Adding Adventure To Resident Activity Programs

Named a 2012 Best of the Best Program to Watch, Brandywine Senior Living’s “Escapades… for Life” program uses diverse activities and frequent programming changes to add excitement to its communities’ activity programs.

ALFA 2012 Best of the Best Program to Watch

Brandywine Senior Living created “Escapades… for Life” to revitalize the activity program at Brandywine and break away from routine. The series of exciting new “signature” programs is part of a conscious decision to challenge residents and staff from sliding into complacency, to think outside the box, and to add discovery and adventure into residents’ lives.

Some residents “may not want to change their social routines,” says Maria Nadelstumph, VP of organizational development and program excellence. “So for us, we’ve taken on a whole new change in our attitude that we’re continually going to have cycle changes, like a menu, so that residents, when they get up in the morning, it’s not: ‘Oh, It’s Monday, it’s the same routine.’ It is: ‘I’ve got to get down to the dining room because I want to find out what the buzz is about.’”

Activity directors (now called “Escapades Producers”) and activity aides (or “Escapades Experts”) undergo training to be cheerleaders, marketers, and expert executers of vibrant programs.

The above best practice was recognized as an ALFA 2012 Best of the Best Program to Watch. Do you have a best practice, product, service or solution at your community or company that is advancing excellence in senior living? The Call for Nominations for the ALFA 2013 Best of the Best Awards will begin in November. Visit alfa.org/bestofthebest to read more best practices

Adding Adventure To Resident Activity Programs

ALFA 2012 Best of the Best Program to Watch

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