Cedar Trails Senior Living Recognizes National Assisted Living Week

Established by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in 1995, National Assisted Living Week® recognizes the role of assisted living in America while providing a unique opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and the surrounding communities to recognize the role of assisted living in caring for America’s seniors and individuals with disabilities. The annual observance encourages assisted living communities around the country to celebrate the individuals they serve while simultaneously educating members of the public about what assisted living truly looks like.

This year, Cedar Trails Senior Living is celebrating the 2022 theme of “joyful moments” from September 11^th to September 17^th by recognizing how each department plays a role in creating joy for our residents and staff members. ​​​​​​​​​​​ ​

Being a leader of a senior living community has several aspects. For starters, I feel as though I am the heart of the community pumping well needed “blood” to other areas, while still making sure that both the lumps and thuds are occurring on my end. I set the tone every day for others. Whether it’s a friendly hello to another department head or line staff member, I want them to know their work is valued and we value them. I enjoy asking them how their weekend went, how their family is, and building connections, as I would with new families. I like to think that in this instance, I’m their support, but I’m also there to encourage. I find that people appreciate words of encouragement en route to jobs well done or even attempts.

I believe we’re able to create joyful moments on a regular basis through having fun on a daily occurrence. You cannot help but laugh! We like to throw parties all the time for both residents and staff. Joyful moments don’t have to be a set event, but rather a state of mind. Remember, you’re able to set the tone every day. I had a principal in high school who would always say, “Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours.” And almost 20 years later, I still remember it.

Resident Adolph Choura says what brings her the most joy living at Cedar Trails Senior Living is being pleasantly happy with everything that is being done. She commented, “I think you all do a great job. Everything is copacetic!”

We plan to make National Assisted Living Week special in a few different aspects. For starters, we’re going to be hosting an event daily. I’m looking forward to my event, poker with the residents! I have a background in the casino industry and am excited to play some high-stakes poker with the residents for candy and other prizes. Also, we’re going to have a Fall Festival where we’ll have a bounce house, pumpkins, cotton candy machine, tables and chairs for families, and a variety of other items for our residents and families to enjoy!

Follow us on Facebook to witness all our joyful moments, but especially from September 11^th to September 17^th as each department celebrates National Assisted Living Week and the many ways each team brings joy to our community staff and residents!

#NALW #whatseniorlivinglookslike