Activities Galore at The Grandview

When Karen Leighton heard about the opportunity to serve as resident life director at The Grandview, a new Erickson Senior Living community in Bethesda, Md., she was intrigued.

Although she was very satisfied filling the same role at Charlestown, another Erickson Senior Living community in Catonsville, Md., she felt a draw to Bethesda. "I was born and raised in Montgomery County," she notes.

"I live in Rockville, so I watched The Grandview being built," Leighton explains. "Working in a brand-new community with the chance to shape the resident life experience was an amazing opportunity that I couldn't pass up."

Now that the community is open, she's even happier with her decision.

"Residents were anxiously waiting to move in," she says. "Now that they're here, enjoying the vibrant lifestyle they were so excited about, it's rewarding to see--and be a part of."

Pursuing a calling

Before becoming resident life director at Charlestown, Leighton served as the rehabilitation manager there for two years.

"Then the resident life director retired after 25 years, so I applied for the position. I believe it was my calling; I fell in love with resident life," Leighton says.

To support her development of the resident life program at The Grandview, Leighton plans on adding some of the events and activities that were most successful at Charlestown.

She will also depend on the pre-residency orientation meetings she attended, in which her team gained valuable insights on residents' interests and the engaging lifestyle they want.

"Our job is to make sure we're offering a range of on-site activities to suit many interests," she says. "That's a real difference between an Erickson Senior Living community and a 55-plus community. We're here to help you achieve the vibrant retirement lifestyle you've always dreamed of."

She also credits the residents themselves, who began starting clubs and forming friendships well before the community even opened.

On-site events

Leighton plans on hosting many events at the community.

"We will have events for both residents and team members. And at some events, we'll invite residents and employees to bring their kids and grandkids," she notes. "It's a great way of encouraging multigenerational connections. There's nothing better than watching that happen."

The Grandview's state-of-the-art amenities will serve as the backdrop for these events.

"The amenities here are incredible!" says Leighton. "When you walk into The Grandview, the entrance is magnificent. The fitness and aquatics center is impressive. The restaurants are beautiful, including the breathtaking rooftop restaurant. This community is a place that you can't wait to show your friends and family."

Leighton is also excited to take advantage of the versatile Life Enrichment Center.

"It's grand--it can hold tremendous amounts of people for performances and galas," she notes.

"Plus, it's where the pickleball courts are, which residents are excited about. The bocce courts are fantastic, too."

She's also looking forward to coordinating local and regional trips. "That's another reason why I was excited to come here--we are so close to Washington, D.C., which boasts so many museums, monuments, and cultural centers. We can also organize quick trips to Bethesda Row for shopping and dining."

A supportive community

As more retirees move to The Grandview, Leighton will evolve the community's resident life program to better fit their wants and interests.

"As a new community, we are able to pivot--when necessary--to create new events and activities," notes Leighton, who appreciates receiving advice and feedback from the vast network of resident life directors at Erickson Senior Living communities across the country.

Leighton's excitement to be working at The Grandview is evident. She cites her dedicated team as just one of the many reasons she loves her job.

"We may have different titles, but we are all part of a team that supports each other and, most importantly, the residents," she says.

To learn more about the ways you can explore senior living, request more information today.

By Gregory J. Alexander