Touchmark Retirement Communities
Life Enrichment
Fulfilling People
Virtually every retirement community today has an “activities program” that offers readymade events. While this traditional approach can fill people’s days, Touchmark believes that much more is needed to fulfill people.
In 2003, Touchmark invited Marge Coalman, EdD—a well-known innovator—to join the company and develop a new program: Touchmark Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment program. This dynamic program encourages—and supports—residents to live happier, healthier lifestyles by becoming personally involved and engaged. Through partnering with Touchmark, residents take “ownership” of their own goals and well-being.
The vision
People at every age and stage of ability seek opportunities to remain productive, contributing members of a community. They search for ways to stay mentally and physically independent and active; they seek resources to meet their spiritual needs; and they want to keep expanding their knowledge.
Partnering with residents to identify their desires and dreams—and working together to bring those needs, passions, and abilities to life—is the core of Touchmark’s program, both in philosophy and in practice.
The Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment program is composed of:
- Daily Exercise and Physical Activities—based on individual abilities and needs
- Mind, Body, and Spirit classes
- Lifelong Learning—experiences that expand and enrich each resident
- Community Partners—meaningful connections with the larger community
- Friendship Ambassadors—a resident team who welcome guests and new residents
- Intergenerational opportunities—young people meeting with residents on a regular basis
- Growing Together—nurturing plants and pets
- Celebrations—scheduled special events
Program structure
Each Touchmark community has a Life Enrichment/Wellness director or coordinator who works directly with Marge Coalman, EdD, vice president of Wellness & Programs. This director/coordinator also works with the community’s executive director to meet specific program criteria before a community’s program can become certified.
Two primary building blocks for the program are the Life Enrichment & Wellness Questionnaire and the Resident Personal Interest Form. The directors/coordinators use this unique tool to hold a meaningful, one-on-one dialog with residents within 30 days of their moving into a community. This discussion helps Touchmark staff identify each resident’s dreams, passions, goals, and abilities so that programming can be tailored to support those. For the residents, this conversation establishes Touchmark’s commitment to be a partner in their wellness goals and planning.
A summary of this meeting—and an individualized plan—are entered into Touchmark’s electronic information system that tracks a range of details about each resident, giving staff the information needed to provide personalized support.
Touchmark’s Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment program focuses on the strengths, skills, needs, and interests of each person living in a Touchmark community. After all, opportunities for enhanced wellness and new interests are not limited to the first 50 years of life but are a continuum of opportunity over one’s lifespan.
Meet Melanie Snow Touchmark at Mt. Bachelor Village Life Enrichment Director / Wellness Director
Melanie came to Touchmark in spring 2007 as the Life Enrichment/Wellness Director. In this position, she meets with new residents, learns their interests and desires, and develops programs and activities. Before coming to Touchmark, Melanie worked as a personal trainer in Bend, Oregon, as a fitness coordinator at Aspire Health and Fitness (also in Bend), a Senior Advisor for the SilverSneaker program at Lloyd Athletic Club in Portland, Oregon, as a fitness coordinator at Mary’s Woods Retirement Community in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and in various corporate fitness positions. Currently, Melanie and her husband own their own business (High Desert Fitness Products). Melanie was born and raised in Victoria, Texas, and moved to Oregon in 2004. She attended Southwest Texas State University and received a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in Health and Fitness Management as well as a Master of Physical Education. Melanie enjoys spending time with her daughter, participating in roller derby with the Lava City Roller Dolls, traveling, camping, fishing, scuba diving, and the outdoors.
© 2008 Touchmark