Terry’s Role as Life Enrichment Director of The Courtyards at Mountain View
At The Courtyards at Mountain View, a senior living community in Denver, Colorado, Terry serves as the Life Enrichment Director. She plans and implements enriching social activities for assisted living and independent living residents.
It is a role she embraces with deep commitment and care.
When asked why she wanted to become a senior Life Enrichment Director, she simply said, “I was looking for a way to give back.” Faith plays a significant role in Terry’s life, guiding her to do the right thing for the residents. Making them smile brings her immense joy.
Over 20 Years of Experience in Senior Living
Terry’s journey in senior living began over 20 years ago. She started as a caregiver and gradually worked her way up to team lead, care coordinator, and eventually a specialist in memory care.
After working as a memory care director, Terry felt it was time to try something new and broaden her impact by working with older adults in independent living and assisted living.
Teepa Snow’s Dementia Care Training: A Lasting Impact
A pivotal moment in Terry’s career was her training with dementia care expert Teepa Snow.
“I spent eight hours in training with her in person,” says Terry.
Teepa taught Terry important techniques like redirection and helped her understand the significant changes residents face when moving into senior living. One exercise, in particular, left a deep impression.
“Teepa had us write down everything important to us—family, kids, career—then crumple it up and throw it on the floor,” says Terry. “She explained that all that has been taken from you if you were a senior going to a senior living community. That simple thing has stuck with me all these years.”
This exercise reminds her to approach her work with empathy, understanding the initial loss that residents can experience when moving to a senior living community.
Giving residents a sense of purpose through social interaction can promote cognitive health and increase the overall quality of life.
A Day in the Life at The Courtyards at Mountain View
As the Life Enrichment Director, Terry’s responsibilities extend far beyond organizing activities and exploring things to do for seniors in Denver.
“My main responsibility is to take good care of our residents and ensure their well-being — physically, emotionally, and spiritually,” she says.
Her typical day includes planning and executing eight to 12 activities, overseeing transportation logistics, and making sure that each resident’s needs are met. From morning tai chi and yoga sessions to evening board games and movies, Terry’s schedule is as dynamic as it is purposeful.
Senior life enrichment programs at The Courtyards at Mountain View help residents remain active, fostering a sense of community and belonging. These enriching activities are designed to reduce the risk of depression by keeping older adults engaged, socially connected, and feeling purposeful in their daily lives.
Why Terry’s Exercise Sessions Are a Resident Favorite
Terry’s exercise sessions are among the most popular activities for seniors at The Courtyards at Mountain View. What started with just four participants has grown to include 13 to 27 residents.
“The residents love it,” says Terry. “They like coming to my class because I explain why they’re doing each exercise.”
She teaches them how to maintain mobility and build strength, incorporating Pilates and barre exercises without them even realizing it. “Core strength is everything,” says Terry.
A Success Story: How Gary Regained His Mobility
One of Terry’s standout successes involves a resident named Gary, who arrived at The Courtyards at Mountain View after a respite care stay. He was shuffling and struggling to walk.
Under Terry’s guidance and regular participation in her exercise classes, Gary’s condition improved significantly.
“Now he doesn’t shuffle and is able to walk much better,” says Terry. “That makes me happy.”
Creating a Garden Oasis for Residents
In addition to her work indoors, Terry has transformed the community’s courtyard into a vibrant garden space.
“The garden was in need of some TLC, so the residents and I worked together to clean it up,” says Terry.
The courtyard is now a favorite spot for outdoor life enrichment activities for seniors like tai chi and yoga, bringing a refreshing element of nature to the residents’ daily routines. Residents like Peggy and Sharon take turns watering the plants, and the space has become a popular gathering place for exercise, gardening, and staying socially active.
Resident-Led Activity Planning: A Personalized Approach
Terry’s commitment to resident engagement is evident in how she involves them in the activity planning process.
“The residents make the calendar, and I write what they want to do,” says Terry. “It’s their journey. They’re not going to come to an activity if they don’t like it, so why wouldn’t I get their input?”
To further personalize activities, Terry created a “Get to Know Me” sheet that helps her learn about each resident’s likes and dislikes when pursuing an active lifestyle. “When I start making my calendar, I can look at their folder and see what they asked for,” she says.
The Reward of Resident Satisfaction
For Terry, one of the most rewarding aspects of her job is seeing residents enjoy their enrichment activities and hearing them express their satisfaction. She also connects personally with the residents by letting them lead the conversation.
“When they smile and tell their family they had a great time and they love living here, that’s what makes it all worth it,” she says. “It’s not about me. I listen. If you listen enough, you will learn so much about life. I am very fortunate to have the residents we have.”
Terry’s Dedication to Life Enrichment Activities for Seniors in Denver, CO
Terry’s work at The Courtyards at Mountain View is a testament to her dedication and passion for enhancing the lives of residents. Her approach, grounded in empathy, active listening, and a commitment to resident-centered care, makes her an invaluable asset to the community.
While Terry recognizes how fortunate she is to work with the residents, it’s clear that the residents are equally fortunate to have her as a Life Enrichment Director.
Know a senior in need of life enrichment? Visit The Courtyards at Mountain View.
Contact us to arrange a tour of The Courtyards at Mountain View in Denver, CO. Terry and our team would be happy to introduce you or a loved one to our activities program.