Resident Passions Enrich Community Life at Clermont Park
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May 26, 2022
Life Enrichment programs in many senior living communities are developed by the staff. They are designed to keep residents physically active and socially engaged. In a resident-driven community, the staff create an environment where seniors can find purpose and pursue their passions in retirement. Learn how Clermont Park residents share their time, talents and passions with others, enriching community life at Clermont Park.
Life Enrichment Partnership
Today’s modern senior living communities seek to create a collaborative environment where residents contribute to the culture. In an Eden-Alternative community like Clermont Park, older adults are not seen as people needing care in order to survive. Rather, they are seen as unique individuals with stories and talents that help others thrive. Instead of staff deciding what events and excursions to offer, the Life Enrichment team consults with residents to determine what they are interested in doing or leading. According to Laura Kiehn, Clermont Park’s Life Enrichment and Volunteer Coordinator, “We are blessed to have so many educators at Clermont Park. We have smart, knowledgeable people who are interested in sharing what they’ve done with their lives. Maybe it was a career or just a passion they’ve had. Perhaps they want to teach a class on classical music, or just share their love of it with other, and we will say, ‘Yes!’ and walk alongside them, and get the resources they need to do that.”
Culture of Citizenship
At Clermont Park, we believe that creating a sense of community. One where residents and associates are encouraged to know each other, honor differences, and live with purpose, is a vital ingredient of aging well. Creating a culture where the expectation is citizenship, fosters participation, socialization and ownership of community. Skills, talents and interests of residents are utilized to create a sense of purpose and to share pride in the culture and accomplishments of the community. An example of that is long-time resident Lu Paauw. Lu brings her previous switchboard operator experience and her desire to serve others to our front office where she regularly volunteers. Hear from Lu herself in the video below:
Passion and Purpose in Retirement
Rather than a medical model, which treats patients and keeps them safe, or a hospitality model, where residents pay for services and amenities provided by paid staff, Clermont Park is a resident-driven senior living community. The staff works with residents to create an environment where seniors can find purpose and pursue their passions in retirement.
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