Brookdale residents take a yearlong vacation

Ah, summer! It’s finally here. And while many of us are planning (or dreaming) of sandy beaches, relaxation and just getting away, residents at Brookdale Senior Living’s communities have been on the go all year.

The Celebrations program is a life enrichment and dining experience that embraces the six key elements of the provider’s Optimum Life philosophy: emotional, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual and purposeful.

Each month, residents “travel” to “Amazing Places of the World” to discover the natural and manmade wonders spanning six continents. To date, they have “visited” the waterways of Venice, the Great Wall of China, the Harbor of Rio, Mount Everest in Tibet and the Mayan Ruins in Mexico. This month they are off to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Celebrations goes beyond being a travelogue. “Food and the dining experience play a significant role in the Celebrations program,” says Joska Hajdu, senior VP—Dining Services at Brookdale. Unique meal plans and cooking demonstrations make the month’s theme come alive.

After experiencing the area’s cuisine, “Move to the Music” transports residents to the location to witness the distinctive musical styles of the destination. “Stories of Hope” provide spiritual enlightenment as they learn about the inspirational projects taking place throughout the world.

This year, a new Celebrations program, “Living out Loud,” will have residents expressing their thoughts, opinions and ideas about events and specific topics related to the destination. In addition, another new and innovative Celebrations perspective is the “One Thing” program, which will pose a monthly question to residents, such as, “What one thing would you tell a young person about?” Brookdale will publish the responses to these questions, sharing its residents’ collective wisdom.

“These program opportunities will encourage residents to think about the little things that connect us to people who lived thousands of years ago, and to those who live thousands of miles away,” says Charles Richardson, Lifestyles and Life Enrichment Director for Brookdale.

As I plan my own time off next month, I now wonder if I should cancel my vacations and book travel on the “Celebrations” tour.

Share your “Good Stuff.” Send information on your achievements, outstanding personnel, inspirational residents, and more to Executive Editor Sandra Hoban at shoban@iadvanceseniorcare.com .

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.