Building Connection Through Community

As Resident Services Director at The Barrymore Senior Living, I’ve seen how a strong sense of community can transform senior living from a place to stay into a place to truly thrive. Building connections among residents, team members, and the surrounding neighborhood isn’t just helpful — it is essential for well-being, joy, and purpose.

Creating a Culture of Belonging

Creating community begins with understanding what makes each resident feel valued and included. It means designing experiences that spark conversation, laughter, and shared memories. Whether it’s a small group gathering, a holiday celebration, an Act of Service, or a themed event, each moment strengthens relationships and helps residents feel like they belong.

Every interaction becomes a chance to weave the fabric of community. When residents feel connected, they enjoy their days more fully and experience the emotional and social benefits of genuine human connection.

To me, community in senior living means fostering a culture where each person feels welcomed and valued. It looks like checking on a neighbor you didn’t see at lunch, getting to know someone’s grandchildren, or saving a seat for the resident who loves to sing at Happy Hour.

Building these connections is essential because people naturally crave social interaction. The desire to share ideas, relate to others, or exchange a friendly wave doesn’t disappear when someone moves into senior living.

When I learn a detail about a resident that another might connect with, I look for opportunities to introduce them. I ask many questions to understand each resident’s story and to identify shared experiences. Someone may have moved here from another country, lived as a widow for years, or grown up as an only child. These stories help us build bridges.

Connecting Within and Beyond The Barrymore

I also enjoy strengthening our relationships within the broader community. Our monthly Acts of Service and special events — including the tree-lighting celebration, trick-or-treating, and Easter egg hunts — help us bring people together. I especially value our partnerships with local schools. We host Story Corner for preschoolers, welcome high school volunteers, and invite area bands, choirs, and orchestras to perform.

Music remains one of my favorite ways to connect people. Whether we’re enjoying live entertainment or listening to a playlist during Happy Hour, music encourages singing, dancing, and shared joy among residents and staff.

To help new residents feel welcome, I begin reaching out before their move-in day by confirming the preferred name for their apartment. Once they arrive, I meet with them personally, invite them to upcoming events, and encourage their neighbors to introduce themselves. These simple steps help new residents feel supported and connected right from the start.

At the heart of our community, connections are everything. Every conversation, shared laugh, and meaningful moment enriches the lives of our residents. As Resident Services Director at The Barrymore Senior Living, I’ve seen how thoughtful efforts to build these relationships can transform daily life — turning our building into a true home and creating memories that residents and families treasure.

By prioritizing relationships, engagement, and belonging, we do more than plan events — we build a vibrant and supportive community where everyone can thrive. Ultimately, the connections we nurture make all the difference.