Senior Living Scoop: February 2026
- Areté Living Admin
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
Get the scoop on senior living and happenings at Areté Living! The Scoop is released the first Tuesday of each month by Areté Living, proudly managing senior living communities across six states.
Read this month's scoop below!
Senior Living Scoop: 4 Ways to Boost Your Mood
February is American Heart Month, and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to focus on heart health. A healthy heart goes beyond physical wellness. It includes your mental and emotional well-being too!
Our wellness team at Ovation Sienna Hills senior living in St. George, Utah compiled a list of four ways to boost your mood. Click below to find out how!
Featured Message: Black History Month
2026 marks a powerful milestone: 100 years of national Black history commemorations. This centennial celebrates the visionaries who advance equality and preserve the history of Black Americans, and the moments that continue to shape progress today.
Journey through this timeline to discover the people and events whose influence profoundly impacts our world.
A Timeline of Black History
1926: Carter G. Woodson establishes Negro History Week, affirming that Black history is essential to American history and worthy of study, preservation, and celebration.
1964: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlaws discrimination and reshapes civil rights protections nationwide.
1968: The Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing.
1981: Dr. Alexa Canady becomes the first Black woman neurosurgeon in the U.S., advancing excellence and representation in medicine.
2008: Barack Obama is elected the first Black president of the United States, a defining moment of representation and national progress.
2013: The founding of Black Lives Matter reframes global conversations around justice, dignity, and the value of Black lives.
Learn more key historical moments and the individuals whose important work shapes our progress.
Life Enrichment Directors Go Beyond the Ordinary in Senior Living
Beyond the Ordinary, this year’s theme for Activity Professionals Week, perfectly captures the heart of our life enrichment directors and the work they do every day in our senior living communities.
Organized by the National Association of Activity Professionals, this week spotlights life enrichment teams and the meaningful impact they have on the quality of seniors’ lives. Their work reflects a truly holistic approach to well-being. Their activities and events are thoughtfully crafted to foster connection and support mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
As we celebrate Activity Professionals Week, get to know two of our dedicated life enrichment directors at Areté Living.
Meet our featured life enrichment directors
Adam Roes is the Life Enrichment Director at Gilman Grove assisted living in Oregon City, Oregon, where he’s served seniors for over a year. He is also a member of Areté Living’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Community Pillar, as he supports projects and initiatives to enhance belonging across the organization and develop strong professional partnerships in the greater community.
Laurie Mespelt is a Life Enrichment Director in Avamere at Seaside’s memory care community in Seaside, Oregon. She’s served at Avamere for 10 months, where she plans thoughtful activities personalized for seniors living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
What does "Beyond the Ordinary" look like in your approach to life enrichment?
Adam:
Beyond the Ordinary means creating life enrichment that is built entirely around what makes our community unique. Our programs come directly from the residents, their families, and the passions and connections of our team, which makes every experience authentic and impossible to replicate anywhere else.
By truly connecting with residents and the team on a personal level and highlighting what they bring to the table, life enrichment becomes more than activities — it becomes a reflection of the people who call this community home.
Laurie:
I go out of my “box” for what is expected in my position. I help residents going to and coming from the dining room to help with the caregiver’s time. I check on residents in their rooms when we don’t see them out for a while. I stop what I am currently working on to walk with a resident if they are experiencing a rough patch in the moment of time.
I do Bingo when a certain resident needs to shower. It acts as the “carrot dangling.” She loves Bingo and will shower knowing she can come out and play Bingo. Communication with the caregivers always so I can help them get their breaks and know a game or entertainment has their attention.
Get to know Adam and Laurie and how they go Beyond the Ordinary for seniors!
Gilman Grove 2025 Team Member of the Year
Congratulations to Kaitlyn Dilley, Gilman Grove's 2025 Team Member of the Year!
Voted by residents, this well-deserved honor recognizes the heart, kindness, and dedication Kaitlyn brings to Gilman Grove assisted living every day. After returning in 2025 as a dietary aide, she quickly reminded us why she is so special to our community. Residents consistently share how thoughtful, prepared, and friendly she is — always anticipating needs and going the extra mile. Team members echo these sentiments, noting her willingness to help wherever she’s needed and the joy she brings to those around her.
This was a tough competition with many incredible team members and worthy runner-ups, which makes this recognition even more meaningful.
From adding festive flair during the holidays to lifting spirits day-to-day, Kaitlyn’s positive impact is felt throughout our senior living community. She’s always ready to jump in to support residents in any way she can, and her creativity and enthusiasm never go unnoticed.
As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited for what’s to come as Kaitlyn begins training as a caregiver and transitions from dining services into health services. We’re incredibly grateful for her heart for others and know she will succeed in everything she does.
Congratulations to Kaitlyn on this well-deserved recognition!
Social Media Fun
Our senior living teams and residents are having fun every day! See some of our recent posts below. Follow us so you don’t miss out!
What We're Celebrating in February
Here's what we're honoring and celebrating this month. Follow Areté Living on social media to see how we're recognizing these moments!
FEATURED OBSERVANCES
Black History Month
February is Black History Month! This year’s theme by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History is A Century of Black History Commemorations. Throughout the month, we honor the legacy, resilience, and lasting contributions of Black individuals who have shaped our history and continue to influence our world today.
Follow us on social media as we learn and celebrate Black History Month together.
American Heart Month
American Heart Month is a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of positive heart health. Get healthy living tips at heart.org.
Check with your doctor before you make any lifestyle changes.
National Caregivers Day
February 20
National Caregivers Day recognizes and honors the dedication of caregivers who provide essential support and care. To our caregivers, thank you for your compassionate care. Your vital work makes a difference in the lives of our residents and their families.
MORE OBSERVANCES
National Cancer Prevention Month
National Wear Red Day, February 6
Valentine’s Day, February 14
Presidents’ Day, February 16
Discover Passion in Your Next Career
Serving seniors is a calling and joy! We have many opportunities available to fit your career journey, including caregiving, dietary, housekeeping, life enrichment/activities, leadership, and more.
Enjoy Employee Perks:
✅Full benefits package
✅401(k) with employer match
✅Tuition assistance to support your continued education
✅Early wage access up to 50% of your net earned income before payday
✅Employee Assistance Program with counseling, financial coaching, and more
✅Award-winning Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging program
Watch the video below to discover why we love helping our residents thrive in a place they’re proud to call home. Then apply today to join our team!
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Find Senior Living Near You
Areté Living manages senior living communities across the Pacific Northwest and Midwest. Find a place for you or your loved one to call home!