This April, students from Ross Medical Education Center in Brighton, Michigan helped brighten up the Easter season at Independence Village Senior Living. In order to do this, they worked hard creating beautiful spring cards to celebrate the season. Students from the Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration program, Medical Assistant program, Dental Assistant program, and Pharmacy Technician program colored, cut, and pasted over 40 cards for the seniors. Many students even created cards at home with their families! Independence Village is very close to the Brighton Campus and the school has enjoyed partnering with the facility for blood drives and other events in the past.
One Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student, Bridget Walsh, was more than happy to help. “It’s important to keep in contact with seniors during the holidays so they don’t feel like they’ve been forgotten,” she shared. “Many seniors have families who live far away and when a holiday comes, they feel a little left out.”
According their website, Independence Village strives to be very resident-centered, saying, “every person is important and valuable to our community, and we work hard to make sure each resident feels loved and appreciated.” The Facility provides gourmet dining, transportation to local businesses and entertainment, as well as many varied programs and activities for seniors. Still, many seniors can feel lonely at times.
Megan Hergenreder, a morning Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student is close to a senior member of her family. She thinks keeping a close relationship with senior family members is very important. “You only have so many who are extended family and eventually everything comes to an end.” Senior family members can provide valuable advice to younger family members and often are the keepers of the family history.
According to the Population Reference Bureau website, by 2016, people over 65 will comprise nearly a quarter of the population. In contrast, in 1965 they made up less that 5% of the population. Many families are now moving to all parts of the country for employment, leaving many family members many hours away from their parents and grandparents. When the Easter card project was announced, the instructors and staff emphasized the importance of making all seniors feel important, not only on holidays, but all through the year.