Published: February 1, 2024
When you’re considering a transition to a retirement community, options are plentiful. Only you can ensure that doesn’t change once you have made your decision. We’re talking about resident-driven communities. And while it’s not a new concept in our industry, each community offers a different level of autonomy and resident involvement.
A resident-driven community, put simply, is one that recognizes individuals’ unique concerns and desires. No one knows the aspirations and ambitions of the residents better than the residents themselves.
5 Basic Principles of Resident-Driven Senior Living Communities
Choices
Choices are what allow older adults to maintain an independent lifestyle. Most people have favorite activities and interests. Resident-driven communities create opportunities for residents to continue those activities. As an individual, you should live life as you desire. Has your independence ever been threatened? If not, you’re probably taking some things for granted. If self-determination and managing your own day-to-day activities are important to you, then select a community that encourages you to live life independently while fulfilling your need for social activity and personal growth.
Residents Should Feel Empowered
Residents should feel empowered so they know their opinions matter. Does the community have an active residents’ association? Does the staff work hand-in-hand with community members? What is the residents’ impact on governance?
Do Residents Plan Activities and Excursions?
Who organizes programs and activities? Look for a community where the residents are involved in planning activities and organizing interest and support groups. Ask about committees where residents have the opportunity to state their preferences.
Relationships
Relationships enhance quality of life. Bonds between residents, employees, volunteers and families are integral in a resident-driven retirement living community. Look for these partnerships on your visit.
Respect
Respect is the most important of the 5 principles. Without respect, the rest of these will not be accomplished. Everyone has a unique perspective and his/her opinion should be valued.
What Makes Kendal at Oberlin a Resident-Driven Community?
At first glance, Kendal at Oberlin may appear like many other retirement communities. There are daily activities, social opportunities and private spaces where residents can have quiet time for personal reflection. What sets Kendal apart is that the residents take active roles in shaping the Kendal community and the Oberlin community at large. All residents have a voice.
This encourages a strong sense of community and purpose among Kendal residents. They have a say on a wide range of important issues or serve on any of more than 100 different committees that benefit the needs and diverse interests of Kendal residents.
KORA Council
The Kendal at Oberlin Residents Association (KORA) exists to facilitate cooperation between the Board of Directors of Kendal at Oberlin, the staff, the administration and Kendal residents. Kendal residents are all members of KORA, and they elect 15 peers to serve on the Council. KORA is the supporting organization for all of the resident committees.
Committees and Groups
In addition to the KORA Council, residents have the opportunity to participate in different committees, subcommittees or interest groups based on hobbies, experience, talents and more. There’s a committee or group for just about everything.
According to Anne Elder, Chair of the Volunteer Clearing House, which assists in the coordination of volunteer opportunities, “Residents have a purpose!”
The communications committee, for example, also has several subcommittees, including:
- Audio Announcements - Record announcements and menus for visually impaired residents.
- Bulletin Board - Provides and maintains bulletin boards with current information for Kendal residents.
- Channel 19 - Provides daily PowerPoint presentation and printouts for audio announcements.
- The Kendalight - A monthly newsletter relaying news of interesting and important information for the community.
Other committees represent the diverse interests of the Kendal community, including committees for the following:
- Food Committee
- LGBTQ+ & Allies Interest Group
- Big Bus Day Trips
- Gluten-Free Advocacy and Support Group
- French, Spanish and German Language Committees
- Foreign and Documentary Films Committee
- Horticulture Committee
- Jazz Listening Committee
- Kendal Resale Shop
- Philanthropy Committee
- Science Discussion Group
- Pet Concerns
- Drama Circle
- Library Committee
- Flower Arrangement
- News and Views
- Environmental Concerns Committee
- Fitness and Health Committee
- Transportation Committee
- Woodshop Committee
- Website Committee
- And more
As you can see, there are many differing interests represented in the committees available to residents. Plus, there are abundant opportunities for residents to suggest or recommend other group activities along the way or as interests grow.
Kendal at Oberlin has been a resident-driven organization from the start. We value people and recognize that your happiness and sense of purpose lead to a fulfilling lifestyle. A resident-driven community is one that enables you to be you.
Experience the difference of resident-driven communities by scheduling a visit with Kendal at Oberlin today. Speak with our community members about why they enjoy their life at Kendal.
In the past, Molly Kavanaugh frequently wrote about Kendal at Oberlin for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, where she was a reporter for 16 years. Now we are happy to have her writing for the Kendal at Oberlin Community.
About Kendal at Oberlin: Kendal is a nonprofit life plan community serving older adults in northeast Ohio. Located about one mile from Oberlin College and Conservatory, and about a 40-minute drive from downtown Cleveland, Kendal offers a vibrant resident-led lifestyle with access to music, art and lifelong learning.
This blog was originally published in 2015 and was updated in February 2024.
