Priceville Senior Living Facility Hosts Joyful Senior Prom

Residents of all ages and abilities come together to dance, celebrate, and relive cherished memories.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:23pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic prom-themed object such as a corsage or disco ball, repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the vibrant energy and community of a senior prom celebration.A joyful senior prom celebration brings together residents of all ages and abilities, sparking cherished memories and fostering community at The Neighborhood of Priceville Senior Living.Priceville Today

The Neighborhood at Priceville Senior Living, an independent and assisted living facility with a memory care unit, hosted its first senior prom on March 27. Residents of all ages and abilities, some using wheelchairs and walkers, came together to dance to classic hits from the 1950s and 1960s, dress up in formal attire, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The event, organized by program outreach director Cindy Gooch, was designed to provide residents with an opportunity to experience the joy of prom that many missed out on in their youth.

Why it matters

The senior prom was a way for the facility to bring joy and connection to residents, especially those isolated from their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. By including residents from the memory care unit, the event also highlighted the power of music to trigger memories and positive emotions in those living with Alzheimer's and dementia.

The details

The Under the Sea-themed prom featured decorations like jellyfish hanging from the lights, fake bubbles, and an octopus balloon arch. In addition to the independent living and assisted living residents, members of the secure memory care unit also attended the event, dressed up in prom attire with their hair and makeup done. The prom was staffed by facility employees, some of whom had never attended a prom themselves, as well as 'prom security' provided by the daughter and son-in-law of one of the residents.

  • The senior prom took place on March 27, 2026.
  • The idea for the prom stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic, when Gooch organized a Mother's Day parade to allow families to see their loved ones.

The players

Cindy Gooch

The program outreach director at The Neighborhood at Priceville Senior Living who organized the senior prom.

The Neighborhood at Priceville Senior Living

An independent and assisted living facility with a memory care unit that hosted the senior prom event.

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What they’re saying

“The senior prom is about this moment. It's not about the decorations or dressing up or having your hair done or makeup done, it's about this moment when everyone is smiling and having fun. This is why I wanted to do this.”

— Cindy Gooch, Program Outreach Director

“When you see these seniors isolated from their families, you have to think outside of the box. The first thing I did was a parade for Mother's Day so that way families could see each other and not through glass. Prom was the same way. We had an outdoor prom because there were no restrictions to being outside. The residents could get together and the families could come and see them also if they wanted to.”

— Cindy Gooch, Program Outreach Director

“My favorite thing we were able to do was bring residents of the memory care unit to the prom. They dressed up in prom outfits, had their hair done and their makeup done and had on jewelry. It was amazing to see their smiles. We could tell they were touched, especially through the music. Music touches something in everyone, especially when you hear songs from the time you were young.”

— Cindy Gooch, Program Outreach Director

What’s next

Gooch plans to continue hosting the senior prom at The Neighborhood at Priceville Senior Living as long as she is able, seeing the immense joy and positive impact it has on the residents.

The takeaway

The senior prom at The Neighborhood at Priceville Senior Living demonstrates the power of creativity, community, and cherished memories to uplift older adults, especially those isolated or living with cognitive challenges. This event provides a model for other senior living facilities to bring joy and connection to their residents.