Residents Volunteer to Provide Information and Fun for New Neighbors

A few months after moving into their two-bedroom, two-bath residence at Fox Run, an Erickson Senior Living community in Novi, Mich., Larry and Martha Wright joined the Navigators program, a branch of the community's New Resident Orientation committee.

"We got involved pretty quickly," says Larry, who was eager to welcome new neighbors to the vibrant community they proudly call home. "We also wanted to meet people and develop friendships, and this is an ideal way to do it!"

Although the couple now heads the Navigators program, they continue to connect with new residents as well.

Navigating newbies

At each of Fox Run's ten residence buildings, a volunteer building coordinator is responsible for identifying newcomers.

When a new resident moves in, the building coordinator connects them with a navigator.

"Building coordinators usually wait until the new resident has had a chance to settle in," says Larry. "Then, the navigator reaches out to take them to lunch, which is covered by the Navigator program.

During the meal, the navigator finds out the resident's interests, what they would like to see and learn about the community, and gives them orientation materials."

Orientation materials include a coupon book, a Fox Run-branded bag, and other goodies. Navigators will take new residents to different locations around campus using their coupon book.

"For instance, a navigator could take them to the Campus Coffee and Marketplace because, inside, the coupon book has a five-dollar coupon for the resident to use on something in the coffee shop," explains Larry. "Not only will residents receive some type of giveaway, but they will also learn where new places are and what services they offer."

At the on-site medical center, residents receive small ice packs for later use and learn about all the health care services available to them. At the pharmacy, they meet the pharmacist and receive a pill box.

Developing relationships

Larry and Martha love being called upon to act as navigators.

"It's my personal feeling that a new resident needs to develop a meaningful relationship with some other resident within the first two or three weeks they're here," says Larry. "They do that through the Navigator program."

By answering all their questions about their new home, navigators help new residents feel comfortable and welcome.

"Getting them oriented to the nuts and bolts of living here, like how to make a reservation in one of the restaurants, makes them comfortable from the start with community living," says Larry. "Then, we get to know what they're interested in and build on that relationship."

"Some of the people we've taken around have become our best friends here!" adds Martha, who also serves as a building coordinator.

Offering more support

About four times a year, the Wrights also volunteer as sales ambassadors by attending sales events, designed for people interested in moving to Fox Run and seeking more information.

At these events, sales ambassadors may take guests on a tour of the campus, answer questions, or join visitors for lunch to share their perspective on what it's like to live at Fox Run.

"That's when they ask us the nitty-gritty questions like, 'What's it really like to live here? What are you involved in? What do you like here?'" notes Larry, who always provides honest and positive responses.

As sales ambassadors, Larry and Martha also meet with Priority List members who sign up for a Live the Life stay--an overnight experience in a furnished suite that allows guests to enjoy amenities, dine at on-campus restaurants, and chat with current residents.

"Once a month, we have dinner with people doing Live the Life," says Martha.

Paying it forward

Martha says she and Larry spend a lot of time helping Priority List members and prospective residents because they remember what it was like to be in their shoes.

"We were on the Priority List for a year, and we would get invited to a luncheon every month," she says. "We met residents who were very encouraging and helpful. Some of them, we still see regularly."

"I think the most important part of all this is that, from the very first contact, people get all the information they need to make an informed decision," says Larry. "Nothing compares to Fox Run. What's here is amazing!"

To learn more about independent senior living at Fox Run, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Michele Wojciechowski