Step out your back door or peek through your kitchen window, and you'll witness the beauty of the surrounding nature. This is exactly what Sara Chandler, Life Enrichment Director at Willow Pond Senior Care, does for her residents.
In early March 2024, the 'Backyard' project began construction and received donations. On July 1, 2024, Seasons (memory care) residents hosted their inaugural 'Breakfast and Birdwatching' event, joined by families, residents, and staff.
"My goal is to ensure that all residents achieve a better quality of life, whether through physical movement, arts education, or simply by watching birds enjoy their breakfast," said Chandler.
Bird-watching, or 'birding', is an accessible recreational activity, enjoyed either alone or in groups, which makes it perfect for seniors.
"It's a free and resourceful therapy that sparks reminiscence and improves concentration, uplifting moods, which is especially beneficial for our Seasons (Memory) residents," continued Chandler.
The Seasons Backyard is now a charming 'secret' garden tucked away in a fenced area on the Willow Pond property. It features a walkway overlooking a pond, a gazebo with a swing, and a screened-in porch. The porch is adorned with seven bird feeders, bustling with activity in the mornings and evenings, and surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees on the property.
A small koi pond is home to local frogs, whose evening serenades blend with the sounds of insects, creating a natural symphony that promotes relaxation.
The dining room and kitchen windows offer perfect views of the backyard, too. Some residents prefer to sit indoors, watching birds up close at the feeders, flipping through books, singing, or listening to stories. One thing is certain – the birds feel safe and are plentiful.
Cardinals (also known as love birds/red birds) and their offspring are frequent visitors, alongside 10-15 other bird species such as blue jays, chickadees, barn swallows (with nesting babies!), mockingbirds, robins (seasonal), and the occasional thrush, all nesting and feeding in the area.
"It's truly 'picture perfect' in winter with green leaves and red birds," remarked one resident.
Willow Pond Senior Care invites you to share ideas for the Backyard, visit or volunteer with the residents enjoying it, or contribute items such as seeds, hummingbird feeders, flowers, or other items to enhance the Backyard.
"Our residents LOVE when visitors drop by, sip tea or coffee, join in activities, or watch birds. Even the smallest moments spent with seniors can greatly impact their quality of life – and yours too," concluded Chandler.
You can join in the bird-watching fun on Monday mornings at 8:30am. Willow Pond is located at 4344 Country Club Rd, Statesboro, GA 30458.
For more information, contact Sara Chandler, Life Enrichment Director, at [email protected] or 912-489-4774. Visit Willow Pond Senior Care for more.
