Summer Wellness With Brio Living Services
Summer at Brio Living Services isn’t just about soaking up the sun; it’s about embarking on thrilling adventures through our Balanced Living program. This summer, our communities have been alive with energy and joy as residents explore a variety of fun-filled events, each designed to enhance their overall well-being.
At Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC), McMullen Wellness Center has seen a remarkable 28% increase in visits compared to last year, with a 91% active membership rate. Residents have been eagerly participating in new activities, including our first annual volleyball tournament and the introduction of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes for those seeking a more intense workout. The volleyball tournament was a hit, bringing people together from all areas of the campus. The Balanced Living program is an all-license care program. This means that anyone of our residents can join in on this wellness journey! The program seeks to incorporate wellness activities to our communities to encourage a well-rounded and holistic approach to health.
“Residents love our new Balanced Living programming.” Carly Buchbinder, Life Enrichment Coordinator at CRC told us. “Some of our more sedentary and secluded residents have been coming out for the specialized Balanced Living exercise programming, and as a result, have been attending our other programming, as well! It’s been great seeing people more active and enriched in their day to day lives due to this wellness model.”
This Summer, bonfires and s’mores became a special treat, drawing residents together during the evenings for laughter and storytelling. "Residents enjoyed the s'mores and asked to do it again," shared Tylene Liken, Director of Lifestyle and Health at Chelsea Retirement Community. "We’ve planned another bonfire for the end of July!" On the West Side of the state, Cook Valley Estates hosts a bonfire every Saturday. They call it S’more Saturday and it has quickly become an event that residents eagerly anticipate!
Camp NIFS was another highlight in June across our campuses. This nostalgic recreation program brought back memories of summer camps from childhood, with activities like bocce ball, nature walks, and crafting suncatchers. “Camp NIFS was a hit here at Porter Hills Village.” Tyler Forbes, Fitness Manager told us. “Not only was it a fan favorite for residents, but I truly enjoyed every minute of it. Each week we took the opportunity to enjoy healthy events and games to bring us back to our youth camp days. It was a BLAST!” Residents engaged in some playful competition by having Aqua-Volleyball tournaments, while others explored our beautiful gardens, picking flowers for their crafts. Cathy Campbell, Director of Dining Services at CRC, hosted a delightful barbecue buffet in the Mackinac Dining Room, wrapping up Camp NIFS with delicious food and great company.
Environmental wellness has been a big focus this summer, as well, with outdoor adventures like walks along the B2B trails, downtown sculpture tours, and picnics by the lake. Kresge Center residents enjoyed visits to the Arboretum in Ann Arbor, while Towsley and Glazier residents experienced summer concerts and scenic country drives. "We try to create programs in nature whenever the weather permits," said Tylene, noting the walks' popularity.
Intellectual wellness flourished through engaging educational presentations, journaling sessions, and insightful guest speakers. Residents learned Chelsea’s history via guided bus tours and enjoyed healthy cooking demonstrations by Chef Keith. In Glazier Commons, Nancy Wiley will share her extensive horticultural knowledge with residents during flower garden tours later this month.
Another pillar of our Balanced Living program is the social aspect around wellness. Some communities, like The Cedars of Dexter, like to spend time watching musical and theatrical performances, whether it’s a pianist coming to campus to give concerts or an outing to the local Encore Musical Theatre to see Oklahoma! The Cedars residents know how to stay social with their neighbors and friends.
Volunteering has been another cornerstone, offering residents purpose through community involvement. From the Alzheimer’s Walk to knitting mats for the homeless, residents eagerly gave back. Emotional and spiritual wellness were nurtured through laughter yoga, spa days, and musical events. Each campus area hosted relaxing spa days with music, manicures, facials, and Glamour Shots. These activities highlight the Balanced Living Program's versatility and holistic approach to resident well-being.
So, if you’re thinking about joining in on the fun, don’t hesitate! Dive into the many activities and events that Balanced Living and Brio Living Services wellness programs have to offer. Meet new friends, try something new, and discover just how much you can enjoy life with Brio Living Services. And remember, it’s not just about exercise; it’s about finding balance and joy in every dimension of wellness. Learn how you can make the most of summer by visiting Brio Living Services website at https://mybrio.org/!