November is a time of reflection and intention as we near the end of another year full of blessings. At Trinity Senior Services—whether it’s soil scientists nurturing our farm fields or our five-star nursing teams delivering exceptional care—we uphold the highest standards to remain a distinguished senior living community. Our mission starts with our very own residents and the caring and compassionate hands of staff across several different disciplines.
Each year, the Employee Appreciation Fund provides an opportunity to give back to the caregivers, housekeepers, dining staff, activities team, and many others who make a difference in the lives of our residents. Thanks to your generosity, 100% of donations go directly to our employees across all campuses. Your contribution is a meaningful way to say thank you to the staff who touch the lives of many.
“What is truly remarkable about many of our staff, are the seemingly mundane things that are done without notice on an everyday basis, that don’t get recognized or celebrated…unsung daily responsibilities that our employees do behind the scenes…”
Discover how our employees bring the mission of Trinity Senior Services (TSS) to life through their stories shared below.
Making Memories in Memory Care
A story that reminds me of my “why” for coming to work each day was an encounter I had with a resident who has since passed. She was on Clare Suites (Memory Care) and was such a bright spot in that community. It was when I first started at TSS, I was working evenings doing the ladies’ nails. This resident was our purple girl, everything had to be purple, from her blouses to her socks and hair ties. Of course, when picking out a nail polish she had an array of purples to choose from. This resident picked her shade (bright purple with glitter of course) and we got to work.
When we were all done, she stuck her arms right out in front of her and simply admired them. After a few moments of silence, she looked at me and beamed “they are just wonderful, I love purple”. This is one of the many moments of working at TSS that showcases the magic of the little things. My “why” for working at TSS and becoming a recreational therapist in this setting, is to be the person who I would want to be taking care of my loved one. It truly is our wonderful residents who make TSS so special, and I am forever grateful to get to know each and every one of them as well at their family members.
Earlier this year, I had an incredibly gratifying, humbling experience that reminded me why I do what I do as a Life Engagement Coordinator at Trinity Senior Services. I had helped one of the residents facilitate an event that brought together college students and residents over a shared love of poetry and art. After the event, I noticed that a remarkable connection had formed between two of the residents — one an active, lively writer in her early 80’s, the other a 99-year-old retired Sister and poet who was confined to a wheelchair. From that time forward, I noticed the two residents together frequently. I would spot the younger resident pushing the older in her wheelchair, taking her on a walk or to an event. They lived on opposite sides of the building from one another, had completely different life experiences, but their shared love of poetry had forged a bond that overpowered their many differences, and it was beautiful to witness.
Unfortunately, the Sister declined in health, and a few months later, I saw her younger friend on the way to attend her funeral. I stopped and spoke with her for a few minutes, and she shared how much she admired this woman that she had just begun getting to know. I began to tear up, touched by this newfound friendship that was now being grieved, and I was in awe at the thought that a simple activity had led to this relationship. It reminded me that what I do as a Life Engagement Coordinator does not go to waste — I can help create spaces where encounters take place, friendships begin, and lives are changed for the better.
We had a patient in therapy who was admitted as a quadriplegic being prior independent with all mobility. He was in therapy for over 4 months and progressed from being totally dependent to in all his mobility to being much improved and with ability to stand and take a few steps. The entire team from therapy to nursing to dietary to housekeeping to social services all worked very diligently to make the discharge home possible. The first time this patient stood up was awe inspiring and the whole team cheered for him. This is why we do what we do.
Nourishing the Spirit: Joy Snacks in Assisted Living
One of our dedicated Assisted Living nurses was inspired by an article about joy and the importance of reducing stress in aging. Wanting to bring that inspiration to our residents, she introduced the idea of “Joy Snacks”—small, intentional exercises that help residents pause, reflect, and rediscover simple joys in daily life. Thanks to her thoughtful initiative, Joy Snacks are now part of our monthly calendar, promoting positivity and gratitude throughout the community. During Resident Council, residents shared acts of kindness and moments of gratitude that warmed everyone’s hearts. It’s been a heartwarming reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness and moments of joy can brighten our days and strengthen our sense of community.
A Ministry of Presence: Sacred Moments in Memory Care
Working at TSS with the School Sisters of Notre Dame and School Sisters of St. Francis brings out the best of the best! Working in a Memory Care where the Sister’s average age is 94 means we provide care while they are on their last journey. One of our beloved sisters we got to really know was passing. I walked by her room and saw one of our staff bent over in prayer with the Sister’s hand stroking her head. That image will be with me forever as a reminder of why we do what we do.
I have noticed our housekeepers hugging, laughing and crying with families as a loved one has departed; I have also noticed families seeking them out for help and comfort. They have found them (our housekeepers) to let them know their family member loved them and wish them well in life and to thank them for everything they have done and a job well done. Residents look to them as more then a housekeeper, that of aconfidant, a friend, a sister, an aunt. They are the reason why we are so successful in our job, they are the epitome of a team player and as good as they come. I am honored to say they are part of the housekeeping team!
Growing Together: Strength in Our Nursing Leadership
My story is not about just one episode, but a multitude of moments every day. Our nurse management team is finally complete after several former excellent nurse managers retired. I’ve been blessed with having them replaced with RNs who are enthusiastic and motivated to meet the needs and wants of residents and family members every day. I’m grateful for the positive feedback I’ve received from many residents and family members who feel confident with discussing needs and concerns with the managers. Some of my staff are very new to management and are still learning the ropes, but my seasoned staff have stepped up to provide support and help. I enjoy watching them grow in their skills and I’m very grateful for all of them every day. They make coming to “work” a joy!
I don’t think it’s the big things that make a difference all the time in the lives of our residents. What is truly remarkable about many of our staff, are the seemingly mundane things that are done without notice on an everyday basis, that don’t get recognized or celebrated. They don’t seek out the pat on the back, or the acknowledgement, but show up every day and do an amazing job at the core functions of their jobs…which allow families and extra day, week, month or even year with their loved ones. Without the unsung daily responsibilities that our employees do behind the scenes, every single day, those things wouldn’t be possible.
