Bingo at Morningstar Senior Living Pasadena
Glenn Shelhamer
Senior Real Estate Specialist ®
Team Lead SG
Kelsea Smith has a passion for helping others, and has always been drawn to the wisdom and experience of older people. So, when she heard about an opportunity to host a regular bingo game for elderly residents at Morningstar Pasadena community, she jumped at the chance.
"One of the players, a woman named Betty, became a particularly close friend. She had lost her husband a few years ago, the game brought life back."
Morningstar Senior Living Pasadena
At first, Kelsea was a little nervous about hosting the games. She had never done anything like this before, and didn't know what to expect. But as soon as she arrived at Morningstar Senior Living of Pasadena community and saw the smiling faces of the elderly people who had come to play bingo, her nerves melted away.
She set up the bingo cards and markers and got ready to start the game. Kelsea had brought snacks and drinks for everyone, and she made sure that everyone had everything they needed. Then, she called out the first number and the game began.
As the game went on, Kelsea could see the joy on the faces of the players. They were laughing and chatting, and they were having a great time. She loves seeing how much the residents enjoy the game, and it makes her feel like she is making a difference in their lives.
Last month, Kelsea started to pack up the bingo cards and markers. But the players didn't want to leave. They wanted to keep talking and spending time with each other. So, Kelsea sat down with them and started chatting.
They talked about everything from families to hobbies to favorite memories. Kelsea loves hearing stories and learning from their experiences. And she could tell that they appreciated having someone to talk to and someone who was interested in their lives.
Kelsea hosts bingo games every month for older adults. It became a regular part of her routine, and she looks forward to it. She has started to get to know the players better, and even started to develop some close friendships.
One of the players, a woman named Betty, became a particularly close friend. She had lost her husband a few years ago, and she was feeling lonely and isolated. But when she started coming to Kelsea's bingo games, she started to feel like she had a community again. She brings Kelsea homemade cookies and treats, and they chat for hours after the games.
Betty and Kelsea started to do other things together outside of the bingo games. They walk in the park, watch movies together, and even took a trip to the beach.
Hosting bingo games for elderly people teaches me so much about the importance of community and the value of human connection. It shows me that even the smallest act of kindness can have a big impact on someone's life. And it reminds me that no matter how old we get, we still need love, laughter, and companionship to make life worth living.
"Hosting bingo games for older adults became more than just a hobby for me. It became a way of life."
Morningstar Senior Living Pasadena California - dining room
Bingo gift prize bags
Fireplace in Morningstar Senior Living Pasadena
Kelsea Smith, Yara Jasso, Karen Jones and Gina Chai of Shelhamer Real Estate Group, Inc.