If residents feel a part of your community, the days will be much more pleasant, and the quality of life will be greatly increased. But how can you foster a sense of belonging for residents and their family members? The following suggestion will strengthen relationships with residents and help family members to see and appreciate your positive impact on their loved one’s life.

Family members often have concerns to discuss or suggestions to offer. They may share some of this information with floor staff, but they’re not sure it’s getting back to management. It is important for the director and/or R.N. to establish times that they will be available to families outside the normal workday. It may be something as simple as choosing one day to come in late and work late every week, or publishing a list of times for the month that the director will be available outside the normal work hours. Planning a family event in the evenings or on weekends every month also gives family members another opportunity to see management and address any issues of concern. Just be sure to communicate in writing when you will be available to family members.

Open your door to staff and residents.

The Director should constantly be reminding residents to stop by the office and provide immediate feedback regarding services rendered, both good and bad. If residents don’t feel comfortable voicing concerns or complaints, they will turn to their neighbor, and the problem will only worsen. The best thing the Director can do for both staff and residents is to keep an open door policy and always be available to accept feedback that could help improve a program or service.

The best thing the Director can do for both staff and residents is to keep an open door policy and always be available to accept feedback that could help improve a program or service.

Develop a quality newsletter.

It’s a great way to let both family members and residents know what’s been happening in your program. Use the newsletters to introduce new residents and to spotlight a special birthday or event. Have a staff member interview new residents and write a story that covers significant events in the resident’s life, family members, and facts about their favorite foods, TV shows, best vacation, etc. An original article covering a current event topic, authored by the director, is a nice touch. Ask the R.N. to write an article about a health issue of interest to both seniors and their families. If you have access to a chaplain or pastor, add a faith-oriented column. Mail the newsletter to families with a copy of the activity calendar for the upcoming month and copies of any resident or family council meeting minutes. Be sure and highlight upcoming family events on the activity calendar and encourage families to participate.

Encourage family participation in activities.

Residents are proud of their family members and like to introduce children and grandchildren to management and the other residents. Family visits make your program feel more like a home.

Family visits make your program feel more like a home.