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Get to Know the Grand Oaks Team: Jordan Asrat
Activities play a vital role in everyday life at Grand Oaks. Committed to engaging and entertaining our residents, Jordan Asrat, Director of Activities since 2015, takes the lead in this initiative. As a Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional with over 18 years of experience in senior living, Jordan has the expertise to thoughtfully design activity schedules tailored to our residents.
Learn more about Jordan and her role at Grand Oaks in our Q&A below.
Tell us about your background.
Jordan: “While in college, I worked in a senior living facility. This experience opened my eyes to the unique challenges and rewards of working with older people. I then worked in memory care for two years. I developed a deep understanding of the needs of residents with dementia and honed my skills in providing compassionate care.
“To better understand end-of-life care, I transitioned from senior living to work for two different hospice companies. These positions allowed me to support families during their most challenging times and reinforced my commitment to providing compassionate care.”
What inspired you to pursue a career in senior living?
Jordan: “My journey into senior living began with my college summer job, which I initially found quite intimidating. I feared being around elders and would eat my lunch outside to avoid interactions.
“One day, a memory care resident approached me during my break. He somehow knew why I avoided the residents and advised me never to run away from things that scared me. He shared his life story with me, and from that day on, he joined me for lunch every day.
“We talked about his life lessons and experiences. His wisdom and kindness inspired me deeply. By my junior year in college, he had influenced me to change my major from physical therapy to human services. I still remember him fondly as Mr. President. He was the best advisor I could have asked for and played a pivotal role in shaping my career path.”
How would you describe your role/responsibilities?
Jordan: “As the Director of Activities, my primary responsibility is to enhance the quality of life for our residents by creating and implementing engaging, meaningful, and diverse activity programs. I focus on understanding each resident’s unique interests, abilities, and needs to tailor activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. My role involves:
- Program Development: Designing various activities that cater to different interests and abilities, including arts and crafts, music therapy, physical exercise, and social events.
- Resident Engagement: Building strong relationships with residents to understand their preferences and encourage participation.
- Team Leadership: Leading and training a team of activity coordinators to ensure the delivery of high-quality programs.
- Collaboration: Working closely with other departments, such as nursing and dietary, to create a holistic care environment.
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly assessing and adjusting programs based on resident feedback and evolving needs.”
What does an average day look like for you?
Jordan: “An average day in my role as Director of Activities is dynamic and fulfilling. It typically includes:
- Morning Planning: Starting the day by reading the reports my team wrote from the previous day, answering emails and voicemails, reading residents’ notes and suggestions, organizing my tech support list, or completing tech support tasks postponed from previous days. I also visit residents and check with the wellness office to see if there are any status changes for residents.
- Morning Stand-Up: Attending the morning stand-up meeting with all the directors to review the schedule, discuss special events, and address resident needs or concerns.
- Activity Preparation: Setting up for the day’s activities, ensuring all materials and resources are ready and accessible.
- Resident Interaction: Spending time with residents, encouraging them to participate in activities, and providing support and companionship.
- Program Execution: Leading or overseeing various daily activities, from exercise classes to creative workshops and social gatherings.
- Team Coordination: Supervising and supporting my team, providing guidance and feedback to ensure the smooth execution of programs.
- Feedback and Improvement: Gathering feedback from residents and staff to continuously improve our activity offerings.
- Administrative Tasks: Managing schedules, budgets, and reports to ensure the department runs efficiently. This includes creating flyers, researching outings and in-house programs, contacting communities for collaborative ideas, finding new vendors, and similar tasks.
“My goal is to create a vibrant and inclusive community where every resident feels valued and engaged. By focusing on their individual needs and preferences, I strive to make each day enjoyable and enriching for everyone at Grand Oaks.”
How do you come up with ideas for new resident activities?
Jordan: “I believe the best activities resonate with the residents’ interests and needs. To develop new ideas, I actively involve our residents through planning committees where they suggest different in-house activities and outings they would like to attend. This ensures that the programs are resident-driven and tailored to their preferences.
“I also consider our residents’ various challenges and abilities, ensuring that activities are inclusive and accessible. For our Oasis Neighborhood, which focuses on memory care, I design purposeful activities that meet their needs. I don’t just create activities based on trends or what other facilities are doing; I focus on what our residents are interested in and what works for them currently. Their input is the most important factor in planning our programs.”
What elements do you consider when planning activities for Assisted Living vs. Oasis?
Jordan: “I consider various interests and physical abilities for Assisted Living, ensuring that activities are engaging and varied. This might include physical exercise, creative workshops, and social events that cater to their diverse preferences. I also incorporate elements that promote brain health, a sense of belonging, and opportunities for intergenerational learning.
