When you ask the residents at Ardenwoods to describe our staff, they use words like “good friends,” “caring, responsive, and just plain good people,” and “devoted.” As part of a way of showing their appreciation, residents raise money throughout the year and gift it in December to our dedicated staff. These gifts act in lieu of tips, since Ardenwoods has a no tipping policy.
Normally, a large Employee Appreciation Party is held in December, when staff and residents gather together to enjoy food and each other’s company. This year, of course, we weren’t able to gather as a group, but that didn’t stop the love! Instead, residents masked up and sat at tables, where our staff came to pick up their monetary gifts. The staff then created a “thank you” video for residents to watch.
It just goes to show that no matter what life throws at us, we’re a community that can still find ways to come together – even if it’s socially distanced!
It’s the season to be jolly! Social distancing didn’t stop us from making merry at our Annual Tree Decorating Event in early December. Residents and staff decorated trees in our lobby and the dining room with festive ornaments.
In early December, Ardenwoods volunteers packed up gift boxes for the Meals on Wheels Santa for Seniors program. Santas for Seniors provides homebound seniors with gift boxes filled with goodies like personal care items, food, warm clothing and accessories, games, books, and more. Sometimes the boxes are the only gifts a MOW senior will receive during the holidays.
Adjusting to living in a small apartment or single room can be challenging. It’s important to make the most of the small space. But particularly in large cities where space for anything is at a premium, small dwellings are something people of all ages and professions share in common. So how does one make that space feel larger, calming, and welcoming? Feng Shui may provide some ideas.…