Have you ever wondered what it’s like inside a senior living community? Is it quiet and lonely, or is it full of life and scenes out of a sitcom?

At Dogwood Forest Senior Living in Grayson, Georgia, the answer is clear—it’s a place filled with warmth, friendship, and care, thanks to dedicated individuals like Lisa Bogus and Barakya Rawchaa.

Lisa Bogus, the facility’s activity director for the past eight years, makes sure that every resident feels at home. “When you first walk in, it feels like home,” Lisa shares. “Guests who just stop by, like yourself, have said the same thing.”

She works hard to keep residents engaged through fun activities like family bingo nights and open houses. Many people think senior living is just a place to sit and wait, but Lisa disagrees.

“They think of it as a convalescent home. They think that’s the end. But we always do things to keep our residents thriving.”

You can listen to our full conversation below.

Lisa’s love for helping people started early. “I was born like that,” she says. “People tell me, ‘I can’t believe how nice you are,’ but my compassion is to help.” To her, patience and kindness are the most important traits. “If you’re not any of those things, this is not for you. Patience is number one when working with seniors. You have to have it.”

Barakya, who has worked at Dogwood Forest since 2018, started in a direct care role. Over time, she has built strong friendships with the residents. “We have our own little jokes,” she shares with a smile. She’s learned many lessons from her job, like how to be aware of her surroundings and the emotions of others. “They can tell if I come in without a smile. They’ll ask, ‘Are you mad today?’ And I’ll say, ‘No, what are we smiling about?’”

Above is Barakya Rawchaa. You can listen to what she had to say below.

One of Barakya’s favorite events is the Veteran’s Day celebration. “It always makes me emotional. They have so many great stories to tell. We learn about history, but they lived it—it’s totally different.”

Both Lisa and Barakya understand that technology can make life easier for residents. Dogwood Forest is working on simpler remotes, phones, and TV programming to better meet their needs. Lisa also wants to introduce more technology-driven activities, like computer classes, to keep residents engaged.

At Dogwood Forest, the goal is to make every day special. “As long as I make a difference, that’s what matters. My compassion is there for anybody in need. I love helping people,” Lisa says. For Barakya, it’s not just about care—it’s about respect. “This is a luxury service. As people get older, they hold on to their pride and dignity. We want them to enjoy life with quality, not just quantity.”

Thanks to the dedication of Lisa, Barakya, and the entire team, Dogwood Forest is more than just a place to live—it’s a place to belong.