Celebrating National Assisted Living Week: Inspiring Generations at Benchmark Senior Living
Every September, the senior living industry comes together to celebrate National Assisted Living Week (NALW), a special time dedicated to honoring the residents, families, and caregivers who make assisted living communities vibrant and supportive homes. This week-long celebration highlights the growth and evolution of assisted living, inspired by the incredible stories and wisdom of the seniors we support. This year, the theme “Inspiring Generations” invites us all to reflect on the intergenerational connections that enrich our lives and our communities.
At Benchmark Senior Living, we see National Assisted Living Week as an opportunity to highlight our commitment to fostering these meaningful connections. With 67 communities across eight states in the Northeast, Benchmark has always been dedicated to creating environments where residents can thrive and where the legacy of each generation is cherished and celebrated.
Inspiring Generations: Stories from Our Communities
The theme “Inspiring Generations” resonates deeply with us at Benchmark, as we witness daily how our residents inspire not only their peers but also our associates. These intergenerational exchanges are at the heart of what makes Benchmark such a special place to live and work – our associates build meaningful friendships with the people they care for, helping them live more fulfilling and engaging lives, sharing stories and wisdom, finding inspiration and guidance from those around them every single day.
Our associates find daily inspiration in the rich life stories and enduring wisdom of our residents. Rose Rosa, Resident Care Associate, enjoys simply sitting with residents, chatting with them and absorbing the experiences they’ve had in life, knowing everybody has something to give back. Each interaction is a reminder of the resilience, courage, and joy that comes with a life well-lived. These opportunities allow residents to reminisce and be heard while imparting valuable knowledge to the next generation.
There’s a cultural truth in food as a strong, time-tested point of connection. Most people can relate to this fact, but it’s a sentiment especially shared within our Benchmark communities. One story comes from an associate who fondly recalls speaking with a resident about her own cooking experience. The associate explained that she was in a cooking rut at home, cooking the same thing over and over, so the resident offered up her own authentic Irish recipes. The resident would bring daily recipe cards for the associate to borrow, and the associate would cook and report back on how it was received by her family. They would continue this ritual, recipe by recipe, the resident never allowing the associate to walk away without sharing a few secret culinary tricks. The two developed a heartfelt tradition founded on cultural appreciation and simple human joys; one family was able to delight in delicious food thanks to the traditions of another (according to the associate, out of all the dishes, the meatloaf was the resounding winner). In the same spirit, residents of our Benchmark communities share family recipes that are shared in cooking demonstrations, as well as served in our dining rooms.
At Benchmark communities, residents also help us to remember how important laughter is and how it should be a part of our daily lives. A shared sense of humor is a common glue within our communities. CathyAnne Williams, a Certified Nursing Assistant, tells us, “I have a special relationship with a resident. When we meet in the hallway after dinner, I will say, ‘Barbara, you walking off that moose tracks ice cream?’ And she will say, ‘Yeah, I’m trying, but it’s not going anywhere!’ I love her. I do.”
No one puts it more perfectly than Dana Myers, Resident Care Director, as she describes the personal benefit of her meaningful connections she forms with her residents: “The satisfaction you get after helping a [resident], it’s a different kind of feeling. When I started working [at Benchmark], it was a bonus – I gained 100 grandparents just in one day.” The relationships and bonds between associate and resident are multifaceted and filled with gratitude.
Marissa Casey, Care Coordinator, remembers, “I was just supposed to stay for the summer and then learning things from the residents and talking to them is why I decided to stay. Once you get to know what their life was like before moving into elder care, they teach you so much.” Tashna Hall-Campbell, Lead Server, echoes that feeling: “I’ve learned a lot from the residents. I’ve learned a lot from where they live, how they grew up, what they have done in their lifetime. It’s heartfelt and inspiring.”
Whether it’s a shared laugh, a poignant memory, or a new discovery, the bond between our associates and residents drives us to create a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and inspired to live life to the fullest. Programming like Book Club may end up in a new shared favorite or provide vetted recommendations, and through our residents’ community gardening and love for greens, our associates have also found this equal love and developed their own green thumbs in their personal lives. Our associates are motivated by the residents’ unique experiences, which offer valuable lessons and foster deep, meaningful connections.
Join Us in Celebrating National Assisted Living Week
As we celebrate National Assisted Living Week 2024, we invite you to join us in honoring the incredible individuals who make our communities so special – our residents. This is a time to listen, learn, and be inspired by the generations that have shaped our world. Let’s continue to celebrate the legacy of those who have paved the way for future generations by strengthening the relationships we have with them. Listening, learning, and carrying forward their stories. Making them feel seen with special connections in as many moments as possible.
If you or a loved one are considering assisted living, we encourage you to explore the options available at Benchmark Senior Living. Our communities are more than just places to live—they are places where generations come together, where stories are shared, and where inspiration is found every day.
