Results of a recent survey of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) reveal that these organizations are providing robust wellness programs for resident and staffs. The Whole-Person Wellness Survey was conducted by Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging, in partnership with C.C. Hodgson Architectural Group and Ziegler.
Staff members in operations and administration positions in CCRCs nationwide who completed the Internet-based survey identified factors critical to the success of their wellness programs, as well as the impact of their program on residents’ quality of life. In addition to employee wellness programs, the comprehensive study focused on current and projected wellness program features related to a number of areas including: program structure, activities, participation, staffing, spaces, features, operational implementation, financing, and employee well-being.
The most important factors in developing a successful wellness program focused on establishing organizational commitment, investing in staff training, and offering a variety of programs/activities that are appropriate to residents’ abilities. Other key findings of the report include:
- Most of the communities had, or would have in 12 months, specific written wellness objectives or goals.
- Attention to staff wellness was a component of most communities’ philosophies.
- Employee-specific programs tend to focus on the physical dimension of wellness.
- Staff in activities/resident enrichment, medical/clinic health, therapy, and administration/management departments received the most wellness training.
- The future of wellness suggests a more balanced whole-person approach.
- Increased resident participation is expected in all six dimensions of wellness (with largest increases in the physical and intellectual dimensions).
- Wellness programs have a strong impact on resident and family member satisfaction and in the decision to join the community.
A free copy of the Whole-Person Wellness Survey can be downloaded from the Institute’s website.
