A teenager’s perspective on life in senior living
Liesl enjoys a sunny moment in the courtyard at Bruceville Point.
Editor’s note: This blog was written by Liesl, a high school freshman who spent several days visiting residents at Bruceville Point.
As a child, I often feel overlooked and not listened to. Adults see children as small and inexperienced, and perhaps a bit incapable. I think older adults can sometimes relate to how that feels, but not at Bruceville Point. When I was at Bruceville Point, I felt heard, even as a 13-year-old, they included me. I saw how team members treated residents with care, listened to others, and made everyone feel welcome.
When I asked to join my mom on a work trip, I knew that I would have to work hard to be useful, but I also assumed that I would be seen as a tag-along, not capable of much. My first day at Bruceville Point started with a meeting in the club room. I was nervous being there since I was the youngest person and still wondered what my contribution would be. I stayed quietly behind my mom as she walked around and talked to the team. They greeted her with warm smiles and handshakes. She stepped out for a moment, leaving me alone in the room with four complete strangers. I stood awkwardly on the side of the room until one of the team members walked up to me. She introduced herself as Monica and shook my hand. I told her my name was Liesl and she said it was nice to meet me. Such a simple gesture meant so much to me. No longer awkward and irrelevant, I felt included and seen. By the end of the first hour at Bruceville Point, all the team members had welcomed me. I felt like I belonged.
Later that day, the team hosted an ice cream social. All the residents lined up to get their ice cream. It reminded me of lunch time at my school, kids lining up and bustling around to be the first to get their food. I was at a table with a resident and care partner; they were laughing and having fun when Jaime, the Events and Activities Director, approached. He teased the resident, asking, “Is this my competition? I was told someone else was trying to steal my title of your favorite.” The resident chuckled, they bickered back and forth for a bit about who was the true favorite, before they all devolved into laughter, and a truce was called. I watched the interaction, thinking it was sweet how they bantered. I thought of the way I joked with my friends; it wasn’t all that different.
Residents and team members share laughs and ice cream at a lively social.
Throughout the four days I was at Bruceville Point, I was invited to join so many things: workout classes, happy hours, events, and so much more. The team members made sure I not only knew what was going on, but they also invited me to join them. For example, one morning, Monica came up to us and told us that she had a writing club in a few minutes and would love it if we joined. Gratefully, we accepted the offer and followed her up to the studio. The next hour was filled with pens scratching on paper, people telling stories, and laughter.
Liesl joins residents for a Watercolor Workshop class that followed the Writing Club.
Being invited to something made me feel included and part of the community. I felt comfortable there–a fact I didn’t fully realize until it was time to leave.
Something special happens when team members extend invitations to residents: residents start to extend invitations, too. My mom and I were walking around the dining room one evening when a group of residents invited us to join them for dinner. We had a blast! When I came home and people asked what my favorite part of the trip was, my answer was having dinner with the residents, which never would have happened if they hadn’t invited us.
I saw how people of all ages are included, treated with care, and invited to join in at Bruceville Point. Being treated like I mattered–like I was important–was huge for me! On the plane home, I paused my music and turned to talk to my mom, “Can I please come with you next time you come back?!” I begged. My mom laughed and said, “Sure.” Now the only question is when!
We warmly extend an invitation to come visit us!
Learn more about our welcoming lifestyle at Bruceville Point in our Signature Programs Guide.
