How Resident Interests Shape Community Programming

by Corporate Director of Resident Experience, Cari Edwards, CDP

What transforms senior living from a building into a true community where residents don’t just live, but truly thrive? At Maplewood Senior Living, the answer is our incredible Lifestyle teams.

Across each of our communities, dedicated Lifestyle professionals take the time to get to know residents as individuals; their interests, passions, routines, and life stories. Their role is not simply to fill a calendar with activities, but to create meaningful experiences that fill hearts, nourish minds, and foster connection.

Community programming is often described as the activities offered to residents each day. But exceptional programming begins long before an event appears on a calendar. At Maplewood, successful programming starts with understanding the people who will participate in it.

When a new resident joins one of our communities, we learn about what matters most to them. This may include whether they are a veteran, their faith traditions, whether they are a morning or evening person, the hobbies they enjoy, and the people most important in their lives. This information helps us thoughtfully introduce programs and experiences that support connection from day one.

When a veteran moves into one of our communities, we place special emphasis on the federal holidays marking the occasion –– Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, and other notable observances, such as National Vietnam War Veterans Day in March. However, our Lifestyle teams take it a step further. They make a point to connect new residents with other veterans in the community, seek veteran guest speakers, and be sure that the libraries are stocked with books related to veteran experiences.

As residents settle into community life, we continue to check in regularly. Are there friendships we can help foster? Which programs have sparked joy? Are there outings they would enjoy? Do they need assistance staying connected with loved ones? Is there anything more we can do to help them feel at home? These ongoing conversations allow us to adapt to residents’ evolving interests and needs.

In addition to one-on-one conversations, we gather insights through resident surveys, family feedback, participation trends, resident council meetings, casual interactions, and sometimes simple trial and error. Our calendars evolve because our residents evolve.

At Maplewood, we believe that physical limitations should never prevent someone from experiencing joy, purpose, or connection. It is our responsibility to adapt programming to meet residents where they are. This may include offering seated fitness classes, utilizing hearing enhancement tools such as Eversound during outings and presentations, or modifying experiences to ensure every resident can participate comfortably and safely.

In fact, one of our guiding beliefs is that nothing is off the table. Nearly any program or experience can be thoughtfully reimagined to fit an environment that is safe, engaging, and accessible for our residents. Just last summer, a trip to the beach for some residents became a sensory beach experience for others right within our community, complete with sand, ocean sounds, and seaside treats. A travel adventure can come alive through immersive virtual reality. Even beloved hobbies can be adapted so residents of all abilities can continue participating in the activities they love.

We also recognize that some residents may have difficulty verbally communicating their needs or preferences. Spending meaningful one-on-one time with these individuals helps us discover the experiences that resonate most deeply with them. It is our role in Lifestyle to build connections, remove barriers, and ensure that every resident, regardless of ability, continues to experience joy, purpose, and community.

At Maplewood, programming is about far more than activities; it is about creating moments of purpose, fostering meaningful relationships, and empowering residents to continue living lives rich with possibility. Because when residents feel known, connected, and empowered to pursue what brings them joy, they don’t just reside in our communities, they truly live.