How Our Coordinators Plan Activities Residents Truly Enjoy
In our assisted living and memory care communities, residents often have a wide range of interests and abilities, but our activities teams make activities accessible to everyone. For Megan Suddaby, activities and volunteer coordinator (AVC) at Sunrise of Redmond, this means getting to know residents early, sometimes even before they move in.
“I like to work closely with our sales and marketing team to learn about each resident’s interests and hobbies so that when they come to Sunrise and we first meet, I already know a little about them,” Suddaby said.
“It’s important to me that residents not only have opportunities to try new things but also continue doing what they already love. For example, we had a resident arrive just before Christmas who enjoys playing Mahjong. As a result, we added Mahjong to our January calendar, where we will teach other residents and work toward establishing a regular game,” Suddaby explained.
Suddaby finds that games are a great way for residents to start participating. She often organizes team games like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, and makes sure each resident who shows up gets to choose a letter or a category.
“Even if they don’t know the answer, they’re actively participating in a group activity and benefit from the support and encouragement of their team,” Suddaby said.
Why Seniors Benefit from Trying New Things
At Sunrise of Crystal Lake, AVC Jamie Murphy believes residents should use this time in their lives to embrace new activities. She notes that for many residents, finding new ways to do things and cultivating new interests and hobbies leads to more fun and laughter.
“Finding new things to try makes their lives more interesting and helps them look forward to something fun and new,” Murphy said.
Murphy has seen a lot of enjoyment and success in her art classes. “I’ve managed to turn many of our residents into artists through the years. Before you know it, they’re creating amazing things. They hang their work in their rooms and show their friends, and I always put their paintings in the dining room on display at their tables to show them to everyone to spark interest.”
Shana-Kay Smith, AVC at Sunrise of Wall, has a similar point of view. “I believe it’s so important for my residents to try new things, because why not? Age does not define how they should live or what they can or cannot do.”
“I try to make my activities as fun as possible. I make it exciting as if I’m trying it for the first time myself,” Smith continued. “This encourages social engagement [and] social connections, and it also makes it possible for them to try new things that challenge them physically, emotionally, and socially. These things give them a sense of purpose. It makes them feel alive, and that’s why I think it is so important for them to try new things.”
How We Encourage Resident Participation
For many older adults, trying a new activity can feel challenging. Murphy notes that most residents are either afraid to try something new, say they’ve already tried an activity, or simply say they can’t do it anymore. To remedy these objections, Murphy finds new ways to do things, especially through art.
“For someone who says, ‘I’m not an artist,’ I tell them to just come and watch. Most have never done anything like this before, but they’re willing to take a chance with some guidance and by seeing what their neighbors are doing.”
Murphy has also gotten seniors to participate in activities by honoring what they’re capable of now.
“A resident with Parkinson’s said, ‘I can’t because my hands shake too much.’ [He] ended up doing an abstract design where that didn’t matter,” Murphy said. “Our ladies who used to do needlepoint and quilting, but are no longer doing that detailed work, have come to painting classes and are loving it so much! I tell them there are really no rules in art, no judgment. Sometimes the more imperfect they think their work is, the better [it] looks! We get a lot of laughs, and a lot of surprises too!”
How Meaningful Senior Living Activities Enrich Seniors’ Lives
For seniors, participating in the activities at Sunrise offers social opportunities, creative expression, and pride in what they accomplish.
“My favorite part of my job is seeing the joy we bring to the residents and witnessing how meaningful engagement in activities positively impacts their lives. As a creative person, I am always thinking of new, unique, and often silly activities that encourage laughter, connection, and a shared sense of accomplishment,” Suddaby shared.
Murphy, who has worked at Sunrise of Crystal Lake for nearly 25 years, expressed that working as an AVC has been the most rewarding position she’s held in the community.
“I saw residents who needed more than food, medicine, and their daily mail and newspaper to live life to their fullest. I was bound and determined to get this job and make things start to happen, and I am still doing that each and every day I’m here! [The best part of my job is] seeing residents come alive again and knowing that I have really made a difference,” Murphy stated.
In each of our Sunrise communities, you’ll find a team of dedicated individuals who strive to make residents feel at home and involved in community life. To learn more about the vibrant activities and programming we offer, find a Sunrise Senior Living community near you. Our team members are happy to answer any questions you have about how we can accommodate you or a loved one.