What You Learn From Seniors

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

And every bit of it makes your heart melt.

You learn that age is not catching – working with seniors does not hasten your own ageing.

You learn that seniors have the same inner spark of youth that we still feel. They may use a walker, they may move slowly, they may have a health challenge or two…but inside, they are as young as we are, and as young as we ever were.

You learn gratefulness.

You learn to listen…listen to their stories of their younger days with joy and attention.

You learn to always let them have the last word. Because you know they deserve it.

You have a second chance to repay your own parents. We all (certainly me anyway) look back and wish we had given more attention to Mom or Dad while they were with us. This is your second chance.

Every meal you eat with a senior, every conversation you patiently listen to – you are repaying your own Mom and Dad for all the times they comforted you from infancy through your own middle age.

You also literally have a chance to go back in time and be with your parents again. Because as you sit with a senior it is just like sitting with your own Mom or Dad.

You know how – sometimes we have the thought “I’m going to call Mom and tell her about my day?” And then your heart sinks because you remember Mom is gone, so it’s no longer possible.

Let me tell you, when you work with seniors, eat with seniors, drive seniors around, laugh with them, listen to their stories, or take them shopping, it has the very same effect as calling your own Mom or Dad and having a wonderful chat.

And nothing can really top that.

Call me some time, any time and let’s chat about your Mom or Dad. Here’s my cell 485-1672.

Call me anytime.

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Food From The Heart

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

I have to confess, there is a perk that I really did not expect when I began my career at The Willows. We have, hands down, the best restaurant in town, just a few steps from my office.

There are some unique things that The Willows does with our restaurant that really sets us apart and are not often found in senior living communities.

Our first secret weapon is that we have an Executive Chef, Jesus Rangel, who is culinary trained and a veritable artist in the kitchen. That means that his specialty is to come up with delectable dishes and delicious deserts to tempt our residents.

Our second secret is choice. Our residents love choice, so we have a menu of over 30 different dishes that can be ordered any time if the daily specials are not to one’s liking. (Though the specials are mouthwatering. I really look forward to the filet mignon with roasted potatoes!)

Another great feature is that you can eat any time of day, from 7am to 7pm. So if you like brunch at 10 or lunch at 3, or desert in the late afternoon, no problem. Again, choice is very important.

We also create our menu with direct input from our residents. So all their favorites are sure to be available. Our residents love challenging our chef to recreate their family recipes and our menu is frequently updated with seasonal options as well. I made my grandma’s fried chicken this summer and it was a big hit!

Lastly, and most importantly, we love to have fun here, so we are always creating themed meals and parties for our residents because we know that the best meals are ones we share together.

As I say every week, there are so many things to love about The Willows. I’d love to share some with you. Give me a call anytime on my personal number 485-1672.

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