The Life Enrichment directors and coordinators of Statesboro and Bulloch County are the ‘heartbeat’ of assisted living and independent residences. Their principal responsibility is to plan, implement, and evaluate activities and programs that enhance the physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being of the residents in senior living communities.
Their goal is to promote and facilitate activities that keep our ‘precious seniors and golden-agers’ well cared about by Statesboro and Bulloch County's finest.
Tropical Storm Debby in early August 2024 caused extensive flooding and damage to Statesboro, Bulloch County, and surrounding areas. The aftermath of the storm was devastating. Windswept, flooded, and resilient are a few words to describe the community's spirit.
But thanks to these tireless individuals, life in our senior communities went on.
“Several of our assisted and independent living center professionals rose to the occasion,” John Rowe, Administrator at Eagle Health & Rehabilitation shared. “Many ‘braved the roads’ to come in so that there were no holes in coverage, and we were able to take care of each other as well as ensuring little interruption in their daily schedule. The staff here checked on each other, especially on those who were off or in areas potentially impacted by the storm.”
Life Enrichment Directors and Coordinators are reactive, patient individuals and sometimes cheerleaders, carrying on their daily personal activities with as little interruption as possible, even under a high alert like we had with Debby. They continue engaging, directing, and making their residents busy, involved, and redirected.
Erica Wells, Executive Director at Willow Pond Senior Care shared, “Sara Chandler, Life Enrichment Director, is very creative and stepped into high gear during Debby with extra activities for the residents, ending the week with the ‘Willow Pond Summer Olympics and Closing Ceremony.'"
The residents enjoyed events like an egg-spoon race, bucket bean bag toss, and even a relay race down the halls. Cheers of excitement and laughter filled the residence as each senior competitor received a gold medal for task completion.
Wells summed it up, “Sara's many strengths involve creating solutions in the time of need by her service to others. We are lucky to have her as our Life Enrichment Director.”
“Engagement and socialization of our residents creates a ripple effect of increased health and morale. Activity and engagement staff must think outside of the box and be creative even in the midst of the chaos of storms of life -- or tropical storms,” shared Regina Bell, RN, Executive Director of Bethany.
"Happy residents and happy staff contribute directly to our success," she continued. "The Bethany team keeps our residents ‘young at heart’ with active minds and bodies: Jerry Mathis, Director of Engagement; Haley McNure, Cottage Coordinator; Kim Brown, Activities Coordinator; and Sandra Dickard, Activities Coordinator; are prepared to ensure the residents are stationed in their safe zones.”
At Bethany, Mrs. Janice from Magnolia Springs State Park in Millen shared about different animals that they may find exploring the national parks in a theme activity for The Lodge. The residents took a special liking to the creative animals.
At The Cottages, McNure arranged for a honey extraction event with guest professor Dr. Paul Cerpovicz. You can read more about that here.
“While our little world in Statesboro was in turmoil over the hurricane flooding and loss of power, our residents were blissfully unaware of their circumstances and the outside world, because Barbara Eloi, Lifestyle Director, kept them occupied with fun crafts and lots of love," shared Ralph Cowart, CEO at Southern Manor. "Barbara is the’ life blood’ of our facility and I know the residents would agree.”
‘All hands on deck’ was the theme at Southern Manor, and Cowart was doing hair all week to get everyone feeling better and occupied.
“While the storm was raging, we engaged our minds with our fun activities -- playing BINGO, Butterbean auction, crafts, drinking coffee, eating ice cream, played our favorite board games, and topped it off with a Saturday morning trip to the Farmers Market,” added Eloi.
Thank you, Life Enrichment professionals, for enriching our ‘Senior’ community daily with your creative talents, huge hearts, and desire to serve! You are truly ‘Appreciated’ for every Senior Moment!
