By Richie Oliver, Director of Operations, The Plattduetsche Home Society (PHS)
When I entered the adult care industry, I quickly realized I had a lot to learn—and not much time to learn it. Suddenly, I was navigating a new world of terminology, emotions, and responsibilities. In many ways, it reminded me of what families may experience when faced with decisions about senior care or moving a loved one into an Adult Care Facility (ACF).
Over the years, I’ve learned countless lessons from our Residents, their families, and the dedicated staff who care for them at PHS. Five of these lessons have had a tremendous impact on me and may offer helpful perspective to anyone caring for an older adult, whether they live at home or in an Adult Care Facility.
1. Why the Small Details Matter in Senior Care
Today’s seniors were yesterday’s leaders, providers, caregivers and problem-solvers. They built careers, raised families, cared for others and made countless decisions every day.
As we age, details that may seem small to others can take on greater importance. A misplaced sweater, an incorrect meal order or a forgotten promise can cause real frustration because those details can represent familiarity, control and dignity.
Lesson Learned: As I’ve seen through my interactions with Residents, even the smallest details can matter greatly. Taking a few extra moments to double-check something, ask, “Did I forget anything?” or “Is there anything else I can do?” can show respect, build trust and help a person feel heard.
Sometimes the smallest details communicate the greatest amount of care.
2. Why Routine and Consistency Matter in Adult Care
Routine can provide familiarity and comfort for older adults. This may include:
- Medication schedules and meals
- Favorite television programs and activities
- Phone calls and visits
- Appointments and other daily plans
If you call every evening, a Resident may come to look forward to that call. The same applies to visits and other familiar parts of the day. Unexpected changes can create unnecessary concern or uncertainty.
Lesson Learned: I’ve learned that once something becomes part of a Resident’s routine, it can quickly become part of their expectations. Whenever possible, work within that routine and communicate when something needs to change.
Consistency builds confidence. Predictability creates peace.
3. Understanding Their World: The Importance of Empathy in Senior Care
Many of our Residents have experienced significant changes and losses, including:
- Parents, spouses, siblings and lifelong friends
- The ability to drive and the freedom it provided
- The independence of living in their own home
- The ability to perform certain everyday tasks without assistance
- Familiarity with rapidly changing technology
Despite these changes, they continue moving forward with remarkable resilience.
Lesson Learned: One phrase we often use at PHS is, “Meet them where they are.” That means stepping into a Resident’s world rather than expecting them to live in ours. Sometimes that means listening to the same story for the third time that day as if it were new. Other times, it’s sitting quietly with someone who is grieving or frustrated rather than trying to “fix” the situation.
Families sometimes tell us they wish they could hear Dad tell that Disney vacation story one more time. Those stories are more than memories—they’re connections and pieces of identity. They’re worth hearing as many times as someone wants to tell them.
4. Our Workplace Is Their Home: Putting Residents First
Operating an Adult Care Facility requires many people, responsibilities and moving parts throughout the day. But for PHS staff, it’s important to remember that while this may be our workplace, for our Residents, this is home.
That perspective influences our day-to-day decisions. Staff may take the stairs rather than make a Resident wait for the elevator. We give Residents the right of way and excuse ourselves when passing conversations, much as we would when visiting someone’s home.
Lesson Learned: Residents are never interruptions to our work; they are the reason for it. When a Resident walks into an office, work is set aside. Our Residents are always our number one priority.
Coming from a corporate background, this lesson required a significant mindset shift for me. It’s a simple philosophy, but one that can transform the culture of care. When we treat every interaction with the same respect we’d show while visiting a family member’s home, everyone benefits.
5. Why Family Involvement Makes a Difference
Senior care works best when there is a partnership between the Resident, family and care team. Family involvement can take many forms, including:
- Visiting and calling when possible
- Participating in care meetings
- Communicating with physicians and case managers
- Asking questions and staying informed
- Partnering with the care team
Lesson Learned: In my experience, Residents benefit greatly when their families remain actively engaged in their care. Staying connected, asking questions, and partnering with the care team can create an important support system for a loved one.
Staying actively involved isn’t always easy. Careers, children, distance, and life’s many responsibilities can make frequent visits difficult. Yet remaining connected in whatever ways are realistic for your family can be one of the most meaningful ways to continue showing your love and support.
Final Thoughts
Working in adult care has changed my perspective on aging, caregiving, and what truly matters.
I’ve learned that dignity is often found in the smallest details, routines provide comfort, empathy requires us to meet people where they are, and Residents deserve to feel that their home and needs come first. Most importantly, I’ve seen the difference the love, presence, and advocacy of family can make.
Whether your loved one is living independently, receiving care at home or residing in an Adult Care Facility, these lessons can help strengthen your relationship and the way you approach their care.
Sometimes the greatest gift we can give our seniors isn’t solving every problem. It’s simply showing up, paying attention, and reminding them they’re never alone.
Learn More About Plattduetsche Home Society
If your family is exploring adult care options for a loved one, taking the time to understand their individual needs and visit potential care settings can be an important part of the decision-making process. The National Institute on Aging offers helpful guidance for families evaluating long-term care options, including what to consider and look for when visiting a facility.
Learn more about Plattduetsche Home Society and the care, environment, and community PHS provides to its Residents. You can also schedule an in-person visit to experience PHS for yourself or explore our virtual tour from the comfort of home.
About Richie Oliver
Richie Oliver
Director of Operations
Plattduetsche Home Society
Richie is an Operations Professional with over 30 years of experience in operations, Human Resources, Finance, Employee Development, and facilities management.
His management career has taken an interesting path through a variety of positions including Multi-Unit Retail, Project Management, Director of Distribution, Director of Training, Director of Human Resources, Director of Operations, and VP of Operations. The industries he has served are equally diverse and include Automotive Service, Specialty Retail, Hospitality, Commercial Construction, and Senior Living; joining The Plattduetsche Home Society in 2022. This diversity has helped him to develop a sharp eye for details and an ability to simplify complex ideas and tasks. His proven ability to positively impact business performance and regulatory compliance have culminated in a proven record of improving, scaling, and sustaining results.
About The Plattduetsche Home Society (PHS):
PHS is a 127-unit Social Model Adult Care Facility established in 1923 and located on Long Island in Western Nassau County. We operate under three NYS Department of Health Licensed programs; Enriched Housing Program (EHP), Adult Home (AH), and Senior Day Program (ADLEP). You can find us at www.plattseniorliving.com, and on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
