
At Sonida Senior Living, we offer a unique program called Tree of Dreams. This program, which helps to fulfill the dreams of the residents living in our independent living, assisted living and memory care communities, has three core values: compassion, adventure and legacy.
Our Tree of Dreams program is rooted in compassion. Caregivers work with residents to uncover their history and aspirations, encouraging them to not only dream but dream big.
Understanding compassion in senior care
Compassion requires a genuine connection and an effort to alleviate distress while fostering a sense of dignity and belonging. In our senior living communities, this approach helps create an environment where residents feel valued, understood and supported.
Compassionate senior care has tangible psychological and physiological benefits. Research from the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry suggests that older adults who feel emotionally supported experience lower levels of depression and anxiety, enhanced cognitive functioning and improved overall health. These outcomes emphasize the importance of creating a senior care environment where compassion is not an afterthought but a core principle.
At Sonida Senior Living, this commitment to compassion is embodied in our Tree of Dreams program. Tree of Dreams provides residents with the opportunity to fulfill personal dreams, which often include achieving a long-standing goal, reigniting a forgotten passion or reconnecting with old family and friends. Sonida Senior Living’s Tree of Dreams demonstrates that fulfilling dreams is not just about achieving milestones, but also about honoring residents’ emotional needs.
Tree of Dreams: The importance of empathy and connection
Whether through the kindness of staff or the camaraderie of fellow residents, empathy and connection are foundational in our senior living communities.
Empathy bridges the emotional gap between caregivers and residents, creating a sense of validation and understanding. Also, social connection is a critical component of mental and emotional well-being. Dr. John Cacioppo, a leading expert on loneliness, noted in his research that isolation can have detrimental effects on seniors, including increased risks of depression, cognitive decline and mortality.
Our Tree of Dreams program enhances social connections and empathy for our residents. By sharing and celebrating each other’s dreams, residents develop a deeper appreciation for one another’s journeys, creating an environment where mutual support and unity thrive.
Additionally, this program allows caregivers and residents to engage in empathy and connection on a profound level by revealing deeply personal stories or long-held desires.
Lastly, our Tree of Dreams program serves as a powerful tool to remind our staff of the impact they have on our residents’ lives. By participating in fulfilling residents’ dreams, whether big or small, staff members are reinvigorated with purpose and pride.
Our Tree of Dreams stories

Jenny, a resident at The Wellington at Springfield, has a deep love for theater. When the team discovered Beauty and the Beast was playing locally, they knew it would be the ideal Tree of Dreams experience for her.
She and her friend Marci enjoyed the show together, followed by a lovely lunch. The entire day was filled with gratitude, as both friends reflected on the joy and memorable moments they shared.

The Waterford at Plymouth delighted resident Peggy with a surprise celebration for her 98th birthday. For her Tree of Dreams, the team (pictured here) took her to a vineyard, accompanied by a professional photographer. Her family, including her daughter who traveled from California to Wisconsin, joined the celebration.
The team expressed that this Dream was particularly meaningful because of how special Peggy is. Kudos to the team for their wonderful effort!

Harold waited a long time for his Tree of Dreams to come true. While serving in the military, Harold worked on helicopters. It was during this time he became fascinated with bi-planes and always wanted to fly in one. When the Southern Meadows team learned this, they knew they had to make his Dream happen.
Not only did Harold love the ride, but he also enjoyed connecting with other veterans. Harold’s already preparing for his next Dream: a hot air balloon ride! Great job, Katie and team!
Find a compassionate senior living community near you
Is your senior loved one ready to experience compassionate senior care? Find a Sonida Senior Living community near you to schedule a tour and experience the Tree of Dreams program for yourself.
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If you’re a senior or caregiver looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care services for you or your loved one, contact us to schedule a tour or request information about a community near you.