Aging Well: News & Insights for Seniors and Caregivers
- Natasha Foster revitalized Abington Manor’s life enrichment with joyful, collaborative programming focused on resident connection and fun.
- The new 14-seat community bus with wheelchair access expanded inclusive outings, increasing residents’ social, exploration, and wellness opportunities.
- Resident co‑planning and tailored activities made life enrichment a cornerstone of daily purpose, happiness, and engagement.
Revitalizing Life Enrichment: Natasha Foster Energizes Abington Manor at Morgan Hill
LifeStages Director Helped Reshape Senior Living Community’s Activities with Innovative Programming, Engagement Opportunities
EASTON, Pa. — At Abington Manor at Morgan Hill, a renewed sense of energy and engagement is transforming residents’ daily life thanks in large part to Natasha Foster.
Serving as LifeStages Director for nearly a year, Foster has reinvigorated the community’s approach to life enrichment, bringing fresh ideas, meaningful activities and a spirit of joy that residents and staff say is unmistakable. Her leadership has reshaped the activities schedule into a vibrant hub of connection, creativity and wellness.
“Natasha has completely revitalized the energy in this community,” said Parween Nooruddin, Area General Manager with IntegraCare, which operates Abington Manor. “She brings joy and bright smiles to residents’ faces every day.”
A major milestone in that transformation came with the recent addition of a community bus, a long-awaited upgrade that has expanded opportunities for outings and engagement.
“Our community now has our own bus, which is thrilling,” Foster said. “The residents and I look forward to our trips with a spring break sort of energy.”
The 14-seat bus includes two wheelchair accessible areas, which will make future excursions more inclusive, Foster said.
“Now, each time we travel, two residents who use wheelchairs are able to join every trip,” Foster said. “That wasn’t possible when we used a van. With reliable transportation available, our team has scheduled outings to local attractions, restaurants and events, giving our residents new chances to explore, socialize and remain active beyond community’s grounds.”
The enhanced community trips complement an already robust focus on life enrichment, with programs tailored to holistic wellness.
“Life enrichment is truly rooted in connection,” said Foster, whose experience in senior living also includes a background in behavioral health and social services. “My favorite quote, ‘Laughter is the shortest distance between two people,’ guides much of the programming I create at Abington Manor.
“I find it important not just to have a broad scope of activities and events, but to remain very attuned to how our community is engaging and lean into every opportunity to be more ‘silly,’ and a little unexpected,” she continued. “When I hear laughter, I know it has been a success.”
Under Foster’s leadership, life enrichment among senior residents has become more than a schedule of activities. The program is now a cornerstone of community life.
“I meet with our residents regularly for collaborative brainstorming to discuss how we want to celebrate upcoming holidays and milestones,” Foster said. “It is very important to me that residents know they are seen, and their opinions are valued.”
That spirit of collaboration, built through regular planning sessions and open communication, continues to guide the senior living community’s evolution.
“With expanded resources, innovative programming and a renewed focus on resident happiness, our team at Abington Manor continues to create opportunities for residents to thrive, connect and experience each day with purpose,” Community Relations Director Jessica Ringo said.
And with a bus full of outings ahead, the journey is just getting started.
For more information, contact Jessica Ringo, Community Relations Director, at [email protected] or Casey Longo, Community Relations Director, at [email protected]or call 610.829.0100.
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