“Every day is Valentine’s here,” Stefany Reed said with a wide smile on her face. “We have so much love for our residents, their families and each other!”
Even Cupid would have been amazed with the Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Luncheon inside the Briarcliffe Gardens, which Friday was transformed into a mini-advice counseling service.
“During the week we decided to enlist the help and wisdom of our residents to give relationship advice to their family members and our staff,” Reed, a top-ranking executive/marketing director at the Johnston-based Briarcliffe Campus, explained. “Between all the residents, they literally have hundreds of years of experience to share.”
Briarcliffe’s award-winning activity team took the time to sit with residents and asked them for relationship advice.
After gathering years upon years of their wisdom, Briarcliffe staffer Tony Andrew helped each resident bring their advice to life by printing it for them on a poster board that were all displayed during Friday’s luncheon.
Moreover, as Reed added, the residents were thrilled to share their advice with Briarcliffe caregivers and guests.
“Each and every statement was impressive,” Reed went on. “Take Olga, who is 100 years old, who offered, ‘Treat each other nicely!’”
Gloria, at age 93, said, “Walk away before something is said that can’t be taken back. Be caring!”
Genevieve, 93, said, “Respect each other; have patient and give love. Forgive and forget.”
Then there was Elinor, age 91, who advised, “Talk things over. Always give the other person a chance to talk.”
Lucille, 91, recommended, “Fine common interest and communicate. Socialize with other couples.”
People like Mary, 89, and Maryann, 64, who has a daughter getting married in a few months, advises, Respect and honesty are very important in any relationship. “Never lie” and “Be happy and communicate with each other; have a good time.”
Finally, Val – who is 81 – advises, “Find common interests. Make sure they’re a good person and learn new things about each other!”
For people who would like to learn more of the residents’ wisdom, check out Briarcliffe’s Facebook page.
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