As the sun rises on the beautifully kept, sweeping lawns of Meadowood, our residents and staff are getting ready to start a new day. While each day is different for everyone, we wanted to give you a sneak peek into what an average day is like for many of us.

Upon waking, many of our residents in the Health Center benefit from the help of our caring CNAs. Whether it’s assistance with their morning routine or getting breakfast, our Health Center CNAs frequently comment that spending time with residents is their favorite part of the job. They assist residents within the Personal Care, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing areas of the Health Center.

“We help our Health Center residents prepare for their day in any way they need just like we do for ourselves at home,” says Meadowood CNA Veronica. “We’re typically assigned around 8-10 residents a day, but we really see all of them each day because we all build relationships with them and we like to see how they’re doing each day. Plus, all our CNAs help each other out with our assignments so no one becomes overwhelmed or has too much to do, so that’s another way we usually get to see everyone each day.”

Many of our Independent Living residents choose to enjoy breakfast in their full kitchen at home or in the Cafe, which reopened post-pandemic with expanded options based on feedback collected directly from residents. The staff is always looking for ways to improve every aspect of daily life for the community, so comment cards and surveys are frequent — along with, of course, spending quality time listening to residents face-to-face.

After breakfast many residents head off to their activities for the day. Those in the Health Center who work with the nursing staff throughout the day get whatever assistance they need to take part in a fun and full day. The Life Enrichment Department brings in fun events like singing and dancing, exercise, games, and more. CNAs often join in with the activities or spend time sitting with the residents chatting and getting to know them. Sometimes the Life Enrichment Department plans special outings, like the Equine Therapy Program. CNAs accompany and assist the Health Center residents on these outings.

Other residents head outside to enjoy the spacious park-like campus — Health Center residents always have the assistance they need from staff to enjoy the grounds. Plenty of sport and leisurely activities are also available to enjoy for independent residents who like to stay active, whether it be taking a long walk, joining a bocce ball tournament, or playing a round of golf. Two indoor pools, a 1600 square foot training room complete with locker rooms, private changing rooms, and showers, and an aerobics studio allow residents to stay active when the weather isn’t friendly. Employees also have access to all of these amenities as a perk, in addition to weekly fitness classes just for them including Pilates, Cycling, Water Aerobics, Yoga, and much more! We have found that this is a great way to support our employees’ work/life balance.

Our Independent Living residents who are hobbyists may head to the woodworking and crafting shop, green thumbs to the horticultural area, and artists to the art and ceramics studios. Many of our residents still work, so they enjoy the use of complimentary wi-fi with banking and postal service on-site.

After morning activities, the Bistro is a popular lunch spot. The Bistro is a more upscale, trendy space with a bar-like atmosphere and a high-end menu featuring local favorites like the legendary lobster roll (a big favorite among residents), drunken mussels, and signature soups like crab corn chowder and lobster bisque. The newest dishes seem to be a hit as the Bistro is always packed with Independent Living residents for lunch and dinner.

Many of our Health Center residents benefit from nursing assistance at lunch, so mealtimes are always stress-free with time to socialize in the Health Center dining area. After lunch, many like to head to the salon to get their hair or nails done, or take part in more activities. During this time, CNAs like to spend time with their Health Center residents swapping stories with and learning more about them before dinnertime and getting them ready for bed.

“My favorite thing is getting to know the Health Center residents, giving them the best care I can give them, and knowing that, at the end of the day, I’ve done well because I’ve gotten a smile from them,” says Veronica. “We also spend time with family when they visit. It’s very important to me that we make the family comfortable while they’re here so they can focus on quality time with their loved one and know that they are truly cared for.”

“It’s important to remember that this is their home,” Veronica continues, “and we do everything in our power to provide that feeling of home and comfort in addition to the practical care they need. This isn’t just a job. We build relationships with each other, we know each other on a first-name basis. We’re family.”

Interested In A Career At Meadowood?

Do you enjoy working with seniors? We have CNA positions available at our Pennsylvania life plan community. View our current positions and apply here today, or you can download an application here.

Meadowood’s Life Plan Community Offers Luxury Living

We all want the very best for ourselves and our beloved family members, and that’s why Meadowood places a passion for residents’ happiness and well-being above all other considerations. If you’re interested in finding a home that allows you or your loved one to maintain a fulfilling and independent lifestyle, we’d love to give you a tour and answer all of your questions. Contact us today to find out more.