National Activity Professionals Week is an opportunity to honor activity professionals and the significant role they play in bringing joy and a fullness of life to seniors. This year, Botsford Commons Senior Community celebrated their staff, the Fullness of Life team, during the nationally celebrated week, Jan. 17-23.
Botsford Commons’ residents are the priority for the Fullness of Life team, including Suzanne Lipar, Barb Smith and Leslie Drielts. Each of these devoted activity professionals engage in person-centered activities and specially designed programing with their residents.
Botsford Commons is especially proud of their activities staff as all three have their National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (CTRS), the premier credentialing organization for the profession of Therapeutic Recreation.
• Barb Smith, Fullness of Life and Volunteer Services Coordinator for the independent community plans frequent trips all around Michigan, elaborate community meals and one-on-one time for those residents who have individual needs. Working with independent community residents keeps Smith busy and feeling grateful.
• Leslie Drielts, Fullness of Life coordinator for the assisted living community is gifted in creativity, exceptional arts and crafts skills and a sense of humor to turn any frown upside down. She has a strong background in working with residents moving through the aging process and her kind demeanor comforts residents and their families.
• Suzanne Lipar, Fullness of Life Manager for Botsford Continuing Care Center works with a wide variety of residents including physically challenged seniors to those with severe Alzheimer’s diseases. She understands the aging process and how to communicate with residents when they may need extra social interaction or a change in their day-to-day routine.
It is the different blend of gifts and talents all three of these professionals bring to the residents of Botsford Commons, allowing them to live the mission statement every day, “to create a fullness of life through the joy of relationships, the art of caring, and the spirit of living,” Botsford officials said.
