Publishing a senior living newsletter might just be one of the best ways to connect with your residents, their families, and potential newcomers. Imagine a well-crafted collection of stories, updates, and resources—like a warm hug delivered in print! So, grab your favorite mug of coffee (or tea, if that’s your jam) and let’s dive into the delightful world of self-publishing your very own senior living newsletter.

Create Your Content Plan

Before you dive headfirst into the creation process, take a moment to think about what topics will grace the pages of your newsletter. You’ll want to cover facility news, upcoming events, health and wellness tips, and perhaps even profiles of residents and staff. Everyone loves a good story, right? Sprinkle in some interesting anecdotes about community life, updates on maintenance (yes, we’re talking about the glorious new landscaping), and any other timely information that would keep your readers engaged.

Don’t forget about the pièce de résistance: the activities calendar! This should be an integral part of your newsletter. Knowing when and where to be is easy with a clear calendar of events. 

Decide on Your Frequency

How often should your residents receive this literary masterpiece? We’ve found that a monthly newsletter hits the sweet spot between keeping residents informed and activity directors sane. Publishing it along with a monthly calendar just makes sense. Consistency is key! You want your residents to look forward to the next issue, and know when it’s going to be hot off the press. 

Determine Your Design

Ah, design—the cherry on top of your newsletter sundae! You’ll want to create a template that’s visually appealing and easy to read. Think clean lines, inviting colors, and fonts that don’t scream “I’m a tax form!” Incorporate graphics, images, and other design elements that reflect the vibrant life within your community. Remember, it’s not just about the words; a well-designed newsletter will catch the eye and make readers feel welcomed. Don’t have time for that? Well, we know a guy… 😉

Gather Your Content

You’ll need to gather content from a variety of sources: staff members, residents, families, and even the occasional visit from your friendly neighborhood dog. Capture engaging photos and relevant information as you assemble your content. To make it easier for yourself, involve the community! Consider a “Photo of the Month” contest to encourage residents to share their snapshots of community life, or organize a writing club for residents to contribute. Bonus: it’s always a good feeling when your creations get published! 

Write Your Newsletter Articles

Armed with your content plan, design template, and a treasure trove of interesting information, it’s time to unleash your inner Hemingway (or at least your inner well-spoken resident). Write compelling articles that resonate with your audience. Keep in mind the tone: warm, friendly, and a touch witty can go a long way. Nobody wants to read a dreary account of last week’s bingo game. Instead, highlight the fun moments and the quirky characters that make your community special. Need help? With MyCorwin, we offer a variety of exclusive, professionally written and designed content to choose from each month. Simply select an item and move on! 

Edit and Proofread Your Newsletter

Once you’ve typed out a literary masterpiece, it’s time to put on your editing cap. Review your content for accuracy, grammar, and overall readability. Make sure everything fits beautifully into your design template. You know the drill—spellcheck is your best friend. Plus, it’s always wise to have a second pair of eyes look it over. After all, the last thing you want is to accidentally refer to your residents as “sweet elderly mutants” instead of “sweet elderly residents.” (Though, let’s be honest, some of them might qualify as mutants in the most endearing way possible.) Our newsletter builder has an AI-powered grammar checker that can rephrase that awkward sentence along with catching typos. 

Off to Your Printer

With so much time and effort poured into your newsletter, you want to ensure it looks fabulous in print. Find a reliable printer who can handle your digital content like a pro. Once you submit your design and receive a proof for your approval, you can bask in the glory of your hard work while waiting for those beautiful copies to be ready for pickup. With MyCorwin, we take care of the whole process, from design to print, so when it’s shipped to your door, all that’s left to do is hand it out! Which brings us to the final step.

Proudly Distribute Your Newsletter

Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for: distribution! It’s time to deliver your newsletter to your residents, mail it out to their families, and arm your marketing team with the latest edition. Make it a celebratory event! Hand out copies with flair, or set up a little “newsletter launch party” where residents can gather to chat about their favorite articles over cookies and coffee.

The Final Touch

Self-publishing a newsletter for your Nursing Home, Memory Care, Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Senior Living facility is no small feat. It takes time, effort, and a sprinkle of creativity, but the benefits are undeniable. Your residents and their families will feel more connected and engaged with your community, and you’ll be creating a wonderful keepsake that they can look back on fondly.

If all this sounds like a lot of work (because, let’s be honest, it is), don’t worry! You don’t have to do it all alone. If you need help with your newsletters or calendar needs, you can always contact us or call at 1-813-266-4242. We’re here to help you make your senior living newsletter the talk of the town! So, let’s get started on this journey together—your residents are waiting for their next big read!