December 19, 2025
Choosing a “Word of the Year” is more than just a fun tradition. It is a powerful tool for focus and growth at The Rushwood Senior Living. A single word can serve as a guiding principle, shaping decisions, inspiring actions, and uniting teams around a shared purpose. Reflecting on the word selected for the year offers insight into how it influenced culture, strengthened connections, and supported meaningful experiences for residents and staff alike. This end of year review also allows time to celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and prepare for continued progress in the year ahead.
Our community intentionally integrated our Word of the Year, Communication, into daily operations and resident experiences. This focus encouraged team members to be more proactive, transparent, and engaged. We reinforced the theme through departmental huddles, interdepartmental collaboration, and resident education opportunities. Tech Tuesday events played a key role by helping residents and staff confidently use the Arrow app. These sessions improved accessibility, clarity, and real-time connection across the community.
Focusing on communication throughout the year led to meaningful improvements. Teamwork became more cohesive as departments shared information more consistently and worked together with greater efficiency. Employee culture improved as team members felt more supported, informed, and comfortable asking questions or offering ideas. Communication between residents and department heads also strengthened. Residents reported greater confidence in knowing who to contact, how to share feedback, and how to stay informed about updates, events, and services.
The most valuable lesson we will carry forward is that intentional communication is foundational to a healthy working and living environment. Clear, respectful communication builds trust, strengthens collaboration, and helps everyone feel heard and valued. By continuing to prioritize communication, we can further strengthen relationships, improve operational consistency, and support a more connected community.
As we look back on the impact of our Word of the Year at The Rushwood Senior Living, it is clear that this simple concept can spark meaningful change. It guided our priorities, strengthened our sense of community, and reinforced the values that matter most. By reviewing the actions and outcomes connected to this word, we celebrate what we have accomplished while identifying opportunities for continued growth. Carrying these lessons forward will help ensure that communication remains at the heart of everything we do.
The Rushwood Senior Living in Wichita, KS 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 Wesley Woodlawn Hospital & ER with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Terradyne Country Club, Bradley Fair, Greenwich Place, Botanica Gardens, Great Plains Nature Center, Tanganyika Wildlife Park, Keeper of the Plains, and World Treasures Museum.
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The Rushwood Senior Living 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.
