With a passion for making a difference in the lives of children and a strong background of working in mental health, Lorelei Dubowski, Activities Program Director at Ivy at Ellington brings a new perspective to senior living. “This is a new adventure for me, I haven’t worked in senior living before, but I have worked with children and their families in the mental health setting to find ways to improve their lives. When I found out Ivy at Ellington was being built, I contacted them and just knew I wanted to work in activities,” says Lorelei. Her fresh perspective on creating the activities program for Ivy at Ellington will match the vision of the new community. “We’re still working on putting everything into place, but I am so excited for all of the different activities and programs we will offer. I am looking forward to getting to know each resident, sitting down with them and really listening to them about what their passions and interest are. I want to match our activities and programs to what the residents want.”
Passion for Working with People
Lorelei’s experience of working with families, especially children and their parents isn’t something new. But rather than working with the parents and focusing on the child, she will be working with adult children who are transitioning their parent into a new stage of life. Embracing change of moving to assisted living can be difficult for some senior adults. That’s why Lorelei sees her job as so much more than just planning daily activities and programs. “In my past roles, I was always focused on the child. Now, it’s just the opposite. I will be working with the adult child. I believe my background of working with families and their children on different physiological disorders, anxiety and depression will really help me connect with families. I enjoy building relationships with people and making close connections. Just because I will be working with senior adults, doesn’t mean the families won’t be involved. They helped make the decision to move them in, so I want to be there for them as well,” says Lorelei.
A Vision to Make a Difference
Her vision for the activities program at Ivy at Ellington is to make a difference everyday with each resident. “Our activities and programs will be unique and fun. We will be using the entire building, not just the activities room. From lawn games outside in the court yard to entertainment in The Pub. I just want to make a difference in the resident’s lives.” Matching her passion of working with people and making a difference in their lives with knowledge of mental health – Lorelei feels right at home. “The atmosphere here (Ivy at Ellington) is just so comfortable to work in. It has a family feel to it – it’s truly amazing.” Schedule a tour today at Ivy at Ellington to see for yourself and talk with staff members about how they hope to make a difference in the lives of the residents.
