When Joy Is Shared as a Family
“Seeing my father smile, participate, and eagerly look forward to each week has become a gift for me as well.”
The Moment She Was Experiencing
When a loved one moves into a senior living community, families go through their own process of adjustment. There is hope that their parents will receive the care they need, but also a deep desire for them to continue experiencing joy, connection, and meaningful moments.
The daughter of a resident at Sunrise in Virginia watches her 88-year-old father participate in community life. Like many family members, she wants to see him active, engaged, and surrounded by people who value him for who he is beyond his care needs.
What She Was Looking For
More than scheduled activities, she hoped for experiences that would bring meaning to her father’s life.
She longed to see him participate, smile, and feel part of a community where he was known and appreciated. She also deeply valued those who took the time to learn about the residents’ stories, memories, and life experiences. When someone shows genuine interest in the lives of our loved ones, something changes. Care no longer feels like a service, it begins to feel like a true human relationship.
The Journey
Week after week, what the residents call the “Oldies Dance Party” became one of the most anticipated moments of the week. The music begins to play, residents sing, move to the rhythm of familiar songs, conversations flow, and laughter fills the room.
Gradually, participants become more than individuals sharing the same space, they become a community. What makes the experience special is not only the music or the activities. It is the way each person is invited to participate. It is the genuine interest in their stories. It is the ability to create an environment where everyone feels included, valued, and welcome. Even family members notice the difference.
The joy that emerges during the sessions extends beyond the residents themselves and reaches those who visit, support, and love them.
What Changed
Over time, the activities become much more than events on the community calendar. They evolve into experiences that people eagerly anticipate.
This resident’s father looks forward to the Oldies Dance Party every week and so does his daughter. Residents participate with greater confidence, smiles come more easily, relationships deepen, and the community grows closer.
Special moments, such as the Christmas celebration shared with music, family, and cultural traditions, create memories that remain in the hearts of everyone present.
What begins as a recreational activity continues to evolve into an experience of connection, joy, and belonging for residents and families alike.
“Maritta is very compassionate, positive, energetic, and always involves all the residents in her activities. My 88-year-old father eagerly looks forward to the Oldies Dance Party every Saturday—and so do I!
Maritta shows a genuine interest in the residents’ life stories and truly builds community with them. Their faces light up, they smile, laugh, and feel motivated when participating in her groups, whether they involve music, meditation, or conversation.
She brings love and joy to the residents (and to their families as well!) every time she is present. My favorite memory so far was the Christmas party on Christmas morning. Maritta arrived with her family and shared homemade sweets typical of her country because she truly cares and puts her whole heart into supporting and caring for older adults.
They adore her!”
Maritta’s Reflection
One of the greatest blessings of working with older adults is the opportunity to know not only the residents but also the families who walk alongside them.
Every person has a story. Every family carries memories, hopes, and a deep connection with the people they love. When we create spaces filled with joy, music, conversation, and presence, something beautiful happens. We do not only enrich the lives of those who participate directly, we also bring comfort and joy to those who love them.
I have learned that building community means creating a space where everyone feels welcome: residents, families, friends, and team members alike because love, when shared, always finds a way to expand.
Practices Present in This Experience
Healing with Music
Community Building
Intergenerational Connection
Meaningful Conversations
Compassionate Presence
Cultural and Community Celebration
Emotional and Social Well-Being