Thomasville, Georgia is home to one of Provision Living’s newest communities, Southern Pines. Recently, we chatted with executive director, Carol Whitney, who returned several months ago after a stint with a different organization.
Whitney is happy to be back, and the feeling is mutual given her knack for activities and public relations. Southern Pines Senior Living is already unique in that the 14-year-old facility is the only senior community in the city offering independent living options, including gorgeous cottages and studios. These are in addition to the assisted living facility on site.
Southern Pines is also just across the street from the Thomasville Rose Garden, and the nine acre community enjoys being close to Cherokee Lake Park (pictured above), which is a scenic location offering spaces for walking and picnics.
It’s clear Whitney is keen on the amenities surrounding the community, but she also took time to tell us about a couple of educational events coming up in 2012 that she’s excited about.
First, the Go Red for Women heart disease luncheon is coming up in February. A cardiologist speaker will attend, and many friends and family will join the women who reside at Southern Pines to make the event a success. If you notice lots of ladies in stunning red dresses that day don’t be surprised, as this is part of the plan, and in fact a contest will be held to vote on the best red dress symbolizing the theme of the luncheon, and overall celebration of awareness of female heart disease.
“The objective is to inform everyone, especially daughters and granddaughters of our residents, about the issue of heart disease, and we will collect donations for the American Heart Association,” explained Whitney.
In addition, there will be a spring lunch and learn series, as well as a family night scheduled in March.
Another educational program of note is a “virtual dementia” presentation, which will tie in to the Caring Together support group for caregivers assisting those with memory impairment.
The virtual dementia presentation aims to offer a simulated experience of what it’s like to deal with the physical realities of dementia. The simulations include tools to create a comparable environment to that which one might experience with a decrease in depth perception, a lack of peripheral vision, or physical imbalance. The simulations are safe, but they’re realistic enough to help the caregiver relate to the person they’re caring for.
“The presentation helps caregivers walk in the shoes of the person they’re supporting, and creates opportunities for communication and learning,” explained Whitney.
It sounds like the calendar for early 2012 is full of fun and educational events, and in addition to the pleasant everyday ambience of this Thomasville community, we’re excited to have them on our team, and look forward to learning more about the community’s residents and associates.
(Image Courtesy of Carla Finley on Flickr)
