Senior Lifestyle

Victor Rios was born in Mexico City, Mexico, but he moved to and grew up in the northern suburbs of Illinois when he was very young. He is the oldest of nine siblings and currently live in Chicago and enjoy walk with his dog, Tenoch, around the city parks. He is passionate about animals and love attending music festivals.

Through this article he reflects on a deeply personal journey into senior healthcare, shaped by the Hispanic cultural value of family as an extended support system. He, now the Director of Resident Services at Senior Lifestyle, describes how the community embodies family-like bonds, especially during challenging times like the pandemic.

If you had asked me in high school where I saw my career path taking me, I could never have imagined I would end up in Senior Healthcare.  As a Hispanic, the value of family is deeply ingrained in me. It extends beyond our immediate family to include aunts, uncles, cousins and more. Our understanding of family as a support system and a source of care is a fundamental aspect of our upbringing. As they age, we care for our family in our homes and the idea of senior living communities is rarely a thought.

I have worked at Lincolnwood Place, Lincolnwood, IL, for almost 10 years.  Here, the meaning of family is extended to every resident, relative and guest who walks through our community.

After the pandemic, it was tough for many to stay in the senior living industry. We saw so many people become ill or pass away, all while helping our community face the challenges and manage their fears. Throughout the turmoil, our community stayed true to our core values: hospitality, excellence, appreciation, respect and teamwork.

There are obstacles everywhere, but when you have your heart in the right place, you will find that you can achieve anything. For those who live in a community like mine, it's not just a facility or a home, but a family.

Finding family in a community has allowed someone like me to remain at Lincolnwood Place for almost 10 years. I have found joy in working with individuals who have been brought up with values similar to mine and these shared values are showcased in the care and dedication we deliver daily. I work in a community that strives to be exemplary. I am proud to work in a place where family extends its arms not only to blood relatives but those who live, work and visit here. Having staff and residents with longevity creates a genuine family feel as you walk into our community. The support and unity within our community have been instrumental in managing our challenges, reassuring us all that we are not alone. 

My initial aspiration was to be a school guidance counselor, helping students find their life paths. However, life had other plans for me, leading me to a world where every hour is extraordinary and life is celebrated to the fullest. There has never been a day that I’ve regretted where my life path has led me. As the Director of Resident Services, I am reminded every day that I get to work alongside the real-life superheroes who bring joy to residents and families and uplift their coworkers to provide a welcoming and enriching experience to our extended Lincolnwood Place family.

You may hear that working in a senior healthcare community is challenging, but what family doesn’t have its challenges?

There are obstacles everywhere, but when you have your heart in the right place, you will find that you can achieve anything. For those who live in a community like mine, it's not just a facility or a home, but a family.