Heart of the Matter Blog

Happy Mental Health Awareness Month! Since 1949, May has been observed by Mental Health America and many other organizations as a time to promote mental health screenings and the de-stigmatization of diagnosis and treatment options.

Most, if not all, of us are familiar with the age-old debate on whether leaders are born or made. People on both sides of the discussion easily cite examples of great leaders that support their argument. In fact, legendary American football coach Vince Lombardi once said, "Leaders aren't born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work." But is it really hard work that creates a leader?

"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." -- James Matthew Barrie As we enter the early days of springtime, we welcome April and the recognition of volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Month. Now more than ever, people helping others is worth celebrating.

In 2019, the theme of the LeadingAge national conference was "What If...." It encouraged members to consider new possibilities and alternate viewpoints such as: What if all individuals lived their later years with dignity and respect? What if jobs in our field were valued and coveted? What if all older adults had access to high-quality services and supports?

St. Elmo's fire is a weather phenomenon that produces an electrical discharge on or around a ship or aircraft during a storm. Regarded as a sign of protection from St. Elmo, the patron saint of sailors, the sailors in ancient times believed this "fire" signified salvation since "the phenomenon occurs most often toward the end of a storm." At nearly 73 years young, my dad's optimistic attitude has been a steadfast reminder that some good can be found in the bad.

Although March 5 is National Employee Appreciation Day, it's never too late to express your appreciation to employees and recognize their hard work and dedication--especially through these unprecedented times. Here are some ways you can "Share Your Heart" and boost morale among staff.

As news of the COVID-19 pandemic broke, it drove fear, anxiety, and uncertainty to new levels throughout retirement communities across the nation. To provide normalcy and give residents something to look forward to amid the crisis, two senior living communities challenged the status quo and decided to elevate their already stellar culinary operations. The culinary teams at Brethren Village and Garden Spot Village were charged with creating excitement around "the love of food."