The benefits of community living are too immeasurable to count; however, socialization always hits the Top 10 list of perks. At The Willows of Easley, residents love the perk of activities that make them laugh, feel smarter and more active.
“Residents have the opportunity to socialize with like-minded people who are the same age,” Laura Gill Spearman, CRCFA, CDP, executive director.
Walking Club, Billiards Competition, Movie Matinee, Bible Study, Trivia Tuesday, Lunch and Learn: A Grand Tour of Italy, Chair Yoga, University Program are just a few examples of the weekly Life Enrichment Calendar at The Willows of Easley. It mirrors its’ mission to offer a vibrant and engaging environment filled with activities and programs designed to promote residents’ sense of purpose, curiosity, and creativity – while having lots of fun.
“Happy hours and paid entertainment are always a big hit,” said Spearman. “Residents also love our day trips to apple orchards, pontoon boat tours, ride thru safaris, scenic rides, local plays and shopping trips.”
“All the pressures of life are taken off my shoulders,” said one resident. “My needs are met – cooking, cleaning, maintenance, safety- but the Willows means so much more to me. I have fun here, in a culture that is warm, inviting, close-knit and homey.”
The dedicated team members, Niki Holliday and Tamra Imundo, who run the Life Enrichment Department at The Willows are passionate about offering events that keep brains sharp and hearts wide open.
“Our community projects really give residents a sense of purpose,” explained Spearman. “For example, right now we are doing a food/school supplies drive for Pickens County neighbors in need through United Christian Ministries. Residents also plant, care for and enjoy the bounty from our community garden.”
“We have a resident led green team recycling program and a homemade card club,” Spearman added. “The club’s cards are sent everywhere as a ministry from our lovely ladies in IL.”
Other activities that reflect of The Willows community culture and residents’ preferences include, but are not limited to:
Purpose
Local churches come in for singing and devotional time.
The local library comes in for a program called House Calls – residents fill out an interest form and the library will bring them in books monthly.
Weekly exercise programs.
Grocery store trips, errand runs weekly.
Creativity-
Sip and paint classes and crafts.
Monthly calendar meetings where residents share their interests and help plan the activities for the upcoming month. Launched from resident interest, the Willows hosted its first fashion show in July. There is also a cookie exchange so residents can show off their baking talents.
Curiosity-
A mystery bus tour/ lunch outing – residents get clues about where we are going along with some facts about the area.
During lunch, residents enjoy Daily Chronicles – cool historical facts are distributed and read out loud. A local historian also offers a monthly presentation.
A Total Brain Health program helps residents sharpen and maintain cognitive function.
Every activity at The Willows of Easley celebrates the seasons and the milestones of aging. With the four guiding pillars in mind – Purpose, Curiosity, Creativity, and Fun – The Willows is not just like home, it is home – and sometimes even better.