Avery Point's Diversity and Belonging Efforts Help Residents Thrive

At Avery Point, an Erickson Senior Living community in Short Pump, Va., ensuring all residents are accepted and appreciated for who they are is an integral part of community life.

"Everyone has the shared goal of living in a supportive environment," says resident Tom Fauerbach, a member of the community's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee.

To promote a sense of belonging, the DEIB Committee works closely with the Resident Advisory Council to organize programs and events that highlight a variety of backgrounds and experiences as well as provide education.

"We have opportunities for everybody to recognize themselves," says Tom, who is responsible for creating the monthly calendar of holidays and observances associated with different cultures and faiths.

Variety of events

For example, Passover Seders, Diwali celebrations, and other cultural events have been organized to recognize residents' diverse traditions. Avery Point's Dining Services team even created custom menus to include dishes typically served at those gatherings.

For Native American Heritage Month in November, Bill Leighty--former chief of staff for two local governors who spearheaded efforts to gain national recognition for the state's tribes--spoke about the history of Native Americans in Virginia.

In recognition of Pride Month in June, the DEIB Committee held a panel discussion with a trans woman, a gay man, a married gay couple, and Tom, a parent of a gay daughter.

"We're educating residents so that they can learn more about something that's different to them," he says.

Out of Sight Gang

In January 2023, a neighbor approached resident Nancy Elliott about starting a low-vision group. In March of that year, the women, both legally blind, held the first meeting for the Out of Sight Gang.

The group's purpose is to support incoming low-vision residents, identify tools and techniques for low-vision residents to live their fullest life, find ways for Avery Point to better serve low-vision residents, and help all residents better interact with their low-vision neighbors.

Nancy, who currently serves as the group's chair, leads monthly meetings and schedules guest speakers.

Previous presenters have included doctors who spoke about cataracts and macular degeneration; staff members from the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, who talked about topics to help low-vision residents; and representatives of MedRVA Healthcare, a low-vision center in Richmond, Va., who demonstrated devices, such as magnifiers, glasses, and audio-visual equipment, that may help group members.

Nancy also writes an informative monthly column for the community's newsletter.

"Most people who are sighted don't know what it's like to not be able to see, to have blurred vision," says Nancy. "In one column, I talked about how to approach someone with low vision. When someone with low vision is coming toward you, greet them and introduce yourself. That has really helped people a lot."

In three years, the group's size has increased from 13 to 65 members.

"We are proud to offer support, information, resources, and a safe environment for residents who are blind or visually impaired," says Nancy.

Now Hear This!

Almost two years ago, Madonna Byrkeland started the Now Hear This! group to support hearing-impaired residents.

The group strives to identify ways for hearing-impaired residents to engage in all community activities comfortably, provide educational opportunities and a forum for discussion, and help people understand sound sensitivity.

"When you move to a community, the noise is different," says Madonna. "Some people didn't realize they had hearing issues until coming here."

Madonna refers to herself as the group's resource coordinator because that's exactly what she does. For their monthly meetings, she brings in professionals to speak on topics such as understanding hearing loss, finding the right hearing aid and best practices for fitting, tinnitus and what it causes, and much more.

"By being part of Now Hear This!, residents are getting better assistance from their professionals, asking better questions, and using the apps that go with their hearing aids," says Madonna. "It's great!"

A supportive community

"Our community is growing, which leads to more opportunities to engage with folks who may have different backgrounds," says Tom.

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