Marketing Tips for Senior Communities During the Holidays

The holidays are stressful times for senior communities as staff wants vacations and families come out of the woodwork for visits. From a marketing perspective; our glass, of course is 1/2 full. These times can be viewed as wonderful opportunities to show off the friendship and companionship found in senior communities and advantages of living within a community.

Here are a few observations:

1. Many communities put out their holiday decor without updating it. If its on display; it needs to be fresh and clean;

2. Communitities often take on a 'loving hands at home look' to the holiday decorating an it doesn't reflect the image of the community; rather it looks like an elementary school. If you are decorating for the holidays; make sure the decor reflects the community's image. Just because an employee loves to decorate their home; they may not have the right eye to handle this task at your community. If it can't be done right; it's better to not do it.

3. Be sure there are policies regarding holiday clothing and which days employees can dress with their holiday spirit.

4. Make sure the marketing department has a representative available to greet visiting families. Brochures should be preassembled and easy to locate as well as extra copies of the community's newsletter.

5. If the telephone greeting is holiday inspired; let all of the personnel answering the telephone know the community's greeting. Personnel should know to get telephone #'s for return calls rather than telling someone to call back.

6. The community's executive director should be available at key dining and visiting times much like a general manager of a hotel. They should be visible to great residents and families.

7. If grandmother receives new clothes and the family failed to put in nametags; don't make this an awkward moment for a family.

8. Using social media? Have someplace where pictures can be taken and put on Facebook. Have a poster somewhere when people know they can become Friends. This is a great opportunity to get those Friends from visiting grandchildren.

9. Use a Flip video camera and put fun holiday entertainment on YouTube.

10. Take advantage of the spirit of the holidays to encourage prospects to come in for a snack--show off the community and the wonderful lifestyle you offer.