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Our Communities That Shine Awards program celebrates senior living communities that use innovative strategies to help 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’re featuring The Loudonville Assisted Living Residence, winner of the Brilliance in Resident Experience Award, for creating an environment where every resident is recognized as an active contributor to community life.
Key outcomes
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More than 200 local children attended The Loudonville’s resident-led haunted house, bringing residents, families, staff, and neighbors together for a fun and spooky activity.
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Personalized outreach based on participation data has helped less-engaged residents transition to meaningful small-group engagement.
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Photos and timely updates give families specific moments to talk about with their loved ones, strengthening connection even from afar.
What makes engagement at The Loudonville special?
For us, meaningful engagement is about more than filling a calendar. We want residents to feel that this is their community and that their ideas, gifts, and contributions matter.
One of our favorite examples is our annual haunted house. Residents help plan the event, decorate the space, and dress up to welcome visitors.
Our last haunted house welcomed more than 200 children from the surrounding community, giving residents the opportunity to share their creativity, connect with younger generations, and take pride in creating something others could enjoy. Staff supported the event, but the energy and personality really came from our residents.
How do you help residents who may be experiencing isolation become involved?
We know that a general invitation isn’t always enough, especially for someone who has become accustomed to staying in their apartment or feels uncertain in a large group.
Our team looks at participation patterns in LifeLoop to identify residents who may be becoming less engaged. In one instance, we noticed that a resident hadn’t attended a group activity for several weeks. Our life enrichment team reached out to them with personalized invitations and encouragement. Over time, the resident became comfortable joining small-group programs and began participating more regularly.
Sharing photos in our community feeds also helps activities feel less daunting. When residents see reminders and photos of their peers enjoying recurring programs such as music therapy or themed socials, they have a clearer idea of what to expect. That familiarity can make attending for the first time feel less intimidating.
How do you personalize engagement for different residents?
We pay attention to who each resident is, what they enjoy, and how they prefer to connect. Some residents thrive in lively group settings, while others are more comfortable in a quiet program or one-on-one conversation. Reviewing residents’ interests and participation history helps us make more thoughtful invitations instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
That might mean inviting one resident to a music-based program, encouraging another to join a smaller discussion group, or helping someone reconnect with a lifelong interest such as baking, gardening, card games, or creative arts.
We really strive to help residents find experiences that feel meaningful and allow them to continue expressing who they are.
How do residents take ownership of community life?
Residents contribute in many ways, from leading discussions and helping prepare for events to sharing talents such as music, storytelling, and crafts. Recognizing these contributions helps residents see themselves as capable and valued members of the community.
Sharing those moments also helps reinforce their sense of purpose. One resident said they felt “part of the community again” after seeing photos of themselves at an event. Another shared that it felt good knowing their family can see what they’re still able to do.
How does family involvement strengthen the resident experience?
For families who live far away or can’t visit regularly, photos and updates provide reassurance that their loved one is engaged, supported, and enjoying daily life. But the impact goes beyond reassurance. These glimpses give families something specific and positive to talk about.
Instead of asking a broad question like, “What did you do today?” a family member can mention the music program, themed social, birthday celebration, or hobby they saw. That often leads to a richer conversation and gives the resident an opportunity to share their experience with pride.
What does it mean for The Loudonville to shine?
Our community shines through the authentic relationships, creativity, and dedication that define daily life here. LifeLoop has helped capture and amplify these moments, but it’s the people and culture that truly make us special. Our commitment to person-centered care, meaningful engagement, and connection makes The Loudonville feel like a true community.
Want more ideas to strengthen engagement, connection, and well-being in your community? Join an upcoming Living Longer, Better webinar for practical strategies and real-world inspiration from senior living leaders.
