Resident and staff testimonials.
Get an inside view of Woodside’s assisted living experience.
Staff Testimonials
Darlene Raab
Woodside Activities Director
As soon as Friendship Village opened an assisted living community, Darlene Raab knew it was where she belonged—not because she needed assistance, but because she felt she could make a difference for those who did.
As Activities Director, Darlene sets up and schedules resident activities. As part of the resident-centered care philosophy, she is always in the process of finding out what the residents like and want to do. “That’s what it’s all about after all,” she says. “It’s about them, not us. We want to make sure they’re able to do the things that they would like to do that would fulfill their day.”
In addition to spending time one-on-one with residents, Darlene schedules excursions to places like the Civic Theatre and the Kalamazoo Museum. She’s always investigating many other options so she’ll be ready once she learns the residents’ preferences.
At all times, Darlene makes sure there are things to do such as brain aerobics, exercise and games. There’s billiards available, a putting green for golf, puzzles and worksheets with crossword puzzles.
“We’re going to be doing gardening outside in our new garden,” Darlene says. “We’re doing flower arranging now. We have Bible study, square dancers, ballroom dancers, yoga, we’re going to be doing some baking and cooking classes—even manicures and massage therapy.”
“My goal is to make the most positive difference in each and every resident’s life that I possibly can,” she says.
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