Life Enrichment Directors Go Beyond the Ordinary

Beyond the Ordinary, this year’s theme for Activity Professionals Week, perfectly captures the heart of our life enrichment directors and the work they do every day in our senior living communities.

Organized by the National Association of Activity Professionals, this week spotlights life enrichment teams and the meaningful impact they have on the quality of seniors’ lives. Their work reflects a truly holistic approach to well-being. Their activities and events are thoughtfully crafted to foster connection and support mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

We shared this article on our blog during Activity Professionals Week. Get to know two of our dedicated life enrichment directors at Areté Living!

Meet our featured life enrichment directors

Adam Roes is the Life Enrichment Director at Gilman Grove assisted living in Oregon City, Oregon, where he’s served seniors for over a year. He is also a member of Areté Living’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Community Pillar, as he supports projects and initiatives to enhance belonging across the organization and develop strong professional partnerships in the greater community.

Laurie Mespelt is a Life Enrichment Director in Avamere at Seaside’s memory care community in Seaside, Oregon. She’s served at Avamere for 10 months, where she plans thoughtful activities personalized for seniors living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

What does "Beyond the Ordinary" look like in your approach to life enrichment?

Adam:

Beyond the Ordinary means creating life enrichment that is built entirely around what makes our community unique. Our programs come directly from the residents, their families, and the passions and connections of our team, which makes every experience authentic and impossible to replicate anywhere else.

By truly connecting with residents and the team on a personal level and highlighting what they bring to the table, life enrichment becomes more than activities — it becomes a reflection of the people who call this community home.

Laurie:

I go out of my “box” for what is expected in my position. I help residents going to and coming from the dining room to help with the caregiver’s time. I check on residents in their rooms when we don’t see them out for a while. I stop what I am currently working on to walk with a resident if they are experiencing a rough patch in the moment of time.

I do Bingo when a certain resident needs to shower. It acts as the “carrot dangling.” She loves Bingo and will shower knowing she can come out and play Bingo. Communication with the caregivers always so I can help them get their breaks and know a game or entertainment has their attention.

Get to know Adam and Laurie and how they go Beyond the Ordinary for seniors!

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