I endorse Maura Conrys book recommendation. Jill's book is a must read for both Executive Directors and residents. Here are some passages I collected when reading the book and using Readwise on the Kindle.
We must remove paternalism from the equation and support all residents in making their own well-informed decisions—whether we agree with them or not.
We shifted from the traditional framework of segregation, paternalistic rules, and institutional mindsets to an inclusive culture of possibilities and purpose, where people continued to grow and flourish, instead of just existing.
I learned about the role that ageism plays in our communities and how our current focus on hospitality undermines many of the things that are important to well-being.
...learned about the importance of purpose, growth, and inclusion, new approaches to driving organizational change, and the way that building design can promote a healthier community.
Fear of future disease or decline, indeed, seems to be a driving force behind the exclusion of elders living with frailty.
Highly competent, highly experienced human beings move into a senior living setting and become helpless consumers.
I realized that my current approach was undermining the power and capabilities of the people who lived in my community. I was creating helplessness.
...when every suggestion brought up by residents was met with a response from the executive director that he’d run the idea by the corporate office
This type of culture is often driven by a desire for corporate branding and standardization. Proponents of this approach point to hotel, restaurant, and retail chains.
...for a sense of community to develop, people need to have influence on their community and see themselves as citizens instead of consumers of services.
...when we operate from a place of control, we stomp the life and personality out of communities and squash the spirit of those who live and work in them.
Ann MacKay