Theresa Hines Has Expanded Programming and Deepened Personal Relationships During Her Years on the Job
BROOKLYN, N.Y., July 7, 2010 – Theresa Hines, who recently celebrated her sixth year as director of activities at Prospect Park Residence, loves her job. But the personal relationships she cultivates at the full-service senior living community are what really matter most to her.
“To me the most important element of my job is developing personal relationships with the residents. By building that trust, I help them try new activities and get involved in daily life in ways they might not ordinarily do,” said Hines.
Hines’ background includes a year as an activities assistant at a sister residence for adults with memory impairment. Because of her experience and positive work history, she was asked to come to Prospect Park Residence seven years ago to develop its Essentia® memory-impairment program. One year later she was promoted to Director of Activities for the entire community.
“My training had been focused on working with adults with memory and cognition issues, which formed the development of the therapeutic activities for our Essentia® residents,” explained Hines. “Through the years at Prospect Park Residence, my focus has shifted to expanding existing programs and creating a broader range of activities to engage all of our residents and help them stay active.”
One program many residents enjoy is the fine arts class led by local artist Linnie York; the participants put on an art show every year and attendees are always amazed at the level of talent on display. “We use canvases and oil paints and have turned the art room into a real studio,” said Hines. “This was in response to a request to offer something beyond arts and crafts so that those residents who wanted to try painting could truly explore that interest.”
Hines enhanced the existing birthday parties to become festive monthly socials that honor that month’s celebrants with live music, singing and delicious desserts for all residents and staff. Music is a prevalent part of the lifestyle at the community, with weekly concerts every Sunday and music appreciation courses offered throughout the year. In addition to the birthday parties, Hines plans many other socials every month, some with themes or a holiday focus; all the gatherings bring the entire community together for fun and new friendships. “It’s so important to get residents together and socializing,” she explained.
Some residents prefer sharing opinions on current events at the News & Views discussion group, which is run by Executive Director David Pomerantz. “The program is another way for him to interact with the residents and get to know them better,” said Hines. Others participate in the book club that Hines revamped to address the residents’ preferences. “We participated in the book club at the public library right across the street, but not everyone enjoyed reading the same book or read at the same pace. I formed ‘What Are You Reading?’ which allows our residents to share insights into the books they are reading individually. Now they swap books with each other and read new material they had not thought about before. It’s been a great way for residents to broaden their reading horizons.”
For those who like to get out and about, Prospect Park Residence plans weekly outings to local cultural, historic and entertainment venues, as well as trips to different restaurants throughout Brooklyn and beyond. When she’s not leading museum trips or lunch outings, Hines, who works out regularly, takes turns with her activities staff leading the daily exercise classes. “It’s a wonderful way to bond with the residents,” she said. “In the end, that’s what really matters.”
Prospect Park Residence’s Director of Activities Theresa Hines, right, recently celebrated her seventh year working at the full-service senior living community. Hines, pictured with resident Nelly Zonana at a summer kick-off root beer float party, is in charge of scheduling resident activities like monthly socials, trips and concerts.
Prospect Park Residence is located at One Prospect Park West at Grand Army Plaza and features independent studio and one-bedroom apartments, inclusive of housekeeping, laundry and linen service, fine dining, a rooftop garden and easy access to all that Park Slope has to offer. The community also offers on-site licensed home care as needed and Essentia®, a program that provides support and assistance for memory-impaired residents by specially trained staff members. For more information, visit www.prospectparkresidence.com or call (718) 622-8400.