Life Enrichment

In 2003, Touchmark invited Marge Coalman, EdD—a well-known innovator—to join the company and develop a new program: Touchmark Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment program. This dynamic program encourages—and supports—residents to live happier, healthier lifestyles by becoming personally involved and engaged. Through partnering with Touchmark, residents take “ownership” of their own goals and well-being.

The vision

People at every age and stage of ability seek opportunities to remain productive, contributing members of a community. They search for ways to stay mentally and physically independent and active; they seek resources to meet their spiritual needs; and they want to keep expanding their knowledge.

Partnering with residents to identify their desires and dreams—and working together to bring those needs, passions, and abilities to life—is the core of Touchmark’s program, both in philosophy and in practice.

The Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment program is composed of:

• Daily Exercise and Physical Activities—based on individual abilities and needs
• Mind, Body, and Spirit classes
• Lifelong Learning—experiences that expand and enrich each resident
• Community Partners—meaningful connections with the larger community
• Friendship Ambassadors—a resident team who welcome guests and new residents
• Intergenerational opportunities—young people meeting with residents on a regular basis
• Growing Together—nurturing plants and pets
• Celebrations—scheduled special events

Program structure

Each Touchmark community has a Life Enrichment/Wellness director or coordinator who works directly with Marge Coalman, EdD, vice president of Wellness & Programs. This director/coordinator also works with the community’s executive director to meet specific program criteria before a community’s program can become certified.

Two primary building blocks for the program are the Life Enrichment & Wellness Questionnaire and the Resident Personal Interest Form. The directors/coordinators use this unique tool to hold a meaningful, one-on-one dialog with residents within 30 days of their moving into a community. This discussion helps Touchmark staff identify each resident’s dreams, passions, goals, and abilities so that programming can be tailored to support those. For the residents, this conversation establishes Touchmark’s commitment to be a partner in their wellness goals and planning.

A summary of this meeting—and an individualized plan—are entered into Touchmark’s electronic information system that tracks a range of details about each resident, giving staff the information needed to provide personalized support.

Touchmark’s Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment program focuses on the strengths, skills, needs, and interests of each person living in a Touchmark community. After all, opportunities for enhanced wellness and new interests are not limited to the first 50 years of life but are a continuum of opportunity over one’s lifespan.

Meet Kaye KnudsonWaterford on West Century Life Enrichment Director

Born and raised in Bismarck, Kaye joined the Waterford on West Century in March 2007. After graduating from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in Education, she taught for 11 years. Kaye served on the board of the North Dakota Association for Education of Young Children as Legislative Representative and on the board of the North Dakota Children’s Caucus as an advocate for children and families. In 1998, Kaye started the Western North Dakota Foster Grandparent program, where she recruited, trained, and placed people 60-plus years into schools and Head Start programs. Currently Kaye is on the advisory council for RSVP and sits on the Human Service Committee at Bismarck State College.

Kaye enjoys working with older adults, who have a wealth of knowledge and skills they’ve acquired over a lifetime. In her spare time, she and her husband Dave play and sing in a trio. Kaye has two children and enjoys singing, boating, cooking, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

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