How Joe Smith is Redefining Senior Living Programming Through Experiences
What happens when you stop thinking about activities and start thinking about experiences?
For Joe Smith, Regional Activity Specialist and Activity Director at Carriage House Nursing and Rehab in Michigan, that simple shift has transformed the way residents engage, connect, and create memories.
As a guest on the Smart Aging™ Podcast, Joe shared his philosophy on programming, why he believes residents deserve more choices, and how communities can create meaningful experiences by embracing creativity, current culture, and a little bit of risk.
From Activities to Experiences
Joe doesn’t consider himself an “activities guy.” In fact, he isn’t particularly fond of the word activities at all. Instead, he focuses on creating experiences that help residents stay connected to the world around them while honoring the interests and memories that shaped their lives. His approach combines nostalgia with modern culture.
One week, residents might enjoy a classic movie or a favorite game of bingo. The next, they could be attending a Hannah Montana-themed event, participating in a Jurassic Park Week, competing in hobby horse races, or enjoying a Coachella-inspired music festival. Joe’s goal is to create moments worth remembering.
Why Innovation Matters
Many activity professionals feel pressure to stick with programs that have always worked, but Joe challenges that mindset. His philosophy is simple: “If we don’t try something new, how will we ever know if residents will enjoy it?”
Residents today have lived rich, diverse lives. They have watched blockbuster movies, attended concerts, followed sports, traveled, raised families, and experienced pop culture just like everyone else so why should their options suddenly become limited because they live in a senior living community?
By introducing modern themes and trending topics, Joe creates opportunities for residents to stay connected to the larger world while still honoring their personal histories.
Treating Residents Like Adults
One of the strongest themes throughout our conversation was the importance of respecting resident choice. Joe believes residents deserve the same autonomy and decision-making opportunities they had before moving into a community and this extends to everything from movie selections to event themes.
When introducing programs that might be considered unconventional, Joe always provides alternative options so residents can choose what appeals to them. That choice-based approach has helped build trust among residents and families while reinforcing an important message: Residents are adults with diverse interests, preferences, and personalities.
Building Authentic Relationships
Joe credits much of his success to the relationships he builds with residents. Rather than maintaining rigid professional barriers, he focuses on authentic human connection. He learns residents’ personalities, listens to their stories, shares parts of his own life, and creates an environment where residents feel comfortable being themselves.
These relationships also allow him to identify subtle changes in behavior, mood, or participation levels that might indicate a resident needs additional support. Meaningful engagement starts with meaningful relationships.
Creating Space for Quiet Moments
While Joe is known for high-energy events and creative celebrations, he recognized that not every resident thrives in loud, stimulating environments. That’s what inspired the creation of Carriage House’s new sensory room.
The space was designed to provide residents with a calming environment featuring:
- Weighted blankets
- Soft lighting
- Nature-inspired décor
- Interactive sensory elements
- Relaxing music
- Comfortable seating
- Positive affirmations
Every detail was intentionally chosen to create a sense of comfort, safety, and relaxation. For residents who need a quieter experience, the sensory room provides another important form of engagement.
Bringing the Community Inside
Joe is also passionate about connecting residents with the larger community.
Some of the partnerships he’s developed include:
- Local police departments and K-9 units
- Animal shelters
- High school groups
- Theater organizations
- Marching bands
- Community volunteers
These connections create opportunities for residents to stay involved with the world beyond their community walls while fostering intergenerational relationships and meaningful social interaction.
His annual Halloween Carnival has become such a community favorite that it attracts approximately 1,500 visitors each year.
The Power of Social Media
Many professionals hesitate to share their programming online. Joe sees social media differently. For him, it serves as both a celebration of resident experiences and a window into community life for prospective residents and families. When families see creative programming, genuine resident engagement, and a vibrant culture, they can better envision what life in that community could look like.
A Challenge for Every Activity Professional
As our conversation came to a close, Joe left listeners with a challenge: Try something new.
Not every idea will be a success and not every program will become a resident favorite. But, innovation only happens when someone is willing to take the first step.
Bingo isn’t going anywhere and the classics will always have a place. But there is also room for fresh ideas, modern experiences, and creative programming that helps residents continue discovering, learning, laughing, and connecting.
Listen to the Full Episode
Want to hear more of Joe’s innovative ideas and programming philosophy?
Listen to this episode of the Smart Aging™ Podcast and discover how one activity professional is challenging traditional thinking and creating unforgettable experiences for residents every day.