple: Yes.
Because, you see, if you focus on the people and not the job, you will be successful in every way.
“If you miss the person, you miss the point.”
Unknown
In order to be successful at a job or task, you first must understand the reason behind it. In senior living, our task is taking care of people. Many operators, Executive Directors and direct-care staff have fallen short and lost sight of what senior living should be.
Atlas’ Resident First Culture
Atlas Senior Living and its communities understand that our residents may not always remember every activity or event. They may not remember every meal that they enjoyed. But they will certainly remember how we made them feel. Sometimes this means taking an extra 20 minutes out of an already hectic day to help a resident with their Christmas tree, asking them how their day has been and then listening with a patient ear, or simply fixing their TV because the wrong input was selected.
In the whirlwind of the work day, these things may seem insignificant, but when you focus on the person behind the task, it becomes the most important task of the day.
“Go and love someone exactly as they are. And then watch how quickly they transform into the greatest, truest version of themselves. When one feels seen and appreciated in their own essence, one is instantly empowered.”
Wes Angelozzi
Atlas Senior Living’s communities are committed to changing the culture in senior living. This culture change is evident in all the Atlas Senior Living communities. It’s where our residents are our sole focus, including their happiness, their safety and most of all, letting them feel empowered by the love and respect given to them.
Abbey Reach
Executive Director of Sunrise Ridge
Would you like more information about Atlas? Schedule a tour or speak with an Atlas associate today.
