SpringRidge Takes Team Approach to Ensuring Residents’ Smooth transition
09-1-2018

Older adults who have lived in their homes for decades may be hesitant to move to a retirement community as the thought of being in a new environment or downsizing can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, at SpringRidge at Charbonneau, there is an entire team dedicated to ensuring a smooth, successful transition to the active retirement community.

“We understand the sometimes difficult circumstances involved in moving to a retirement community and are available to ease prospective residents’ concerns from the moment of initial contact,” said Marketing Director Christine Holloway. “All of our departments work as a team to help residents acclimate, even prior to their actual move-in date.”

It’s not unusual for Christine to invite prospective residents and/or their families to attend one of the many wonderful events occurring at the community. The SpringRidge Carnival, for example, was a great way for guests to learn about the community’s maintenance-free lifestyle and mingle with current residents. The monthly Lunch & Learn is also another way for those considering SpringRidge to get to know staff and sample the cuisine.

According to Christine, it’s not unusual for new residents to have met the managers of each department and gotten to know fellow residents by the time they finalize their decision to move to the community.

The SpringRidge team continues to play an active role in the move-in process too. The marketing department works closely with area senior move managers who can provide customized plans, based on the resident’s needs. Hosting estate sales, making donations to local charities or simply advising which furniture will work best in their new residence are just a few of the services provided by the senior move managers.

“Once a new resident arrives at the community, they are officially welcomed by our gracious Hospitality team, comprised of current residents,” explained Christine. “A member of the team will also extend a personal invitation to their newest neighbor to join him or her for dinner.”

In addition to interacting with the culinary/dining team during dinner in the onsite restaurant, the monthly “Let’s Dish” session quickly becomes a not-to-be-missed event. Executive Chef Keith McCrea and his team solicit residents’ feedback on upcoming recipes and host interactive cooking demonstrations.

Through an internal SynRGy form which captures residents’ background and insight such as hometown, colleges, former occupation, professional affiliations, hobbies, interests, etc., the Programs Department, under the leadership of Cindy Foster, is able to connect residents who share a commonality.

“It creates a true bonding experience,” said Cindy. “Our “Where Were You During WWII?” event is a great example of bringing our resident-veterans together.”

There are also community-wide events designed specifically to encourage social connections and foster a spirit of camaraderie among residents. A weekly social offers a fun, relaxed setting for newcomers to get to know their neighbors while a monthly “Meet & Greet” and “New Residents’ Luncheon” serve as official ‘welcome’ events. The “Meet & Greet” is with fellow residents and the luncheon is attended by the SpringRidge management staff. The intimate gathering is a great place to learn about the role of each department involved in providing exceptional service and care.

“We understand that the transition to a senior living community is a process. For some residents, it happens very quickly. For others, it occurs gradually. We are with residents every step of the way to help them get acclimated to our community,” added Christine. “It’s such a rewarding experience when a residents stop by my office to say they wished they’d moved in sooner or when a family member acknowledges how much more active and engaged mom or dad has become since moving to SpringRidge.”

Among the host of amenities included in SpringRidge’s monthly fee are interior and exterior maintenance, weekly housekeeping and scheduled transportation. Each member of these respective departments also plays a significant role in ensuring a smooth transition.

“It’s important for residents to feel at home at our community,” added Cindy. “Our team approach to ensuring success continues whether they are here for one week or 10 years.”

The SpringRidge at Charbonneau campus offers a comprehensive menu of lifestyle options including CARF-accredited independent living as well as assisted living and memory care services. For more information or to schedule a personal tour, please call 503-446-6250 or visit SpringRidgeatCharbonneau.com.

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