A welcome center in a senior living facility serves as the first point of contact for new residents, their families and visitors. It is the first impression that residents have of the staff at the community. The design of the welcome center should promote comfort and warmth. Use soft LED lights, comfortable seating with armrests and nice decorations to create a comforting feel.
The welcome center should be free of clutter and be easily passable for seniors with walkers and wheelchairs. Ramps, handrails and non-slip flooring should be installed to ensure safety. It is important to create a welcome program at senior living facilities.
The greeters at the welcome center should be trained about the retirement center and have the ability to answer the senior’s questions. The welcome staff should know about the resident’s interests and preferences so that they can offer a personalized greeting with a personalized welcome kit.
Welcome kits should include a map of the facility, a schedule of events, and a welcome gift with their mentor’s contact information. This mentor will be showing them around the facility and introducing them to staff and residents for the first week.
An activity board should be displayed that tells the residents what the upcoming and daily activities will be. Include a community bulletin board so that families can post updates, and the residents can find out about local events and services.
There should be an area within the facility where residents can meet with their families via televisit or in person visits. The Wi-Fi should be strong, so that families do not lose connections with their loved ones.
The staff can make a huge difference that the resident and their families experience. Regular meet and greet sessions should be organized where new residents can interact with staff and other residents. The facility Director should meet with new residents to get their feedback on everything the resident has experienced. The activity coordinator should meet with new residents so that they can personalize a program for them. Also, the chef should eat with the new residents, so that they can learn about their dining preferences or any restrictions that they may have. This will make the senior feel valued and heard; this is why it is important to create a welcome program at a senior living facility.
Also, the residents should also be asked to complete feedback forms, so that the staff can improve the way that they welcome other new residents in the future.
Creating a welcome center in senior living facilities is about creating an environment of comfort, community and support. By focusing on personalized service, senior living facilities will significantly enhance the experience for residents and their visitors.
