Embracing a new role at Fox Run

Novi MI

09 June, 2020

12:01 PM

Description

At Fox Run, a continuing care retirement community developed and managed by Erickson Living, one of the staff members most involved in shaping daily life is the community resources manager, who is responsible for supporting resident-run clubs, publishing the activities calendar, and planning outings and events. Katherine Rivera was hired to fill that role in late February—just weeks before Michigan (and most of the rest of the world) went under stay-at-home orders. The timing created some unique challenges for Rivera, but she hasn’t let the circumstances stop her from keeping community members informed and entertained. Fox Run has an on-site TV studio that broadcasts to every apartment home, and that provided a convenient hub for information and connection while residents were sheltering in place. Exercise classes; educational programs; and cultural events like ballets, operas, and Broadway shows were all being aired on the station. Worship services and bible study classes were also broadcast on TV while Fox Run neighbors couldn’t gather in person. “Every Friday I host a ‘call-out’ talk show called Fox Run Talks Back where I call three residents and we discuss positive, uplifting topics,” Rivera says. “I really enjoy this because it gives me a chance to get know some residents a little while they are staying home.” Movies and live informational TV programs were also being shown each day on Fox Run’s TV station. And even though community members couldn’t get together in the clubhouse for their regular Friday happy hours, the staff found a creative way to keep the party going. The community services department aired recorded performances by residents’ favorite entertainers, and dining services delivered a cocktail and snacks to residents’ apartments for a complete happy hour experience at home. “Overall, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and appreciative of the work we are doing—not just for the community resources team but for all the Fox Run staff,” Rivera says. “Residents’ signs, phone calls, and emails are so encouraging and motivate us to keep at it.” Each week, Rivera and her team dropped off hard copies of the Fox Run Connection Entertainment Guide to residents’ front doors. The packets are filled with the in-house TV guide, activity pages, journal topics, trivia, and interesting websites to explore. “Fox Run also has a lovely library. Twice a week, I deliver library books and movies to residents’ apartments,” Rivera says. “They can also have playing cards and jigsaw puzzles delivered.” Starting a new job during a global pandemic has not been without its challenges. But Rivera and all of her colleagues at Fox Run stayed flexible to do whatever needed to be done under the unprecedented circumstances.  “It is a challenge to learn a new facility and position under any circumstances. The pandemic made it more difficult because no one was in their usual roles or places,” Rivera says. “Currently, my main focus is keeping the residents informed, entertained, and connected during the crisis while they stay home and stay safe. And, of course, I am being part of the Fox Run team—I am definitely getting my steps in helping with deliveries and concierge services.” Rivera is looking forward to a post-pandemic world where she will be able to spend more time with residents in person. “I am most looking forward to getting to know the residents a lot better—and have some fun together,” Rivera says. “I love to throw a good party!” About Fox Run: Fox Run, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 108-acre campus in Novi, Michigan. The not-for-profit community of more than 1,300 residents and 750 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information can be found at FoxRunNovi.com. Written by Meghan Streit