Mount Pleasant Senior Living 2020-21

www.CharlestonRetirementLifestyle.com | www.RetiringToSC.com | www.HotRetirementTowns.com senior living SL - 17 W hen physical education teacher Kelsy Shea- Dodd accepted a part- time gig at the Daniel Pointe Retirement Community to teach dance to seniors, she had no idea it would become her life passion. But when the community’s lifestyle director position opened up, she didn’t hesitate — she immediately quit her teaching job and went for it. “I had never worked with seniors before, but every time I was there, I was filled with so much joy, love and laughter,” she explained. “I really felt I was making a difference and contributing to the community.” Shea-Dodd is one of those people who exudes merriment. Her personality shines through everything she says and the inflection in her voice. The residents have a real advantage with Shea-Dodd as their cheerleader — her ideas are all bright and playful. Her boss, Kelly Jo Hinrich, vice president of marketing for Resort Lifestyle Communities, agrees that Shea-Dodd’s disposition is ideal for residents. “Our goal as a company is resident happiness, and Kelsy is the definition of happiness,” she exclaimed. Hinrich pointed out just a few of the ways Shea-Dodd makes living at Daniel Pointe more fun, from sidewalk chalk messaging to community-wide intercom bingo games. Most of all, however, she makes residents feel valued. “Kelsy takes the time to listen, and that is an art,” said Hinrich. “Cell phone down, leaning into conversations, remembering the things residents tell her and then working hard to incorporate them into activities that bring people joy. In this time of COVID-19, where we are all working hard to stay safe, she replaced ‘socially distanced’ in her vocabulary with ‘socially engaged, properly distanced.’ Instead of fear and isolation, she makes sure everyone is accounted for.” Shea-Dodd recalled a game she created for the residents that turned out to be quite the eye-opener for her. “I put up photos of the residents as children, with no names, and they had to guess who was who,” she said. “To see them as kids — to look at their lives and their collective experiences —made me even more determined to ensure their time here is filled with fun, laughter and great memories.” Shea-Dodd also stays on her toes when it comes to sharing tech knowledge. She pointed out that residents sometimes need a boost when learning how social media and the latest gadgets can keep them connected to their loved ones. For Mother’s Day and Father’s Day this year, Shea-Dodd compiled video clips she got from family members into a montage of well-wishes and messages for the residents to watch. She recalled with pride how videos came from around the world, and there was even one clip of a great-great- grandchild. “Technology is our best friend right now. We help those who are non-tech- savvy and let them use our devices if they need to,” she said. “Kelsy is an amazing teammate who emulates serving from the heart, which is one of our core values,” said Hinrich. “She is selfless and goes out of her way to cement the relationships between her colleagues and the residents.” Before the virus, it was not unusual to see Shea-Dodd invite the dinner staff to come out and join in a dance or pull a housekeeper or server to participate in a challenge. “It should not be about what department you work in,” she mused. “But instead …. us as a whole — as one big family.” It’s been two years since she left the teaching profession, and Shea-Dodd couldn’t be happier. “This job is a once-in- a-lifetime opportunity. I can’t imagine not working with seniors,” she beamed. BY PAMELA JOUAN The Definition of Happiness Kelsy Shea-Dodd Brings Joy to Residents