Podcast Summary: The Bobby Bones Show – Episode: MORGAN: Not Forgotten: Life Inside Senior Living Communities
Release Date: June 29, 2025
Host: Bobby Bones
Featured Guests: Mallory Grimes, Valerie Snyder, Chris Coelho
Introduction to the New Series
In this compelling episode of The Bobby Bones Show, host Bobby Bones launches a heartfelt new series titled "MORGAN: Not Forgotten: Life Inside Senior Living Communities." Drawing from his personal experiences volunteering at Abe's Garden—a senior living community—Bones delves deep into the lives of those who work and reside in these communities. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating the contributions of senior living professionals and the residents they serve.
Mallory Grimes: Manager of Community Programs
Background and Inspiration
Mallory Grimes, the Manager of Community Programs at Abe's Garden, shares her poignant journey into the field of senior living. “[...] I grew up really close with my grandparents,” Mallory recounts (03:08). Her early experiences spending weekends and weekdays with her grandparents fostered a natural comfort with older adults. However, uncertainty about handling the emotional demands of the role lingered until her grandfather’s unexpected passing during her college years. This loss steered her towards a career in social work, specifically focusing on assisting older adults.
Emotional Challenges and Rewards
Mallory discusses the emotional toll of her job, highlighting grief and work-life balance as significant challenges (07:19). She emphasizes the cyclical nature of grief within the community and the constant need to find coping mechanisms. Despite these challenges, Mallory finds immense fulfillment in making a tangible difference daily. “I can get up every day and leave every day and I don't have to wonder if I've made a difference,” she shares (08:42).
Early-Stage Alzheimer's Program
A notable highlight of Mallory’s contributions is the establishment of social support groups tailored for individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s and dementia. “[...] my job is to keep them as independent for as long as possible,” Mallory explains (10:53). Initiated as a grant-based program in 2018, it has thrived even through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning online and expanding to support family caregivers.
Misconceptions About Alzheimer's
Mallory sheds light on common misunderstandings surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia, particularly the focus on memory loss. She notes, “It's so different for everyone. I could put 100 people with the same exact diagnosis and it's going to be different for everyone” (14:31). She advocates for involving individuals in their care decisions early on, fostering independence, and recognizing their continued purpose and contributions.
The Power of Relationships
Central to Mallory’s philosophy is the importance of building genuine relationships with residents. “The relationship part is the best part,” she affirms (09:09). These relationships not only enrich the lives of the residents but also provide Mallory with profound personal fulfillment.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Mallory encourages those considering a career in senior living to recognize it as a calling. “For those that are empaths and just sweet and kind and called to this field, just being mindful of the signs of burnout” (17:05). She underscores the necessity of self-care to sustain a long and impactful career in this emotionally demanding field.
Notable Quotes:
- “I know that I'm good at it and they would sense it if I pulled back.” – Mallory Grimes (04:38)
- “You have just as much to offer as you ever have.” – Mallory Grimes (09:21)
Valerie Snyder: Life Engagement Manager
Early Experiences and Passion for Seniors
Valerie Snyder, the Life Engagement Manager at Abe's Garden, shares her lifelong comfort and passion for working with older adults, rooted in childhood experiences. “As a young girl, I was just comfortable with older adults,” Valerie reminisces (20:06). Her grandmother’s influence, particularly through card-writing and community groups, instilled in her a deep sense of empathy and commitment to connecting with seniors.
Role and Impact at Abe's Garden
Valerie outlines her journey from Life Engagement Coordinator to Manager, highlighting her responsibilities in organizing diverse activities and engagement groups. “[...] we do so many activities and engagement groups happening throughout the day,” she explains (23:44). Her role is pivotal in ensuring residents remain active, engaged, and connected to their community.
The Power of Music
A standout initiative led by Valerie is the collaborative creation of a song with residents living with dementia. “We wrote a song called 'I Am Who I Am,'” Valerie describes (25:51). This project not only fostered creativity but also served as a powerful emotional outlet for residents, allowing them to reconnect with memories and express themselves through music. The song’s success culminated in a performance at the Leading Age conference, amplifying its impact.
Importance of Patience and Understanding
Valerie emphasizes patience as a cornerstone of her work, especially when interacting with individuals navigating the challenges of dementia. “It's about meeting them where they are,” she states, highlighting the need to understand and accommodate their behaviors and needs (29:12).
