Jan McLennon Shares What Partnership Looks Like at Prairie City Landing
Jan enjoys a tasty outing to sample the apple donuts at Boa Vista Farms in Placerville with Laurie and Ivan.
Are you a glass-half-full or half-empty person?
The lens we choose significantly impacts our approach to life and work. Jan McLennon, the Resident Services Director at Prairie City Landing in Folsom, California, firmly believes in adopting a person-centered approach that starts with seeing the glass half-full.
Jan’s philosophy in welcoming residents and their families to senior living is deeply rooted in her personal experiences. As a mother of two children with ADHD, she understands the importance of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. When meeting with teachers, Jan remembered, “I left the meetings feeling completely defeated and alone, trying to figure this out, knowing it’s not my area of expertise, and hearing only the negative.” This experience led her to request that teachers first mention three positive aspects about her children, emphasizing the need to see them as people, not as problems.
Jan (back row, far right) with the team of directors at Prairie City Landing.
Jan began applying the same approach to her work. She begins care plan meetings by highlighting how residents are thriving. This positive start sets the tone for the collaborative partnership between staff, residents, and their families. From this foundation, they can discuss any challenges and collaborate on problem-solving to enhance a resident’s well-being.
What can you expect of the partnership at Prairie City Landing? Jan and her team advocate for residents and their families through five key strategies:
- Building Strong Partnerships: We prioritize open communication, seeking to understand residents’ unique needs and preferences while establishing trust.
- Advocating for Autonomy: Our team empowers residents to make decisions about their care and lifestyle, preserving their independence and dignity.
- Leveraging Experience: With years of expertise in senior care, Jan and her team offer guidance and creative problem-solving to help families navigate challenges.
- Fostering Community: We actively create opportunities for socialization and engagement, addressing concerns of isolation and loneliness that can threaten one’s well-being.
- Holistic, Person-Centered Care: Our team prioritizes residents’ physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, tailoring support to their unique circumstances and goals.
At the end of the day, Jan’s goal for her residents is the same as it is for her children—she wants to see them thrive. “Everyone’s journey is different,” Jan recognized. By taking a collaborative, personalized approach, Jan and her team of Care Partners set everyone up for the greatest success.
Jan’s approach is evidence that when people choose to see the glass half full, they usually find themselves in a positive place. “I love (the residents) for who they are when they walk in the door,” Jan said. Prairie City Landing is a community where people choose to see the positive, creating a joyful environment focused on strengths.
Whether you tend to see the glass half-full or half-empty, Prairie City Landing offers a positive community in which to grow. Schedule a tour and come see for yourself!
Have questions about the community at Prairie City Landing? Find answers in our latest guide, FAQs.
