Following the success of last year’s gold ribbon awareness campaign, Going Gold for Senior Living organizer Buckner Retirement Services is encouraging its adoption annually.

During the month of June, Texans can show their support for local senior living communities and their residents and staff by displaying a gold ribbon outside homes, businesses and churches.

Supporting seniors is something we should do in both difficult and good times

“We launched Going Gold for Senior Living in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic as a way to increase awareness and public support for residents of senior living communities and the frontline heroes working there,” said Charlie Wilson, president of Buckner Retirement Services.

Last year, Going Gold for Senior Living was embraced by senior living communities beyond those operated by Buckner, and gold ribbons were seen displayed around the state.

“Supporting the people who live and work inside senior living communities is something we should do in both difficult times and good times, which is why we want to make Going Gold an annual occurrence every June,” said Wilson.

You can make a positive impact in the lives of seniors and senior living employees

Displaying a ribbon also signifies the completion of one or more of items from a list created by Buckner detailing ways to make a positive impact in the lives of seniors and senior living employees.

The list of ways to make a positive impact in the lives of seniors and senior living employees includes:

• Become a volunteer at a local senior living community. 
• Walk or sponsor a walker in your local Heart Walk for the American Heart Association.
• Donate to the Alzheimer’s Association to help accelerate research.
• Post a positive testimonial on social media about you or your family member’s experience in senior living, using the hashtag #SupportSeniorLiving.
• Collect clothing and/or supplies for under-served senior living community residents. 
• Have your children or grandchildren send pictures, cards or letters to senior living residents. Or, become a pen pal with a senior living resident.
• Encourage children to share impactful stories they share with their grandparents.
• Advocate for state and federal laws impacting senior adults and senior living by writing your elected officials.
• Bring your well-trained pet to visit residents and staff at a senior living community.
• Sponsor an event at a senior living community that is open to all residents and associates.

Display a gold ribbon to show your support

Last year, Buckner communities received calls from individuals, churches and community organizations wanting to hold car parades, send letters, and pray for residents and staff.

“People really stepped up and embraced the Golden Rule, so this year, we wanted to provide even more ways to directly or indirectly make a difference,” said Wilson.

All six Buckner senior living communities across Texas have gold ribbons available at their reception area for anyone in the community who would like to show support. Otherwise, people are encouraged to purchase gold ribbon from local craft stores or online retailers.

Buckner’s six communities include Buckner Villas in Austin, Parkway Place in Houston, Ventana by Buckner in Dallas, Calder Woods in Beaumont, Westminster Place in Longview, and Baptist Retirement Community in San Angelo.

Policies around visitors and volunteers may be different for senior living communities. It is recommended to call or email a community prior to learn their specific policies before showing up.

Find out how Buckner Retirement Services is inspiring happiness every day at senior living communities throughout Texas.