February marks Black History Month, a time to commemorate and reflect on remarkable African American trailblazers who have left enduring legacies by igniting a desire for hope and change in our communities. By considering each other’s lives and experiences, and perspectives, we allow a community to be not only about what we have in common, but what makes us different. We often use or hear the word “community” to describe the actual physical space in which our residents live and engage. We sometimes forget that the true goal of a senior living community is to deepen relationships, create feelings of belonging, and provide support for the health and wellbeing of all members.
Feeling a sense of community doesn’t have to mean being engaged in similar activities or having conversations with others. Just being around other people, albeit silently, can have a big impact. At The Fitzgerald, we have created spaces where residents can read the paper, check their stocks, respond to emails, or work on computer skills. Residents can feel the community around them and remove a sense of isolation, even if not engaging in conversation. Think of it as similar to how we might spend time reading or working at a coffee shop rather than at home.
