INSPIRED TO BE BETTER TOGETHER – DIVERSITY IN SENIOR PROGRAMS Senior Lifestyle Corporation
The last two years brought about national discussion of more than just the pandemic. Topics on the minds of many also included conversations about what can be done to eradicate racism and promote inclusion, and it became clear there was a need for diversity training and cultural awareness among schools, organizations, businesses and senior living communities. Senior Lifestyle Corporation knew this would take time, trial, and error to achieve and implement, but wanted to take the first step in a new direction and identified a starting point by creating the Inspired to be Better Together initiative.
Goals for the initiative include leading educational programs that feature diverse people, holidays, and cultures to increase awareness of the people in Senior Lifestyle Corporation communities. An increase in awareness and understanding could lead to increased compassion for others and the overall success of the program. A committee of memory care directors, program directors, and residents was formed, and a meeting was held to share ideas and discuss the goals of the initiative, as well as to identify program topics that would draw on the knowledge and experiences of the committee members.
Following additional meetings, feedback and direction from program directors and memory care directors led to the development of a variety of month-long themes that allow staff and residents to learn about and celebrate people and holidays from diverse regions, cultures, and religions. A sample monthly calendar is provided to each community that includes resources, games, celebration ideas and printable tools that can be used to lead each of the suggested sample programs.
Inspired to be Better Together is innovative for the senior living industry because the programs being provided, and topics being discussed, are potentially controversial and not typically found on a senior living program calendar. Senior Lifestyle Corporation wanted to create a space where people from different backgrounds feel represented and worthy of celebration. Identifying an opportunity to make changes to program calendars became a catalyst for change and created an impact in the overall resident experience.
Residents and staff take part in the Inspired to Be Better Together program.
38 SENIOR LIVING EXECUTIVE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022
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