Every community has a diverse set of residents who come in from all walks of life. They all have unique stories, backgrounds, cultural practices, nationalities and faiths. The best retirement communities are the ones that understand and appreciate these differences, and also celebrate them in their own special way. After all, residents in a community must feel connected to the place they will call home in their golden years. Finding harmony in diversity is one of the first steps toward making all residents feel safe, comfortable and connected to the community and one another. This is how senior living facilities in North Valley, NM can promote inclusivity and diversity.
Appropriate Staff Training
A culturally competent staff is the foundation of any successful retirement community with diverse residents. It is important to have a staff that understands the multicultural needs of residents and caters positively and respectfully to each one.
This may require a community to either specially train their staff to engage in and promote inclusive behavior or hire a staff that is more representative of the diverse resident members they serve. When loved ones are spoken to in their native language by their caregivers, or are cared for by respectful personnel sensitive to cultural differences, it significantly improves their emotional and mental well-being. It provides them with the comfort and connection of home.
Fostering Belongingness
Any individual in a society has an inherent need to belong. This is especially true for family members who are spending their golden years in a retirement community. Any kind of social rejection is understandably more difficult for them, so striving for a community where they can wholeheartedly belong is critical. Positive community engagement practices aimed at celebrating residents from all backgrounds are one way to accomplish this.
Festive holidays are a great way to get all community members involved in a positive social atmosphere and to learn about different cultures. Many communities celebrate religious festivals such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, Christmas and Eid. Such recreational activities and programs provide a platform for residents in the community to exchange stories and learn about new cultures, foods and backgrounds.
Sharing Unique Stories
What makes living in a retirement community so wonderful is its diverse residents from various social and cultural backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations. There are numerous opportunities to absorb other residents’ stories, learn about their unique culture, and even celebrate it when the occasion arises. Many older adults can find new meaning in their lives by hearing uplifting stories told through a cultural lens. Many communities organize positive cultural programs and discussions where such stories can be told and heard.
Diversity-Focused Marketing Materials
A glance at a retirement community’s marketing brochure can reveal a lot about how much importance it places on diversity and inclusion. Communities that value resident diversity and inclusion make it clear in their marketing materials that they welcome people from all walks of life. They demonstrate a clear intention to foster belongingness by creating materials more representative of a diverse community.
