I recently completed a week of visits to current & potential clients. This included brand new beautiful multi-story health care communities, renovated retirement residences and more. But the one that sticks out in my mind is an old nursing home, convalescent center for that matter… It’s not pretty, and honestly didn’t smell that great, but the interaction I saw from the staff and residents was inspiring!

As I waited for my appointment, every single staff member spoke to me, wishing me a good day, asking if I needed help, or simply paid me a compliment (how nice)! They spoke to each other just as nicely, like they truly liked each other. And they treated the residents the same. They weren’t overly sweet and fake, but simply communicating and spreading joy. There was on gentleman in a wheelchair that spoke to me as I waited and as the nurses walked by him, she gave his shoulder a little squeeze. You could tell he appreciated it. She didn’t talk to him like a kid, but simply acknowledged him.

Other residents were in the cafeteria having what sounded like an ice cream social. They were laughing and dancing & I got a couple waves when I looked in.

This community may not be the nicest, but the residents and caretakers seemed happy, which says a lot to me!

Does your community convey this message? Remember that it can’t be fake or forced. That is obvious! But maybe you can start a heartfelt trend this holiday season by spreading some joy to your staff and residents. Hopefully they will pass it on!