CULTURAL EXCHANGE While the benefits to pet ownership are
many, they are perhaps even more beneficial among seniors, including improved mood, increased activity, and comfort. Having a dog in the community encourages residents to interact and socialize with the community pet—and, as a result, other residents. Pathway has seen a few unexpected ben-
efits. For example, a new resident chose to move in because she had a similar breed of dog at some point in her life. Another resident, who didn’t often participate in community programs and only came out for meals, volunteered to care for the house dog, walking her several times each day and engaging with others in the community, Oliva says. “See Spot Retire has helped to combat/
prevent isolation and loneliness and has provided natural opportunities for social- ization,” affirms Vicki Striegel, executive director of Victory Centre of Bartlett, a Pathway community. “Some residents who may not participate in other community life programs or who are very shy will come visit or play with Daisy. It’s a natural bridge to socialize with other residents, develop friendships, and then become more involved in the community.” Communities considering a pet should
look at cost and care logistics. “Because See Spot Retire is geared toward older dogs and dogs that have disabilities, they tend to have higher costs,” says Oliva. Vet bills, specialized diets, medications, and possibly a trainer or behaviorist, need to be budgeted as part of care. Keeping staff and residents engaged in caring can be chal- lenging. “Feeding, walking, grooming, and picking up after the dog is a lot of work. We often find that one or two residents, and employees, step up to the plate and make it their purpose to help care for the dog,” says Oliva. Developing a schedule for care has been helpful, according to Striegel, who also notes the importance of talking about treats. “Residents love to give Daisy treats—a lot
See Spot Retire dog Toby enjoys outside time with Pathway residents.
of treats—so we have to educate them on healthy treat options and frequency.”
Community Outreach Programs: Promoting a Culture of Service and Purpose Engaging both residents and staff members to make a difference in the greater communi- ty has become a growing trend in senior liv- ing, especially as seniors with long histories of social activism and volunteerism move into senior living communities. Finding opportu- nities for residents, and for staff, to improve communities both at home and abroad, is a noble goal and one that translates into resi- dent satisfaction and associate loyalty. Holiday Retirement developed Seniors
Serving Seniors & Society, an international award-winning volunteer program devel-
“We believe that individuals who volunteer experience increased satisfaction, pride, and a feeling of personal accomplishment,” says Jamison Gosselin, senior vice president of marketing and communications for Holiday.
10 SENIOR LIVING EXECUTIVE / ISSUE 1 2017
oped with the goal to provide residents with “opportunities to enrich the lives of others and enhance the purpose and passion in their own lives.” “We believe that individuals who volun-
teer experience increased satisfaction, pride, and a feeling of personal accomplishment,” says Jamison Gosselin, senior vice president of marketing and communications for Holi- day. “The Seniors Serving Seniors & Soci- ety program identifies one nonprofit orga- nization each month and Holiday’s home office provides tools, resources, and support for the communities who choose to partici- pate,” Gosselin explains. Companywide initiatives are chosen based
on resident feedback gathered through sur- veys. For example, 2017 initiatives will in- clude volunteer opportunities focused on mentoring, heart health, Meals on Wheels, hunger aid, active aging, Toys for Tots, and several more. “We also encourage communi- ties to support local charities that are near and dear to their hearts,” says Gosselin. One such effort was a water drive held
by Holiday’s Wescourt community resi- dents to support those affected by the Flint, Michigan, water crisis. While talking with residents during an exercise class, enrich-
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