SPOTLIGHT: THE HEART OF SENIOR LIVING
Stories of Courage and Kindness Emerge in the Wake of Hurricanes Harvey & Irma
By Heather Loveridge
Hurricanes Harvey and Irma recently swept through Texas and Florida, leaving damage and devastation in their paths. But, thanks largely to the diligent planning of employees in preparing communities to cope with emergency situations, thousands of residents in Texas and Florida received excellent care before, during, and after the hurricanes. From that preparation came heartening stories that truly showcased the best in people. Here’s a glimpse into life during Hurricanes Harvey and Irma from several communities that truly exhibited the heart of senior living. Visit
argentum.org/harvey to learn how you can how you can help with relief efforts for communities in need.
Hurricanes, Hotels, and Hollywood Hurricanes Harvey and Irma forced nine Atria Senior Living communities across Texas and Florida to evacuate to hotels to ride out the storms. Atria’s employees were prepared and success- fully implemented their emergency response plan. Two hundred-plus local community staff and over 80 additional Atria team members flew in from across the United States to assist with preparation and operations for Hurricane Irma. This included 65 supervisory personnel manning Atria command centers set up in the hotels. Displays of urgency, professionalism, and care were apparent, resulting in secure residents, satisfied family members, and many heartwarming stories—including one unforgettable “Hollywood” experience. The more than 600 residents of Atria
An Atria command center set up during Hurricane Irma
Kristen Bell engaging with Atria residents from Atria Park of St. Joseph at Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan Resort during Hurricane Irma.
Park of St. Joseph in Jupiter, Fla., were evacuated to the Walt Disney World Dol- phin and Swan Resort, about 150 miles north of the community. As chance would have it, actors Seth Rogen and Kristen Bell were also guests of the hotel—Bell was filming a movie nearby directed by Rogen’s wife. Bell eagerly volunteered to lead Atria’s Engage Life®
programming,
Residents from Atria Park of St. Joseph riding out Hurricane Irma at Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan Resort.
54 SENIOR LIVING EXECUTIVE / ISSUE 5 2017
dined with residents, and even posted an Instagram video of her singing with a resident. Over one million views later, the two made a Skype appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Another resident was cast on a moment’s notice to film a scene for their upcoming movie.
Making the Best of the Worst
At Watermark’s The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods in Sarasota, Fla., residents were provided beds in the corridors, away from windows for safety. Staff treated the experi- ence as a block party, with everyone dining, chatting, and connecting, just like a neighbor- hood party. As for dinner that evening, the dining services director prepared spaghetti and meatballs and strolled up and down the hallways serenading residents and associates with Italian songs as the storm raged outside. To help ease the concerns of family
members and loved ones, Watermark sent twice-daily email updates and posted fre- quently on Facebook. “During a time like Irma, a photo really is
worth 1000 words,” said Jill Hofer, Watermark’s director of communications. “Especially if that photo is of your mom playing a harmonica, or taking part in a morning walk, or even painting a daisy in her temporary home.” According to Hofer, Watermark’s staff are
the heroes of the story. “They put aside their own fears and wor-
ries to care for residents,” she said. “These individuals have their own homes, family members, and pets as well, but heroically, they selflessly focused on residents. Many associates were without power for days and some experienced major damage to homes and property. For these associates, Watermark communities opened their doors. We estab- lished temporary residences for associates and their families and served enough food for them to dine for free, three meals per day.”
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