“For the Oasis Neighborhood, I focus on creating activities that meet their cognitive and emotional needs. These activities are designed to be meaningful and stimulating, helping to maintain their cognitive functions and providing a sense of purpose. I also ensure that these activities are adaptable to the residents’ varying ability levels and are conducted in a supportive and understanding environment. Activities that involve nature, laughter, and family participation are critical in this setting.”
What role do families play in activities, and how do you involve them?
Jordan: “Families play a crucial role in the activities we plan. Their involvement can significantly enhance the residents’ experience and provide additional support. I encourage families to participate in our programs and events, creating meaningful opportunities to engage with their loved ones. We often invite families to join us for special events, celebrations, and outings, fostering a sense of community and connection.
“Additionally, I seek input from families regarding the types of activities their loved ones enjoy and any specific needs or preferences they may have. This collaborative approach ensures that our programs are well-rounded and cater to the holistic well-being of our residents. By involving families, we create a more inclusive and supportive environment that benefits everyone involved. This approach aligns with our philosophy that family, brain health, and a sense of belonging are integral to the well-being of our residents.”
How often do you interact with residents?
Jordan: “I interact with residents throughout the day. Sometimes, they come into my office, I join them in activities, and I visit them in their rooms. My door is always open to residents, ensuring they feel welcome and supported. This constant engagement helps me stay attuned to their needs and preferences, fostering a sense of belonging and community.”
Tell us about some newer activities.
Jordan: “We’ve introduced several exciting new activities to keep our residents engaged and stimulated. For example, we have a Spanish club, a book club, and a monthly theater trip to the Avalon Theatre. Our gardening club allows residents to connect with nature and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening.
“We’ve also started a ‘Career Spotlight’ series, where residents share their professional experiences and talents. Recently, we hosted an art show featuring various resident artists, where they displayed their work and discussed it with others. Our next event will spotlight the writers in our community, giving them a platform to share their stories and creativity.”
How do daily activities benefit residents?
Jordan: “Daily activities are crucial for our residents’ overall well-being. They provide opportunities for physical movement, mental stimulation, and social interaction. Exercise classes help maintain mobility and physical health, while creative workshops and social events stimulate the mind and foster a sense of community. By participating in meaningful activities, residents can experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment, essential for their emotional and mental health.”
What activities have you found to be most effective?
Jordan: “Several activities have proven particularly effective in enhancing our residents’ mental and physical well-being. Our religious services offer spiritual support and a sense of community. Resident-led book clubs and planning committees empower residents to actively participate in their community. Volunteer services, such as making flower arrangements for local churches or tutoring elementary school students, provide a sense of purpose and connection. Our tech support program has been especially successful post-pandemic, helping residents stay connected with the outside world and their loved ones through social media.”
Was there a time when an activity significantly impacted a resident?
Jordan: “A few years ago, we had a memory care resident who was bedbound and non-verbal. We were having challenges connecting with her, so the Oasis RV coordinator, a family member, and I made it a goal to find a way to reach her.
“We explored various sensory activities and musicians but couldn’t connect with her. I contacted a local church about our challenges, and they sent their choir director. After several visits, the volunteer led a small group in singing traditional hymns.
When they started singing ‘Amazing Grace,’ the resident suddenly joined in, singing along with everyone. We were shocked because we thought she couldn’t speak. Somehow, ‘Amazing Grace’ reached a part of her memory that we couldn’t. It was a profound moment that showed the power of music and connection, deeply moving everyone present.”
Why do you enjoy working at Grand Oaks?
Jordan: “The most rewarding part of my job is the residents. Their stories, wisdom, and resilience inspire me every day. I love creating programs that cater to their unique interests and needs and seeing the joy and fulfillment these activities bring them. Knowing that I can positively impact their lives is incredibly fulfilling.”
What differentiates Grand Oaks from other senior living facilities?
Jordan: “Our commitment to catering to our residents’ individual needs and preferences. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we focus on creating personalized programs that reflect our residents’ current interests and abilities. This creative freedom allows us to develop unique activities that resonate with our community. Residents have a significant say in what we do, ensuring their voices are heard, and their needs are met.”
What advice do you have for families considering senior living?
Jordan: “Provide all the necessary information about your loved ones’ needs and preferences. Be an advocate for them and let us know how we can best support you. Remember that we are here as a resource, and your voice matters, too. Choosing a community that listens and responds to residents and their families is important, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
Jordan: “I love spending time outdoors, hiking, being around water, and exploring new places. I also cherish moments with friends and family, learning new things, and experiencing different cultures. These activities rejuvenate me and provide a balanced perspective that I bring back to my work at Grand Oaks.”
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