The staff at a retirement community really matters. Just ask Kenn Piotrowski, a resident of Friendship Village, a life plan community in suburban Schaumburg.

“I love the staff here,” says Piotrowski, who’s very active at the community and knows many of the staff members. “I have been here three years and no one on the staff has been dismissive or flippant.” He adds that he has never seen a “sour apple.” “They’re so warm and friendly,” he says.

Piotrowski also works with the staff. He’s a member of two of the community’s 10 resident committees, each of which includes a staff liaison. He’s a volunteer Tai Chi teacher in the fitness center where he has formed strong bonds with the wellness staff. In fact, he was practicing Tai Chi in the wellness center when Julie Hubbard, an exercise specialist at the community, first noticed his expertise. She enlisted him to teach her Tai Chi, and then got him to start a Tai Chi class for residents.

Hubbard calls Piotrowski “incredible” and a “superman.” Her upbeat attitude reflects that of many staffers who often become buddies with residents. “The experience of getting to know the residents is a privilege,” says Hubbard. “It’s the relationships you build with the residents. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

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