"Two years ago, I was managing 10 senior living communities across the country when I started to miss the human interaction and relationships with the very people I was working for - older adults. An executive director role within my company became available, and while most viewed this as a step back in my career, I raised my hand for the job, eager to be in closer contact with residents."
"The job was based in Brooklyn Heights, New York, too far to commute from my home near Philadelphia, so I packed my bags and decided away from my family to move with my German Shepherd-Chihuahua mix dog, Diego. I return home to my husband on the weekends. We took an 11 th-floor apartment in the same high-rise building as all the other 200 residents. While I am working during the day managing the community, outside work hours, I live alongside everyone else."
"All the residents get really excited when they see me leaving and then arriving home each morning. No matter the weather, they greet me in the lobby, asking me how the run was, how the training is going, and if I am having fun preparing for the race. They're all planning a cheer squad for me on the day of the marathon. I genuinely think they are enjoying the training and anticipation more than I am."
Jennifer Tapner moved into the Brooklyn Heights senior living community she manages, taking an 11th-floor apartment in the same high-rise as 200 residents. She lives alongside residents during off hours and shares all meals in the community restaurant rather than using her apartment kitchen. She trains for the New York City Marathon, running each morning and receiving warm greetings and encouragement from residents. She returns to her husband on weekends and brought her dog Diego. Daily interactions with older adults have deepened her relationships and strengthened her empathy and listening skills.
Read at Business Insider
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