Fun & Freedom Activities

When Portfolio Resident Services started the "Good Neighbor Program" at Primrose at Heritage Park, the seniors residing in the community were a bit hesitant about participating. Our Activity Coordinator hosted a meet and greet activity as way to get to know residents in a comfortable, casual setting. After this initial activity, our Activity Coordinator learned that the 30+ seniors who arrived were interested in participating in activities they felt related to their lives and those they found exciting. These seniors were eager for someone to take the time to teach them new skills while encouraging them along the way.

One of the inaugural activities was an art project to create a community tree. The tree would display different items each month representing something special or unique about the particular month. The first month the tree was covered in decorated eggs and displayed in a public place where all the members of the community could enjoy it. As residents strolled by the tree, many stopped to admire it, offering compliments and praise, and enthusiastically requesting to participate in future projects.

The project was a great experience for everyone involved. The residents were thrilled that our Activity Coordinator considered their interests when selecting programs and activities, took the time to demonstrate the project, and made herself available to interact with them and teach them something new. These seniors loved the fact that activities were provided at no cost to them and they were able to create something they were proud of. As a result, other residents began participating and sharing in the program.

Personal relationships were formed amongst the residents, as well as between the Activity Coordinator and residents
Residents are now brought together regularly for a community project that is shared and enjoyed by everyone
The strengthening of community ties was re-emphasized through the activities the "Good Neighbor Program" offers