January 2025 | Written by Kim Doramus, Operations Specialist with RevealSol
Being in the long-term care industry for over two decades, I’ve seen countless catchphrases come and go. Remember “person-centered care?” “Promoting autonomy and independence?” “Active lifestyle?” While these concepts are important, they often fall short of creating truly exceptional experiences for our residents.
But what if we could go beyond these buzzwords and embrace a new standard of hospitality in senior living? One that draws inspiration from Will Guidara’s “Unreasonable Hospitality” (Guidara, 2023)? This philosophy, honed in the world of fine dining, focuses on exceeding expectations and creating truly memorable experiences. And it has powerful implications for how we approach senior care.
Imagine this:
- A resident isn’t simply asked what they want for breakfast, but surprised with their favorite childhood meal, sparking a joyful trip down memory lane.
- Instead of a generic activity calendar, residents co-create personalized schedules based on their unique interests and passions.
- Family members aren’t just informed about care plans, but actively involved in developing them, fostering a true sense of partnership.
This is the power of unreasonable hospitality – anticipating needs, exceeding expectations, and creating moments of genuine connection and delight.
How can we bring this philosophy to life in senior living?
- Empowerment is Key: Let’s move beyond simply offering choices and actively involve residents in shaping their daily lives. Encourage them to lead activities, participate in menu planning, and even contribute to decorating their living spaces.
- Communication is More Than Words: Active listening, empathy, and genuine connection are crucial. Create opportunities for meaningful conversations, not just information exchanges. Train staff to recognize non-verbal cues and respond with compassion.
- Cultural Diversity Enriches Us All: Celebrate the unique cultural backgrounds of each resident. Offer diverse dining options, culturally relevant activities, and create spaces where everyone feels seen and valued.
- Holistic Wellness Matters: Go beyond physical care and nurture the whole person. Incorporate music, art, and pet therapy. Create opportunities for social connection, spiritual exploration, and lifelong learning.
By embracing unreasonable hospitality, we can transform a senior living community from a place of care into a home with residents thriving. We can celebrate communities where residents feel valued, empowered, and contribute to life in their homes.
Dare to exceed expectations and create experiences that touch hearts and enrich lives.
Citation:
Guidara, W. (2023). Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect. Gallery Books.