Why Mavis Loves Senior Living – and You Might Too

The sun rises over the peaceful pond at Holiday Echo Ridge, and Mavis is already at her window, tossing nuts to the squirrels outside. She smiles and waves to fellow residents passing by. This is home, and for Mavis, it’s a home she never expected to love so much.

Born in Australia, Mavis moved to Tennessee in 1980 and has called Holiday Echo Ridge home since 2022. Since becoming a resident, she’s become an essential part of the Echo Ridge community, even taking on the role of Resident Ambassador – a position that helps other residents feel at home just like she does now.

From “no way!” to “g’day!”

Mavis admits that transitioning to community living wasn’t something she initially pictured for herself. “I think, like most people who are seniors, you don’t really consider not living by yourself,” she reflects. But the vibrant life at Holiday Echo Ridge and the support of her nearby family – two of her three children – quickly turned this chapter into one of the happiest in her life.

“I’m not a very shy person,” Mavis says with a laugh. “I talk to the other residents and staff a lot, and I pull their legs.” Her outgoing and good-humored nature has helped her form strong connections at Echo Ridge. Residents and staff are happy to call Mavis a friend. “The staff in the community are all amazing,” she says when reflecting on the way each team lends a hand to one another.

Squirrels, stitches and stories

One of the things Mavis loves most about Holiday Echo Ridge is the view from her apartment, which overlooks a peaceful field and pond. “I get to feed squirrels in the field and fish in the pond, which is wonderful,” she shares. For Mavis, feeding the squirrels and watching the fish swim in the pond are some of the little things that make Echo Ridge feel like home.

Her nickname among residents, the “bossy Aussie,” highlights her playful personality. “I’m from Australia originally, and some of the residents call me the ‘bossy Aussie’ – but I’m not really bossy,” she clarifies with a grin.

Another of Mavis’s passions is knitting. It’s a skill she’s honed since the age of four. She leads the Echo Ridge knitting group, affectionately called “Stitch-N-Buddies.” “We meet twice a week, and typically three or four people join. But people are invited to come even if they just want to chat. You don’t have to knit with us to sit with us,” she says.

Building bridges as Resident Ambassador

Mavis’s role as a Resident Ambassador at Holiday Echo Ridge has been particularly meaningful. Resident Ambassadors play a key role in helping newcomers settle in, offering guidance, answering questions and introducing them to community life. They help new residents discover activities, make connections and feel more at ease in their new home.

For two years, Mavis has welcomed prospective residents by joining them for lunch and sharing her experiences. “I’ve enjoyed sitting with potential residents and talking with them. I’ve made a few good friends that way,” she says. She’s also loved meeting new residents from different backgrounds. “It’s always interesting to meet people from other upbringings. We have people who are from South America and others from the Philippines!” she says enthusiastically.

With her lively spirit, kind heart and dedication to the community, Mavis is thriving at Holiday Echo Ridge. Whether she’s knitting, feeding the squirrels or cracking jokes, she’s a true gem who makes everyone feel at home.

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Come see us at Holiday Echo Ridge – maybe Mavis can show you around!

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