In his own words: Tim Grafton, Park Place Assisted Living

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about Park Place and your position.

Tim Grafton: Park Place is an assisted living community overlooking Rancho San Rafael Park that frankly, feels like home. It's not institutional. Our seniors live in nice bungalows, and we have a professional chef serving three squares plus snacks every day. We have 24-hour staff that cares for folks at all levels of assisted living, and we provide a safe and nurturing environment to those needing assistance with activities of daily living and welcome those receiving hospice care services as well.

NNBW: What's the most important thing you have learned in your career?

Grafton: That even though our seniors in the community are a strong and spirited group of people, they still need an extra voice to advocate for their needs as they arise.

NNBW: What the most important thing you have learned working with seniors?

Grafton: A resident once told me that life is too short, even though he was at the time 94 years old. And though we are living longer these days, our ability to remember all those times can diminish. Therefore, as my resident told me, "Live for now and enjoy every moment. Swim in it until your fingers get pruney. You might not remember these times 20 years from now."

NNBW: What was your first job?

Grafton: A furniture mover/packer for a moving company. I worked part time after school with my brothers.

NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes? How do you spend your time away from work?

Grafton: I spend as much time as possible with my family. As I've learned from the senior residents, sharing as much time of yourself with those you love is what makes the difference.

NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?

Grafton: Remember to smile ... a lot! You'd be amazed how something so simple can make another person's entire day.

NNBW: Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.

Grafton: Any activity with our residents is a blast. Learning to play bridge with a group of senior women didn't go well, though. Apparently, I talk too much and kept breaking their concentration.

NNBW: What's the last concert or sporting event you attended?

Grafton: That would be a San Francisco 49ers football game. (Unless Disney Princesses on Ice with my daughter counts as a sporting event.)

NNBW: Where's your perfect vacation spot?

Grafton: Kauai. Enough said.

NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like most about working/living here?

Grafton: I relocated to Reno when my wife accepted a position with the Student Union at the University of Nevada, Reno. Coming from Central California, it was very refreshing to experience all four seasons. Downtown, the university, and the many activities this area offers just can't be beat.

The basics:

Name: Tim Grafton, Executive Director, Park Place Assisted Livin

How long have you been in this job? 3 years

How long in the profession? 18 years

Education: BA in Psychology, California State University, Fresno

Last book read? "A Map of Time" by Felix J. Palma

Favorite flick: "It's A Wonderful Life" is always a favorite. Then again, the geek in me loves "Empire Strikes Back." On the other hand, Disney's "Tangled" has been played at our house non-stop for the last month. My little girl loves that movie.

Spouse, kids or pets? I've been married 15 years; we have one 5-year-old daughter and one St. Bernard/Lab mix (3 years old).

What's on your iPod? A little bit of everything, from classic rock to the Muppets. Mumford & Sons is on the repeat play at the moment.