Building intentional community

When people come together to form community, it is done with intention. Each person who lives in a Touchmark community has made the decision to move to a new home, live with others he/she has not met before (in most cases), and share many community spaces, such a dining room, library, and fitness area.

During my travels as vice president of Wellness & Programs, I visit all of Touchmark’s communities in the US and Canada and talk with the residents who live there and the staff who work with them. Occasionally, I also talk with family members and guests. The stories of how each person chose to live in that community and the circumstances that led to the decision are as individual as each person. There are some things in common, however, that I would like to share.

• There is a lot of loss people experience when relocating from their previous home. The new neighborhood, backyard, and home features are all different. For some, it is a change from a home they have lived in for 40 years or more. It may even be a different time zone and climate.
• Even when the individual makes the decision to move, the change is hard to adjust to, and it takes a while to feel part of the community.
• People consider themselves to be fortunate to live in an environment where there are well-trained, compassionate staff on duty throughout the 24-hour day, seven days a week.
• The most important element for a successful transition is the people who live and work in the community. One resident commented, “They are all so interesting. The diversity, experience, and wisdom in our community are more than I could have ever imagined.”

The building of intentional community is done by the people who choose to move in and those who welcome them. Although each resident’s skills, strengths, hobbies, and interests may be very different, the greater good of all is held in common. Programs and services are designed with these interests and preferences in mind. An important component of the Life Enrichment/Wellness program is the resident committee that works with the staff to connect with new residents. You are invited to be an architect of this intentional community.