Favorite Moments and Memories
Valerie cherishes moments where music ignites joy and nostalgia among residents. “Sometimes we'll just be listening to something, and then the next song we put on, it ends up turning into a dance party,” she shares (29:47). These interactions not only uplift the residents' spirits but also strengthen their sense of community and belonging.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Echoing Mallory’s sentiments, Valerie underscores that working with seniors is a calling. “Being in this world so much, I can't imagine why it wouldn't be fun for everyone because we have so much fun here,” she encourages (31:31). She advocates for volunteering as a way to discover one’s passion and suitability for this rewarding field.
Notable Quotes:
- “What I have learned about dementia and this disease is just meeting them where they are.” – Valerie Snyder (29:34)
- “I feel like isolation is really important to pay attention to. And none of us are meant to be alone.” – Valerie Snyder (16:55)
Chris Coelho: Chief Operating Officer
Career Path and Commitment
Chris Coelho serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Abe's Garden Community. Beginning his journey here 10 years ago as a Continuous Quality Improvement Coordinator, Chris has ascended through various roles, including HR and training, to his current executive position. “[...] I started off as a continuous quality improvement coordinator,” Chris shares (34:58).
Challenges and Community Resilience
Chris recounts a particularly challenging moment during his honeymoon when Abe's Garden faced severe flooding due to broken sprinklers (35:37). Witnessing the staff's swift and compassionate response reinforced his appreciation for the community's resilience and teamwork. “When I got to the hotel, I pulled up the cameras and I saw so many people here helping out,” he reflects (35:37).
Learning from Older Adults
Working with seniors has profoundly impacted Chris’s perspective on life. “I met so many people... and they're over the age of 100,” he notes, highlighting the invaluable wisdom and stories he gains from residents (37:01). This continuous learning fosters personal growth and a deeper understanding of life’s complexities.
Importance of Communication and Storytelling
Chris emphasizes the critical role of communication in enhancing residents' voices and stories. “They have a lot to share and they just really need the outlet to do it,” he states (39:14). By facilitating platforms for expression, he ensures that seniors remain active participants in their narratives, combating isolation and fostering connection.
Memorable Moments and Community Events
Highlighting the vibrant life at Abe's Garden, Chris shares memorable events such as the Nashville Opera’s performance onsite. “They brought in a whole trailer, and they opened up a stage in our front parking lot,” he describes (43:30). These events not only entertain but also enrich the residents' lives, providing moments of joy and cultural engagement.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Chris passionately advocates for more individuals to join the senior living sector, citing the growing need due to the increasing population of people over 65. “There's a giant gap of people that need our help as much as anybody else,” he urges (45:14). He encourages prospective professionals to embrace the authenticity and meaningful connections that come with working in this field.
Notable Quotes:
- “They have a lot of stories and there's something that you can talk about with every person that's here.” – Chris Coelho (40:20)
- “Our people over 65, the number of those people continues to grow and grow.” – Chris Coelho (47:21)
Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes
Bobby Bones wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to his guests and highlighting the profound impact of their work at Abe's Garden. He teases upcoming episodes featuring the residents of Abe's Garden—Brenda, Carol, Dave, Larry, Sandra, Shirley, and Ward—who will share their life stories, regrets, accomplishments, and advice. “These humans are over 80 years old so they have expertise, knowledge, and wisdom that I cannot wait to share with you all,” Bones enthuses at 48:52.
Reflections
This episode serves as an illuminating exploration into the world of senior living communities, spotlighting the dedication and compassion of its staff. Through the narratives of Mallory, Valerie, and Chris, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the emotional rewards and challenges inherent in caring for older adults. The inclusion of meaningful quotes and personal anecdotes enriches the storytelling, making the experiences relatable and inspiring to a broad audience.
Notable Quotes
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Mallory Grimes:
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Valerie Snyder:
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Chris Coelho:
Final Thoughts
"MORGAN: Not Forgotten: Life Inside Senior Living Communities" offers a heartfelt and comprehensive look into the lives of those who dedicate themselves to enhancing the well-being of seniors. Through engaging discussions and personal insights, the episode underscores the significance of empathy, community, and the invaluable contributions of senior living professionals.