December 19, 2025
Choosing a “Word of the Year” is more than a fun tradition. It is a powerful tool for focus and growth at The Montvale Senior Living. A single word can guide decisions, inspire action, and unite teams around a shared purpose. By reflecting on the word selected for the year, we gain insight into how it shaped our culture, strengthened connections, and supported meaningful experiences for residents and staff. This end of year review also allows us to celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and prepare for the year ahead.
Our 2025 Word of the Year, Elevate, guided every decision we made at Montvale. It inspired us to enrich the resident experience in meaningful ways. Happy hours became a true community highlight, enhanced by elevated entertainment from favorites like Robert Samson, Al Kitchen, and Bustin’ Loose. We also welcomed new vendors and partners who helped raise the quality of daily services and create more dynamic experiences for residents.
To further elevate the move-in experience, we developed the Montvale Orientation Packet. This resource gives new residents a warm, organized, and informative start from their very first day.
Our focus on elevation produced several positive outcomes. Happy hour attendance steadily increased, with 50 to 80 residents attending each week. This marked one of the largest participation gains of the year. Special events also reached record turnout, including last month’s Sunday Brunch, which welcomed more than 100 residents and guests. These milestones strengthened our culture and made the community more vibrant, social, and connected.
The biggest lesson we gained from Elevate is that small, thoughtful improvements create meaningful impact. Each extra touch added to a program or event led to greater enthusiasm and engagement. Moving forward, this mindset will continue to guide us as we look for simple, purposeful ways to enhance everyday experiences. These steady steps will help us keep elevating life at Montvale in lasting, positive ways.
As we look back on the impact of our Word of the Year at The Montvale Senior Living, it is clear this simple concept can spark meaningful change. It 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 celebrate what we accomplished while identifying opportunities for continued growth. One word truly can make a difference when it is lived every day.
Montvale Senior Living in Springfield, Illinois provides premier independent living for older adults. Surrounded by history and charm, this community offers three professionally prepared meals daily, weekly housekeeping, and most utilities all for one monthly price. Residents can choose from spacious apartments or private cottages with patio or balcony, walk-in tub, and kitchenette in various floor plans for a single price. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge services, events and entertainment, transportation services, fitness area, game room, and lounge. The daily events calendar keeps residents’ bodies and minds active and socially engaged. Residents enjoy strolling the walking paths and relaxing on the beautiful patio. Customized personal care services are available from trusted third-party providers. Nearby, shopping is available at White Oaks Mall, and history buffs can tour the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.
Montvale 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.
