Brookridge Retirement Community Socially Engaged While Socially Distanced!

The natural beauty surrounding Brookridge Retirement Community – 46 gloriously wooded acres to be exact – is a scene-stealer for sure, but once you’re settled in as a fortunate resident, you’ll realize from day one that the camaraderie and friendships you’ll build while enjoying the Brookridge lifestyle are a true life blessing.

“Absolutely, the number one reason our residents give for moving to Brookridge is lifestyle, and it’s important to them to be in a community where they maintain their quality of life and enjoy the same things they have been used to doing!” says Brookridge Director of Marketing & Sales, Becky Wright. “Having a wide array of activities is more of an expectation now than ever before, and we do our best to think creatively to provide lots of choices.”

As part of the personalized levels of care the faith-based Brookridge community provides – from independent living to skilled nursing care – the community has worked tirelessly to maintain their lifestyle level, even during the unique challenges of the last few months, while strenuously following every CDC guideline related to Covid-19.

“COVID-19 has required that we be creative with our programming,” says Director of Activities, Hillary McGee. “We’ve brought many events outside, split activities into smaller groups, and provided additional spaces for our more popular activities. Since the lockdown order eased a bit, we have slowly increased the number of small group gatherings and even introduced small trips for residents.”

Hillary says during the pandemic, the staff has seen an increased interest in fitness classes, too.

“We offer a wide variety of activities and programs designed to improve whole-person wellness,” she explains. “We want everyone to have something to choose from, and we strive for residents to be engaged socially, intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally!”

Those varied – and fun – options include exercise programs like Aqua Fit, Tai Chi, Zumba, and Yoga, and Continued Educational Programs such as basic Spanish classes, Technology 101, and an interesting variety of health seminars.

Residents also typically enjoy seasonal themed parties, games, wine and cheese socials, book clubs, and monthly trips, as well as taking advantage of the peaceful, picturesque trails around Brookridge that are perfect for walking or jogging. Welcoming residents of all ages and varied backgrounds, there are always new friends to make during community activities!

While the holidays may look a little different for all of us this year, the Brookridge staff has been especially creative in planning festive events for the month of December, which will include visits from Santa Claus in a safe, controlled environment, and local Christmas carolers serenading residents from outside. Earlier this fall, the community enjoyed a delightful fall carnival complete with games, music, and a mobile petting zoo that residents enjoyed sharing with their children and grandchildren, and the annual “Friendsgiving” luncheon in November offered two seatings this year to comply with CDC regulations for social distancing.

“For the Christmas holidays, some of our residents do plan to spend time off-campus with their loved ones,” says Tanya Brinegar, Brookridge Director of Independent Living. “But for those not quite ready to visit in person, FaceTime is an enormously popular option, as well as having family members visit Brookridge. Like all visitors and guests, families must undergo our screening process each time they enter the building.”

A Life Plan Community owned and operated by Baptist Retirement Homes, Brookridge is part of a strong 70-year legacy of enriching senior living in North Carolina dedicated to first-class service, dignity, and kindness. See for yourself by touring the Brookridge community at 1199 Hayes Forest Drive in Winston-Salem. Visit them online at Brookridgecommunity.org or call 336-759-1044 to schedule an in-person or virtual tour.

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