#44 - Engaging Residents with Heart: Inside Senior Living Activities with Alex Atiyeh
Description
Summary
In this episode of 'From Leads to Leases', host Jerry Vinci speaks with Alex Atiyeh, an activities and volunteer coordinator at Sunrise Senior Living. Alex shares his journey into the senior living industry, discussing the importance of resident engagement, the role of music in enhancing well-being, and the challenges of balancing diverse interests among residents. He emphasizes the significance of building trust with residents, especially those with cognitive decline, and the impact of activities on retention rates. Alex also offers advice for young professionals considering a career in senior living, highlighting the need for empathy and dedication in this rewarding field.
Learn More:
Connect with Alex Atiyeh on LinkedIn
Learn more about Sunrise of North Wales
Follow Alex on YouTube
Follow Alex on Instagram
Follow Alex on Facebook
Takeaways
Alex transitioned from dining services to activities coordination.
Building trust with residents is crucial for engagement.
Music plays a significant role in enhancing residents' well-being.
Activities can be a key selling point for senior living communities.
Engagement opportunities can improve resident retention rates.
Transparency with families is important, even in difficult conversations.
Avoiding burnout requires setting boundaries and advocating for oneself.
Creating a welcoming environment helps combat loneliness among residents.
Feedback from residents is essential for planning activities.
Young professionals should approach senior living with empathy and dedication.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Alex Atiyeh
01:57 Journey into Senior Living: From Dining to Activities Coordinator
06:21 The Importance of Stability in Senior Living Careers
07:45 Building Trust with Residents: Overcoming Age Barriers
10:20 Planning Activities: Balancing Interests and Inclusivity
14:38 The Role of Music in Enhancing Resident Well-Being
18:10 Engagement as a Selling Point in Senior Living
20:56 Impact of High-Quality Engagement on Resident Retention
21:53 Engagement and Socialization Combat Loneliness
24:36 Building Rapport with Residents with Cognitive Decline
27:47 Building Connections with Residents
30:01 How Sales Teams Could Leverage Activities to Improve the Tour Experience
31:35 Advice to Other Young Senior Living Professionals
35:20 Staying Connected with Alex Atiyeh
United States
