Enhancing Resident Choice and Inclusion in Senior Living

This webinar, hosted by Linked Senior, showcased the essential role of effective listening in transforming senior living environments. The session, part of the Activity Strong Executive Edition series, featured industry leaders Marvel Adams Jr.—CEO of W Lawson and the Caregiver Action Network—who emphasized that active listening is key to fostering inclusion and empowering residents.

Key Takeaways

  • The Power of Listening:
    Listening is vital in senior living as it helps staff understand resident preferences and enables residents to exercise greater choice. This focus on communication can improve quality of life and promote autonomy among older adults.
  • A Lesson in Empathy and Inclusion:
    Through a compelling story inspired by the book The Rabbit Listened, speakers illustrated how, much like the quiet yet supportive rabbit, caregivers in senior living must provide a listening ear to help residents process their emotions and rebuild after setbacks.
  • Practical Strategies for Senior Living Professionals:
    Participants were encouraged to slow down and create moments of genuine connection, ensuring that each resident feels heard and valued. This approach is particularly critical in senior living facilities where creating an inclusive, supportive environment can lead to improved resident satisfaction and better overall care.
  • Future Initiatives and Resources:
    The webinar also highlighted upcoming events, new benchmark data on resident engagement, and resources aimed at advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the senior living sector.

By centering listening and empathy in daily practices, senior living professionals can build stronger, more inclusive communities that truly respond to the evolving needs of their residents.