By Jack Cumming

Author’s Note: With this installment, Senior Living Foresight experiments with a fictional account of how one CCRC might have evolved with a different cultural focus. The seven-part series is unashamedly written from a resident’s perspective.

Once upon a time, in a CCRC far away, there dwelt a community of docile residents, content in their lives. They were creative in arts. Some women formed a tapestry sewing group. The men gathered for discussion or worked in the woodshop. There was even a small creative writing group. All was well at Resteasy Village.

As was the custom at Resteasy, the Executive Director addressed the residents once a month. It was called Boss Day, and the residents were free to ask questions as long as they weren’t too pointed. Resteasy Village was a typical standalone CCRC. Local businesspeople – developers, builders, financial advisers, and even a nurse – filled the board. Nary a resident among them. That, too, was custom.

A Standout Resident

Sam Veltheim was a resident. At age 74, he fit in well with the other residents. He, too, enjoyed relaxing and reading. Sam was a leader in the men’s discussions. He was respected. But Sam was different. Sam was one of the few residents at Resteasy Village who still worked full-time. Sam, himself, was Executive Director of the nearby Sunny Acres Rest Home. Sunny Acres was much like Resteasy, though it specialized in respite care, hospice, and care for those who would never again be able to help themselves.

As our story opens, Boss Day took on a new meaning. Instead of the usual conversations about move-ins and repair projects, the Executive Director had an announcement. She had decided to retire and had given the Board 30 days’ notice so they could find her successor. Shock spread through the room. Change is always unsettling.

Resident Huddles

In the days that followed the dramatic announcement on Boss Day, the residents huddled in groups quietly talking of what lay ahead. One of the men who admired Sam for the wisdom he brought to their discussions mused, “Wouldn’t it be nice if Sam could become the next Executive Director here, instead of continuing at Sunny Acres?”

Others agreed but said, “They would never allow a resident to have a job at Resteasy.” Why not? The discussion went on and on until, finally, one of the men started a petition to make Sam executive director and left it near the reception for other residents to sign. And they did. In droves. More than 85% of the residents wanted Sam to be the successor executive director.

Lack of Precedent

The situation was unprecedented. The board was called into emergency session on a Saturday morning to discuss what to do. The local loyalists of the board were accustomed to following precedent. Finally, the pastor of the local Assembly of God congregation, also a board member, said that his faith suggested the Holy Spirit at work. He thought that the board should call Sam to the post and see how it worked out.

The protests were immediate. One director said, “He’s too old.” Another countered, “Don’t be ageist.” The nurse director protested that offering a job to a resident was against the Resteasy rules. But the board chair noted that the board makes the rules and so can change them. The board agreed to offer Sam the job.

Resident Director

And that’s what happened. For the first time in the long history of Resteasy Village, a resident was executive director. The residents called him Resident Director to note the uniqueness of his position. Sam, a naturally open person, loved interacting with residents, employees, and prospects alike, and Resteasy thrived. It even retired a large portion of its debt, thereby increasing the peace of mind of the residents.

Sam had to accept that a resident director can be assailed at any time of day or night by anxious residents. Still, Sam didn’t mind. He loved the job. And the residents loved Sam. One resident was heard to quip, “We have a resident director who makes a difference.”

They all lived happily ever after.

Disclaimer: In this story, and in other related tales of Resteasy Village, all names, characters, and incidents are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, businesses, or circumstances should be inferred.