Activities Director still inspired after 27 years

“There are many other things you can do in life, but this job drives me. It inspires me,” said Brad Fuller, Activities Director at Heritage Pointe of Huntington, shown at right driving the golf cart. The resident of Ft. Wayne said, “I have a 25-minute drive to work every day, and it’s nice to have the time to be thinking about all the great things we’re going to do.”

Brad plans and oversees a variety of fun and engaging activities for residents of Heritage Pointe of Huntington. The senior living community provides assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, outpatient therapy and long-term healthcare on its beautiful campus.

Popular activities that Brad plans include outings to restaurants, museums and shops around the Huntington area, as well as special parties and celebrations, musical performances and more.

Brad said that his job is “almost like a calling. I was told many years ago to try to find a career I’d truly enjoy. I love the people I serve, and I am able to do so many different things with them.”

Brad, a native of Anderson, Indiana, earned his degree in recreation management and is certified as an activity director for long-term care.

He’s worked in senior living for 27 years, the last 13 of which have been at Heritage Pointe of Huntington. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else. This is the place for me. I have a relationship with the residents, their families and our staff. It feels like home to me and has always felt that way,” Brad said. “Everyone is friendly. People make time to stop and say ‘hi’. Residents learn about my kids and things I’m involved with and always inquire about them,” he said. “I feel like an extended family.”

Brad said he likes to close all activities with a short prayer. “It’s non-denominational. But the residents embrace spirituality, so we try to express our thanks for having so many people pulling together here as one.”

When asked how he thinks people would describe him, Brad said, “I think I’m seen as being easy-going, caring and friendly. Everyone brings me jokes – they think I’m funny, and I do love to make people laugh.”

Getting a bit teary-eyed, Brad concluded, “It’s truly so touching to serve residents. It’s such a rewarding career. Truly, when considering different career paths in college, I never thought this is the feeling I’d ultimately have at my job. I’ve never wanted to do something else ever since I started.”