www.ohca.com FALL/WINTER 2024 The Oregon Caregiver 9 FEATURE CONTINUES » “We believe that when our staff embraces wellness, it enhances the overall atmosphere of the community, contributing to an environment where everyone thrives.” – Ella Moretti-Aceves, The Watermark at The Pearl and creative writing workshops where residents can express themselves and connect with others[…]. We ensure that each resident has an opportunity to engage with the wellness programming in a way that works for them, regardless of physical limitations.” Encouraging Participation and Engagement Getting residents interested in and excited about activities they may not know much about or aren’t used to can often prove challenging. However, this should not deter life enrichment professionals from incorporating these activities into their planning. Hillyer says the best way to increase interest from residents is personalization: tailoring programs to meet specific interests and needs. Hillyer explains, “Residents are more likely to engage with a program if they feel it speaks to their personal preferences and passions.” Creating resident interest surveys and making the activity planning feel ‘community driven’ allows residents to feel they have a voice and that their preferences are being heard. It is very difficult to make anyone do something they have no interest in. This approach allows the voices of those benefiting the most from these activities to be recognized. Hillyer continues, “It can seem daunting at first to integrate elements of fun and creativity and personal interest, but we have seen higher participation and enthusiasm from residents. This not only increases engagement but also gives them a sense of ownership and pride in the community, as well.” Moretti-Aceves says that the key to resident engagement is making activities accessible, enjoyable, and adaptable: “Engaging residents starts with listening to their interests and introducing wellness in creative, low-pressure ways. For example, you can integrate mindfulness into everyday activities, like a creative art session that encourages focusing on the process rather than the outcome.” Proven by Hillyer and Moretti-Aceves, tailoring your wellness-based programming to suit specific interests and passions can greatly increase resident participation and enjoyment, contributing to the overall feeling of improved well-being. Staff Outcomes Incorporating wellness-based activities has positive impacts for the staff working in these communities, as well. Moretti-Aceves says that, at The Watermark at The Pearl, staff have shown great Hillyer combines recreation with wellness with her ‘Lilly’s Kitchen’ cooking demonstrations, providing residents with a space to foster their social connections with other residents and staff. Hillyer was recognized at the 2024 OHCA Annual Convention Awards Luncheon for her achievements in life enrichment and activities planning.
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