Get to Know Our Dedicated Coffee Creek Life Enrichment Team, Who Build Relationships One Activity at a Time

Building relationships one activity at a time is the goal of the Life Enrichment team at Residences at Coffee Creek.  In honor of their special week, National Activities Professional Week, we asked our Life Enrichment team to help us understand more about their important role in our Mission of maximizing the quality of life for our residents. 

Join us as we explore some simple Q & A’s with our crafty Life Enrichment Team.

Residences at Coffee Creek Life Enrichment Team includes (L-R) Jackie, Rachel, Angela, and Julie.

Meet our Life Enrichment Team

Meet Angela, Director of Life Enrichment who’s worked with seniors at Residences at Coffee Creek for three years; Julie has been with Residences at Coffee Creek for nearly two years; Rachel joined the team 6 months prior and Jackie is the rookie with just over three months.

Let’s hear directly from our cheerful Life Enrichment Team and learn more about their experience at Residences at Coffee Creek.

Describe a difference you’ve seen with someone who was reluctant to join an activity, but you or a co-worker managed to get him/her to participate.

Angela: “Many new residents are reluctant to come to activities at first but we continue to try to get them to come. They begin to open up once they come.”

Julie: “One particular resident would never come to BINGO; she finally came and won BINGO.”

Rachel:  “One resident has trouble with her hands and didn’t think she could do crafts but we get her to come and we make hers. So she comes to socialize.”

Jackie:  “I had a resident who was very shy to get involved with playing catch and Balloon Volleyball.  She loved it!”

Angela, at the head of the table, enjoys new glass craft as much as residents do!

What is your favorite activity to do with the residents?

Angela:  “Crafts are my favorite activity because it brings people together and builds relationships with others to create a family here.”

Julie:  BINGO is her favorite because a lot of people enjoy it.

Rachel:  “I love listening to stories that everyone has.”

Jackie: Likes hitting the balloon around because it’s exercise; “It gets out aggression, and it’s good for eye/hand coordination.”

The team knows the importance of excursions for residents, such as visiting the pavilion at Dunes National Park.

What are the residents’ favorite activities?

Angela:  In Senior Living  it’s BINGO and in Memory Care it’s tossing balloons around.”

Julie:  “In Senior Living it’s BINGO and Crafts; in Memory Care residents enjoy puzzles, BINGO, and Crafts.

Rachel:  “Residents in Senior Living like Short Stories and Pen Pals; Ice Cream Social is the Memory Care favorite.”

Jackie:  Agrees that BINGO is big in Senior Living and Balloon Volleyball and Tennis are favored in Memory Care.

Recall a rewarding experience you’ve had with a resident.

Angela: “Having Prom! The enjoyment and excitement in everyone’s faces was just amazing.  It brought so much joy to all.”

Julie:  “When the resident in Memory Care finally joined BINGO and won.”

Rachel: “Every day I make coffee for residents in Memory Care—being told how perfect it is every day brightens my day, every day.”

Jackie:  “Several of the residents in Memory Care have told me I make a difference and provide happiness. It’s rewarding to hear that from them.”

Anything else you’d like to share?

Angela: “Doing activities is the greatest job.  Building relationships and giving our residents a better quality of life is what the Life Enrichment Team does best!  We have the best jobs!”

Julie:  “I love my job.”

Jackie: “This job is extremely rewarding, especially when you know you’re putting the residents in a more positive state of mind.  It’s amazing to know the difference we’re making!”

Rachel and Jackie are always excited to join residents having fun!
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