Seeing Our Seniors as They See Themselves
This image is in an award-winning photo series called “Reflections” by Tom Hussey, a commercial advertising photographer. Hussey’s series shows seniors looking into mirrors and finding the reflections of their younger selves. It was inspired by a World War II veteran who said, “I can’t believe I am going to be 80, I feel like I just came back from the war. I look into the mirror and I see this old guy.”
Far too often our seniors are seen only as they are in that moment: at times more frail, quiet, and reserved than their younger selves. Seniors, whether aging at home or in a senior living community, deserve be seen as the person they have been, the things they’ve accomplished, and in line with how they see themselves—that’s what we strive for here at New Perspective Senior Living, and it works. Heather, the daughter of one of our residents, recently offered a wonderful piece of feedback that speaks to this. She said, “[My dad’s] needs are being met, he’s safe, and people are looking out for him. Everyone is so warm. They know my dad. They know me.”
At New Perspective Senior Living, our mission—putting residents first in everything we do—pushes our team members, from our founder and CEO to our caregivers, nurses, and dining team, to truly see our residents as they see themselves. Empathy allows our team members to get to know our residents, to understand where they’ve come from, who they were, and who they still are. It’s by engaging our residents with empathy and compassion that we set ourselves apart and hold fast to our foundational belief: that all seniors deserve to Live Life on Purpose®. Caring for our residents with empathy and understanding leads to feedback like what Lois (age 80) told us recently: “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my whole life. I feel cared for—I have no worries.” Our goal is to have all our residents feel that same way.
If you would like to know more about New Perspective Senior Living, please reach out to us. We look forward to answering your questions, addressing your comments, or scheduling a tour of one of our communities.
Today, New Perspective Senior Living operates 21 senior living communities serving over 2,000 seniors through Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care options, with a goal to be serving 10,000 seniors by 2025. Based in Eden Prairie, Minn., the company has won multiple awards including Top Assisted Living Facility, Best-of-the-Best Dining Experience and Top Workplaces. In addition, Todd Novaczyk, was recently profiled in the Senior Housing News, The Leadership Series, while Ryan Novaczyk was just named to 50 for the Next 50 by Leading Age of Minnesota