Planning a month full of senior living activities would be a daunting task for some people, but the activities coordinators at Branchlands Senior Living make it seem easy. Every week, there are dozens of activities for the residents of The Manor House Independent Living and Linden House Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Senior living activities at Branchlands are important for a number of reasons: they help build community, improve physical health, engage the mind, provide residents with a purpose, create structure in someone’s day, and foster residents’ independence.
Planning a Variety of Activities
Because residents at Branchlands have many different abilities and interests, it’s important to offer a wide range of activities that would appeal to a variety of people. Some residents are looking to watch a movie in a group setting, while others prefer to interact directly with fellow residents or use their minds in a game of skill. At Branchlands, we try to offer something for everyone, including activities where residents can pop in spontaneously without signing up ahead of time.
The Manor House Independent Living
Activities Coordinator Jen S., who started with Branchlands in 2022, has created a very successful activities program at The Manor House Independent Living. She incorporates day trips, happy hours, games, exercise, lunch outings, and musical performances at Branchlands to offer something for every interested resident.
“Jen is the best activities coordinator that I have had the privilege of working with in my over 30 years in senior living in the Charlottesville area,” says Maryanne O., marketing coordinator for Branchlands. “I’ve come to realize that one of the reasons she is so spectacular at her job is that she thinks outside the box. Every month I look forward to seeing what fun she has planned for our residents.”
Jen didn’t realize she had a gift for planning events until the position fell into her lap. While working at Branchlands in another role, Jen filled in as activities coordinator when the person serving in that position left. Jen did such a wonderful job during filling in that Branchlands decided to make her the new full-time activities coordinator. Jen enjoys researching and planning out each month’s activities, using sites like Pinterest, for example, when she’s looking for interesting crafts to do with residents.
“I look up the special days for each month. There is a holiday for everything nowadays,” says Jen about her planning process. “Like today is National Creamsicle Day, so we are going to hang out on the front porch and enjoy some creamsicles.”
Whether exploring a local restaurant or riding along Skyline Drive, residents appreciate the monthly trips. These take them outside Branchlands for the day to explore what the Charlottesville area has to offer.
There are a lot of games throughout the week, including regular Bingo sessions. Bingo is an approachable game which involves many different skills in an interactive, social setting; it’s no wonder it’s such a beloved senior activity. Both Bingo and Pokeno (see photo at top) have a large following at Branchlands. They’re fun ways to pass the time that also brings people together to chat and share news and stories.
Linden House Assisted Living and Memory Care
At Linden House Assisted Living and Memory Care, Dana S. carefully plans senior living activities for a wide range of capabilities. Dana has been working in senior living for years and enjoys interacting with residents and bringing joy into their lives.
While Memory Care has very specific activities geared toward its residents, Assisted Living has a calendar full of opportunities for residents to live an active lifestyle. Linden House hosts almost double the activities the Manor House does (around 180 each month). That’s why Dana has activities assistants who help her run the programs in Assisted Living. “I couldn’t do it without them,” says Dana. Wanda L. is the activities coordinator for Memory Care.
Some activities happen weekly, while others may only appear twice a month depending on resident interest. Dana regularly surveys the residents to see what types of activities appeal to them. Games of Rummikub are extremely popular with residents these days. It makes its way onto the calendar every weekday. So do exercise classes, to ensure residents have an opportunity to move their bodies as well as engage their minds.
Keeping Seniors Active and Engaged
For residents who would like to participate in even more activities for seniors, the Center at Belvedere in Charlottesville is just a short drive away, with a direct shuttle from Branchlands. The Center offers different ways to engage, such as lectures on various topics important to seniors, like Medicare, which we discuss in this blog. They also provide exciting opportunities for movement, such as dance classes, or ways to keep the mind sharp, like with language learning.
From energizing the body and spiritual enrichment to fostering social connections and mental stimulation, activities play an important role in each resident’s life.
“I like to make a bright spot in their day,” says Jen. “They could be having a bad health day, but they get to come out and socialize and get to smile for a little bit.”
Even the calendar itself is a key part of the residents’ daily routine. One resident, who doesn’t attend events regularly, reminded Jen to keep sending her the calendar because she enjoys reading about the activities even if she doesn’t participate. Sometimes simply keeping up with what’s happening at Branchlands can help foster a sense of connection.
Celebrating Milestones
Most people like to have their birthdays recognized. Each month at Branchlands, we have a birthday party for all those whose special day was that month. It’s a great excuse to gather, share sweet treats, and learn more about fellow residents. Who doesn’t like a party with cake?
In addition to birthdays, here at Branchlands we celebrate holidays with special parties. Whether it’s the Fourth of July or Thanksgiving, there is always a reason to gather each season. “Holiday celebrations are popular,” says Jen. “Especially the patriotic holidays because we have a lot of residents with connections to the military.”
At Linden House, Dana notes that the Christmas dinner with residents’ families is the most popular event of the year and the dining room overflows with attendees.
Unique Branchlands Events
Each year in September, Linden House recognizes National Assisted Living Week with special events. Last year, we had a 1950s diner-themed meal. The serving staff wore roller skates and poodle skirts, and there was a special appearance from an Elvis impersonator!
This year, Dana and her team are planning a Ranch Day and camping event with the Girl Scouts in the courtyard. There will also be a dinner that residents’ families are invited to join.
A few times a year, Branchlands hosts larger joint events for Independent Living and Assisted Living and Memory Care. Residents and their families are all invited to those as well, including the Fall Festival in October and the Run for the Roses in May. These gatherings provide valuable togetherness time over meals and feature local entertainment, along with other meaningful activities.
Whether considering Independent or Assisted Living, Branchlands keeps residents Living Life the Fullest with an array of senior living activities. Call us today to schedule a visit and take a peek at one of the many activities taking place while you’re here.
Top Ten Senior Living Activities at Branchlands
1. Musical performances
2. Happy hour
3. Social events
4. Outings
5. Lectures or presentations
6. Exercise
7. Rummikub
8. Bingo
9. Pokeno
10. Did we mention happy hour?
