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December 19, 2025

Living Our Word in 2025

Category: Senior Living

Author: Julie Sabo, Executive Director

Choosing a “Word of the Year” is more than a fun tradition. It is a powerful tool for focus and growth at Vitalia North Royalton. A single word can guide decisions, inspire action, and unite teams around a shared purpose. Reflecting on the chosen word helps reveal how it shaped our culture, strengthened connections, and supported meaningful experiences for residents and staff. This end of year review allows us to celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and prepare for continued progress in the year ahead.

Being Present in Daily Life

Our community embraced the Word of the Year, “present,” by weaving it into daily operations and resident experiences. Staff began each shift with grounding practices and used present-focused communication rooted in active listening. Residents participated in mindfulness activities, technology-free moments, and programs designed to help them savor each day. Visual reminders, themed events, and newsletter features reinforced this focus throughout the year. Together, these efforts encouraged staff and residents to slow down, connect more deeply, and stay present.

How Presence Changed Our Culture

Focusing on “present” led to meaningful, positive changes across the community. Teamwork strengthened as staff communicated more intentionally and supported one another with care. Resident engagement increased as events became more interactive and relationship-centered. Residents felt seen and heard. One of the most impactful outcomes was stronger relationships. Trust grew between residents and staff, and families shared that they felt more welcomed, included, and valued during visits. Our culture became warmer, calmer, and more connected.

Two men in focused conversation at Vitalia North Royalton.

The Lesson We Carry Forward

The key lesson from this year’s word, “present,” is the importance of creating a community where everyone feels safe being themselves. When residents and team members feel supported, they are more willing to engage, share ideas, and express needs. This openness strengthens the entire community. This insight will continue guiding our goals as we build spaces, programs, and team practices that encourage trust, confidence, and genuine connection.

As we look back on the impact of our Word of the Year at Vitalia North Royalton, it’s clear this simple concept can spark meaningful change. It has guided our priorities, strengthened our sense of community, and reminded us of the values that matter most. By reviewing the actions and outcomes connected to this word, we not only celebrate what we’ve accomplished but also identify opportunities for continued growth. Let’s carry these lessons forward as we prepare for the year ahead—because one word can truly make a difference when we live it every day.

VITALIA® North Royalton in North Royalton, OH offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Parma Hospital and Southwest General Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Ridgewood Golf Course, Southpark Mall, Sleepy Hallow Golf Course, Cleveland Metro Parks, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and Heavily Hills Farm.

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VITALIA® North Royalton serves and employs individuals of all faiths, regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or handicap, except as limited by state and federal law.

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