1. Your Program is More Than a Calendar
The calendar is only 25% of engagement in your community. The remaining 75% is just as critical; resident discovery, fostering new and ongoing relationships between staff to residents and staff to staff, communication tactics, and partnerships with the greater community.
2. What if Residents Had a More Active Role in the Planning Process?
The approach to creating a calendar can look different! Resident designed. Weekly approach versus monthly approach.
3. Community Engagement = Collaboration
Interdepartmental collaboration between programming/activities, dining/culinary, sales, and marketing to ensure experiences are designed to be elevated and engaging and marketing and sales know-how to how to share via media and with prospective residents and families.
4. Turn Your Gaze Inward
Your greatest asset lives and works in your community….the residents and staff! Both are filled with passions and skills that can enhance community engagement. We cannot plan a life “for” someone, instead, it has to be “with.”
5. Stop Buying “Stuff”
Budget-friendly program opportunities….movement, breathing, going outdoors, gratitude, and building connections and what about being green and environmentally friendly.
6. Learning About the Growth Factor
Activities versus Programs….know the difference.
7. Boardroom Confidence
Take a seat at the table….how to make a business case for your needs.
8. Engagement Begins with Discovery
Resident discovery….what do you want to learn? Where does this information “live”? Who can access this information? How often do you update it?
9. Don’t Take it Personal – Level Up
Leaving the past in the past! How to move forward thoughtfully and professionally.
10. Self-Advocacy & Professional Development
Find a mentor! LinkedIn, fellow senior living colleagues, etc. Find someone who teaches you to have the confidence and demeanor to advocate for yourself with facts and data, not losing your composure and becoming emotional.
I posted an article on LinkedIn sharing perspectives on how engagement professionals can maintain the traction gained of respect and enhanced quality during the pandemic. Check it out for a free download of/ a Tips for Elevating Engagement Professionals handout as well as a full recording of a recent conversation with Sara Kyle and Kelly Stranburg with LE3Solutions and myself! You're sure to find encouragement, best practices, and next steps as you continue the good work in your community. AGE-u-cate and LE3Solutions are here to support you!
Did you know that AGE-u-cate offers a Quality of Life Program Suite? Download the flyer for scans to see what our education and engagement programs are all about! Already use an AGE-u-cate program? Leave a comment!
Check out our webinar:
Find out more about AGE-u-cate's other programs
Watch our latest webinar
Join us on social
