Defining Culture: The Little Things Matter More

As we continue to dive into our cultural principles, we talk a lot about the things that are easy to see. But truthfully, the culture we employ and build for our residents is about much more than the big things. Our culture is built on the small things that you only notice when they aren’t there.

Why the Small Things?

To put it quite simply, the big things are easy. The big things we notice and know all about because without them, there is void that is unmistakable. In fast food, it’s easy to know that you need to cook your burgers all the way through or that you welcome customers with a smile. In education it’s easy to know that you must make a lesson plan and follow a curriculum. In senior living, it’s easy to know that you are supposed to provide medications and have comfortable amenities.

The big things are the easiest things to do even when you don’t care about the work you are doing. The small things are all about attention to detail.

What are the Small Things?

We are glad you asked. In senior living, there are so many little things that can be done that make a notable difference. For example, one of the most important parts of health is exercise. The easy part is having the equipment and making a schedule. But the little things that make it more effective is making sure we are tailoring our services to each person’s personality. Not just making sure each person has a regiment that is specific to their body’s needs, but also keeping residents motivated to do the work they need to stay healthy.

When it comes to nutrition, it is easy have three meals a day that follow nutritional guidelines. You can have green beans from cans and mass meals that are easy to prepare and cheap on the budget line. But bringing in fresh foods and supporting local farmers is going beyond the easy part and provides superior nutrition and taste! It also allows us to create more partners in the neighborhoods around our community to make more opportunities for our residents.  

These are just a couple of examples of the small things that we believe in. And when you think about it…

The Small Things Really Aren’t all that Small 

Every day is a chance to make a difference in someone’s life. Sometimes the nurse that notices a resident could use a hug can change the entire trajectory of the day. Sometimes it’s a kind word that stuck with you during a hard week. Sometimes it’s just knowing that you have a community of people who care about you all the way through and not just your name filling a room.

We call them the small things because they are so easy to miss when you don’t care. But when you add them all up, they make the biggest difference!