Our Communities That Shine Awards program celebrates senior living communities that are innovating to create environments where residents live with purpose, passion, and joy. Our winner spotlight series highlights one award winner at a time, sharing what makes their community shine.
In this spotlight, we sat with the Novellus Clairemont team, winner of the Brilliance in Proactive Engagement award, to learn how they foster a culture of belonging, purpose, and connection.
One resident who previously attended only 1–2 activities per month began participating in 8–10
Staff save 3–5 hours per week on administrative work, allowing more time for resident engagement
Family satisfaction has seen major improvement, driven by increased visibility and communication
Novellus Clairemont shines because of how we strive to give residents a sense of belonging from day one. New residents are welcomed not just by staff, but by resident ambassadors, helping them quickly build meaningful connections.
Our community creates opportunities for residents to lead, contribute, and share their stories—whether that’s through resident-led programs, intergenerational initiatives, or tailored experiences that reflect lifelong passions. It’s a place where residents feel like they have a village.
Residents are deeply involved in shaping their own experiences. A “Creative Minds Committee” reviews the monthly calendar, suggests ideas, and builds out activities like poetry circles and trivia nights.
Residents also lead programs based on their skills and passions. One resident, a retired art teacher, now runs a weekly watercolor class, sharing instructional content and teaching peers. Others volunteer, mentor, or help welcome new residents.
These opportunities help residents feel valued, needed, and energized— as one resident said, “like I’m contributing, not just receiving care.”
Our engagement programming is built around who residents are—their histories, interests, and passions.
For example, when staff found out multiple residents had aviation backgrounds, they created an “Aviators Club” with documentaries, guest speakers, and hands-on projects. Other residents have reconnected with hobbies like music, gardening, or crafting after seeing peers participate or being encouraged to revisit those interests.
Technology helps our team better understand resident preferences, track engagement, and communicate with families—making it easier to personalize experiences and free up time for more meaningful interaction.
For example, staff use LifeLoop to quickly see what residents enjoy most and adjust programming accordingly, while also reducing time spent on administrative tasks like calendars and reporting.
Our teams are able to spend less time on logistics and more time doing what they’re there to do: engage meaningfully with residents.
For instance, LifeLoop has helped staff save 3–5 hours per week on administrative work. With this time saved, team members can focus on one-on-one interactions, escort residents to activities, and create small-group experiences for those who may not thrive in larger settings.
This shift leads to a more organized, collaborative environment where staff feel more connected to their work, and as one staff member described, “supported instead of overwhelmed.”
Families are brought into the daily life of the community in a way that feels immediate and meaningful.
They can see photos, follow along with activities, and engage in real time in LifeLoop. We have family members who actively comment on loved one’s photos, and plan visits around events that they know they’ll enjoy with the resident.
Our families report feeling more peace of mind and comforted to feel like they can be part of their loved one’s daily life, even from afar.
One resident who had been isolated at home for years was welcomed with a handmade card and a seat saved at afternoon coffee. Within a week, she was attending daily programs, and her family shared, “It feels like she finally has a village again.”
In another moment, staff created a birdwatching nook for a resident who missed her garden, then shared photos with her family so they could experience it together.
Our community stands out for how we take the time to get to know each resident, so we can turn everyday moments into meaningful memories.
Novellus Clairemont fosters intergenerational relationships through programs like “Stories Across Generations,” where local students and residents connect through shared experiences.
Residents share life lessons, while students help them with technology. Families often say their loved ones “light up for days” after these visits.
The community regularly highlights resident accomplishments, whether through spotlight features, shared stories, or milestone celebrations.
For example, a 100th birthday celebration included a community-wide event and shared messages from family members, making the resident feel “the most loved I’ve ever felt.”
It's these personal touches, made possible by our staff getting to know our residents on a deeper level, that make Novellus feel like home.
Want to know how LifeLoop helps communities like Novellus Clairemont drive connection and purpose? Explore some of the solutions they mentioned and request a demo here.