Celebrating a Year of Leisure Care at Empress Senior Living in Laurelhurst

Aug 26, Alissa Sauer

As we mark the first anniversary of Empress Senior Living under Leisure Care’s management, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the past year and the profound impact Leisure Care has had on Empress Senior Living residents and the larger Laurelhurst community. This past year has been a testament to the Leisure Care Difference and what it looks like to reimagine and reinvent senior living through thoughtful, holistic, and resident-centered care.

Experiencing the Leisure Care Difference in Laurelhurst

One of the most significant enhancements bringing Leisure Care’s expertise to Empress Senior Living has been the introduction of our signature whole-person wellness program, PrimeFit Wellness. This approach goes beyond traditional care, focusing on each resident’s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Whether engaging in fitness classes tailored to seniors, participating in stimulating social activities, or enjoying chef-prepared meals in the on-site restaurant, our residents have experienced a holistic approach to living that has significantly improved their quality of life.

Physical Activity: Wellness in Action

One of Leisure Care’s core elements is physical wellness. Through PrimeFit Wellness, Empress offers personalized fitness plans catering to all ability levels. From strength training to balance exercises, our residents have stayed active, maintained independence, and improved their overall health. We even transformed a room into an onsite fitness center. The program’s focus on adaptability means that every resident can participate in activities that promote strength, flexibility, and vitality regardless of physical condition.

Social Wellness: Building Community

Social connection is at the heart of a fulfilling life, and under Leisure Care’s management, Empress Senior Living has become a hub of social activity. Launching an Ambassador program encouraging existing residents to reach out to new residents has drastically increased engagement in our activities and events and strengthened the sense of belonging and community. Residents are not just participants—they’re creators and collaborators. The weekly Flower Club, where residents visit markets and create beautiful dining room arrangements, adds personal care and creativity to our shared spaces. The Reading Club offers a space for sharing memoirs and stories, while the weekly Wine Down brings residents and our General Manager together over bottles of wine for a relaxed and social happy hour. With our pet-friendly living spaces and a rooftop garden where residents grow and share fresh produce, Empress truly feels like a home where everyone plays a part in creating a nurturing and joyful environment.

Emotional Wellness: Discovering Joy & Purpose

Many of our residents are talented artists, writers, and poets, and we celebrate their creativity by offering them the freedom and space to express themselves fully. Residents can engage in various artistic and cultural activities through specialized programming, including art creation, writer workshops, and poetry readings. At Empress, we encourage residents to use their unique gifts to build and enrich our community. Whether playing the guitar or piano, singing, or leading cooking demos, our residents actively contribute to the vibrancy of community life. By fostering a community where creativity thrives, we support the emotional well-being of our residents, helping them find joy, purpose, and a deep sense of fulfillment.

Communal Wellness: Strengthening Community Bonds

In the past year, Empress Senior Living’s influence has extended beyond individual wellness to the broader communal well-being of Laurelhurst. By integrating residents into community life and fostering strong ties with local businesses, healthcare providers, and cultural institutions, we’ve created a vibrant community that enriches everyone’s life. Residents are encouraged to participate in local events, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships that deepen their connection to the neighborhood. The Ronald McDonald House bowling tournament and our cookout with the local fire department are just a few examples of how our residents engage with the broader Laurelhurst community, spreading joy and purpose beyond our walls.

Mental Wellness: A Holistic Approach to Cognitive Health

Mental wellness is a cornerstone of Leisure Care’s philosophy, and over the past year, Empress Senior Living has implemented numerous initiatives to support cognitive health. Residents are encouraged to keep their minds sharp and active through engaging activities, brain fitness programs, and lifelong learning opportunities. Whether through educational seminars, art classes, or puzzle-solving groups, the focus on mental stimulation helps residents maintain cognitive function and a positive outlook on life.

Experiencing Exclusive Leisure Care Programming

In addition to PrimeFit Wellness, Leisure Care has brought other exclusive signature programs to Empress, including Opal and Travel by Leisure Care.

Opal by Leisure Care nurtures emotional wellness for residents with memory loss. This specialized care program is designed to create a sense of safety, comfort, and purpose for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Using a person-centered approach, Opal Memory Care provides tailored activities that engage the mind and spirit, helping residents maintain a sense of identity and joy. The program’s compassionate care philosophy ensures that residents are treated with dignity and respect, fostering emotional well-being in a supportive environment.

Travel by Leisure Care offers our residents the unique opportunity to explore the world and their community with ease and excitement. This program, exclusive to Leisure Care, is designed to make travel accessible and stress-free, allowing residents to embark on adventures that range from guided group tours to personalized trips and even staycations. Whether visiting a new destination, revisiting a favorite spot, or simply enjoying a weekend getaway, Travel by Leisure Care handles all the details, bringing the joy of travel to our residents, strengthening social connections, and creating lasting memories.

We’re Just Getting Started

As we celebrate the first year of Empress Senior Living under Leisure Care’s management, we’re proud of the strides we’ve made in enhancing the lives of our residents. The past year has been marked by growth, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose rooted in the core elements of wellness that Leisure Care champions.

Join us on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm to celebrate all the past year has brought! Dust off your leg warmers, tease up that big hair and get ready to rock out to all your favorite 80s hits. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon with games, prizes, and a tapas-style menu. Visit www.EmpressSeniorLiving.com or call (206) 644-1013 to RSVP and learn more about all that Leisure Care is doing in Laurelhurst!