Continuity Matters and History Repeats Itself

Farewell, Jimmy Clark- Good Luck in your New Endeavors

I remember, Jimmy's first day here at THD, around the last week of March. I told him to survive here at THD, he has to know all the over 160 senior residents in six months. Jimmy lasted only 4 months, only a little bit longer that Nisha Patel. I did not want to be close to him compared to Ted Treat, because in my mind, I do not want to get hurt again. Here's my posting inspired by his sudden departure.      

Every community has its growing pains, and THD is no exception. The revolving door of employees in the Activities and Resident Services departments has sometimes been dizzying. In just three years, thirteen staff members have departed, some by choice and others unexpectedly, leaving residents to learn new faces and new names all over again.

The departure that affected me the most was that of an Activities Director (TT), who first introduced me to the remarkable world of artificial intelligence. That simple introduction transformed my daily blogging and opened a creative chapter I never imagined possible in my nineties. One person's willingness to share a new technology changed the way I express my thoughts and connect with readers around the world.

Equally surprising was the disappearance of our newest General Manager, whose tenure lasted only five weeks before becoming another footnote in THD history. Among the residents, we often joke that activities personnel come and go faster than the weekly dessert menu. Beneath the humor, however, lies a deeper truth: continuity matters.

For many of us who have spent a lifetime building enduring friendships, stability among those who serve our community becomes part of what makes a place truly feel like home. Familiar faces provide comfort, trust, and a sense of belonging that cannot be measured in budgets or organizational charts.

Today, I learned that another newly hired Director of Resident Services was let go. Once again, history seems to repeat itself, suggesting that some management patterns remain unchanged. I purposely kept a respectful distance from him, not out of indifference, but because I did not want to experience another disappointment after investing in yet another relationship that would be abruptly cut short.

I was told that his departure stemmed from relatively minor disagreements with the current acting General Manager. Whether or not that is the full story, it leaves residents wondering: where is the continuity?

As residents, we have little authority over management decisions. We are observers rather than participants in those choices. Yet we are the ones who live with the consequences every day. Each departure leaves behind not only an empty office but also another broken thread in the fabric of community life.

Perhaps continuity is not merely about retaining employees. It is about cultivating an environment where people, staff and residents alike feel valued enough to stay. In a senior living community, relationships are among the most precious possessions we have left. When those relationships are constantly interrupted, it hurts.

Still, I remain hopeful that one day THD will recognize that the greatest asset of any community is not its beautiful building or elegant dining room or a newly renovated swimming pool, but the lasting human connections that turn a residence into a true home.

I hope this posting will give you something to reflect on. It reminds us, that, "For Seniors, continuity is not a luxury, it is part of emotional well-being and the foundation of community, thus a feeling of belonging and being seen and that we are still relevant to society.    

Meanwhile, here are some 10 THD responses to my E-mail about Jimmy's sudden Departure:   All the ten Responses are anonymous. 

 

My E-mail: I heard thru the grape vine Jimmy is Gone. So History Repeats itself. I thought Jimmy has initiative and is well like by the residents. He appeared very proactive. I was not as closed to Jimmy compared to Ted Treat. But the sudden disappearance of Jimmy still hurts. Where is Continuity here in THD? David 

1. At dinner outside last night we saw Jimmy pull up his truck and load several boxes into it.  Seemed odd at the time, but not so odd now. It is unfortunate that Heritage residents are not given the courtesy of announcing when one of the staff whose job directly impacts us is leaving.   And so another one bites the dust. . .6-19-26

2. Why does this shock me????  ….. ‘cause it’s a never ending story here!!!  Anyone who comes to work here, & shows kindness, caring, empathy & SINCERITY with the residents is ushered out the door!  What might be the reason for Jimmy’s departure? 

3. Who hired Caleb…..& why???  If he tries to ‘upgrade’ the dining experience, he no doubt will be told, ‘don’t let the door hit you on your way out!’  (He & I have a meeting on Monday).

4. David………do you have your eyes open???  You don’t need to be a Sherlock Holmes!  🥰.... 6-20-26

5. I am impressed with Alexis, Our new Activity Director. I am hoping she will not be a Victim of the THD Curse and Epidemic here at THD.  It seems to me that any new employee that shows initiative and empathy with us seniors do not stay employed very long here at THD. Something is rotten in Denmark!    

6. I completely agree - it signals a problem here that we can’t keep good people. We shared a WA State U connection and he certainly did a good job. Sad!  

7. David - Bad news indeed that Jimmy is gone. How terrible for Heritage to be unable to have any semblance of continuity in the activities department. Thank you for keeping us informed.

8. David,  Truly sad. Like you, I didn't know Jimmy all that well although I personally witnessed him deal with a difficult situation in the dining room some weeks ago. I thought he handled it extremely well. I am sorry to see him leave. 

My concern, as is yours, is the continuous turnover and lack of continuity in personnel, programs and communication with the residents. After all, this is not just an apartment complex in which people lead separate and distinct lives. This is a vibrant interactive community of friends and neighbors, not just fellow residents. 

Frankly, I am not sure I understand the management structure and organization chart for this complex. My opinion is that because we are a distinct community, we should have some input however small that input may be. Oh well! I suppose we will just have to wait it out to see what happens.

10. I know as Residents, we have no authority or power on the management of THD employees either on the local or corporate level. However, our morale here at THD will be slightly improved if we see employees happy, and smiling during their working Hours when most of us residents interact with them.  I hope Corporate management read your blogs and give all this high employees turnover a little more concerns.       

Confirmation on Jimmy's Departure:  I asked Jenny if the rumors about Jimmy is true. Here's her reply.    

Yes, Jimmy is no longer working at The Heritage Downtown.   Due to California law, Employee matters are confidential so we’re not able to discuss them.  Thank you for understanding.    We wish Jimmy all the best and appreciate all he did during his time at THD.  Our resident services will continue to be provided by our wonderful and caring staff as always. Thank you again, Jenny

Personal Note: To All THD Residents who commented either orally or in written form ( above), my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your concerns about our life here at THD.  I agree with comment #10 totally and completely.   

Finally, My Photo of the Day:

Trump’s reflecting pool makeover has become a taxpayer-funded slapstick sketch: the bill ballooned from roughly $2 million to $13.1 million, and the “American flag blue” finish has already gone swamp-green with algae and the paint peeling off. Instead of a gleaming monument, it now looks like a high-cost warning label for every no-bid vanity project in Washington

My Food for Thought for Today: Do Not Seek Perfection, but be the best You Can Be!