Life Enrichment Philosophy
Sweetwater Life Enrichment, the cornerstone of all Primrose* Retirement Communities, embodies a comprehensive four-pronged philosophy. Rooted in a commitment to lifelong learning, intentional engagements, holistic wellness, and fostering family connections, Sweetwater Life Enrichment goes beyond conventional senior living activities. Let’s delve deeper into each aspect, exploring the rich tapestry that defines the Sweetwater experience.
- Lifelong Learning Mindset – We are so passionate about providing an environment that supports continuous learning at any age that we developed Primrose* Senior University.
- Signature Engagement Programming with Full-Time Staff – Our focus is on Intentional Engagements, which facilitate lasting connections. By utilizing support from our Home Office, ideas and best practices shared from other Primrose* communities across the country, and the interests and preferences of our residents, our full-time Life Enrichment Coordinators build programs that are tailored to our residents.
- Wellness Wheel Model – Our Wellness Wheel ensures that our programming includes areas that engage the whole person by utilizing the Six Dimensions of Wellness. This is the standard by which we measure our monthly programming.
- Family Connections – Sweetwater utilizes specialized software that allows for greater family connection and communication. This complimentary tool can aid our staff in capturing special moments to share with family and friends while optimizing resident-focused care.
Signature Engagement with a Lifelong Learning Mindset
Primrose* Senior University (PSU) held its first class in 2018, and since that time, we have had thousands of Primrose residents learning, laughing, and creating. Our senior living residents have lived purposeful lives filled with unique experiences and are the epitome of what we call Lifelong Learners.
As part of our commitment to enrich and engage the daily lives of our residents, every Primrose community is filled with opportunities to learn, create, share, discuss and engage. Residents come together and share their own life experiences while recalling past events and staying abreast of current happenings.
Primrose/Sweetwater resident, Kay G. commented, “PSU is very entertaining and helpful in keeping my mind active. I love learning new things and the topics are interesting!”
As part of our intellectual programming, PSU includes topics chosen by our residents varying from themes including the Civil War, specific decades, Norman Rockwell, national parks, and the Roosevelts.
Each theme is packed with lifelong learning opportunities such as:
- Slide presentations
- Group discussions
- Documentaries
- Brain exercises
- Short story reading groups
“Primrose Senior University has allowed me to learn about things that I never tried to learn on my own. I love it so much!” exclaims Jean A., Primrose/Sweetwater Resident.
Residents have the autonomy to decide their level of participation, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. Staff-facilitated classes not only improve the quality of life but also enhance self-worth and confidence among residents.
Wellness Wheel Model
Providing a variety of programming reflective our each of our resident’s interests is best achieved by offering a wide variety of programming based on our Six Dimensions of Wellness:
Purposeful Wellness – Creating opportunities to connect our residents back to the community is achieved by offering opportunities to volunteer and mentor. Sewing or knitting clubs, gardening, flower arranging, and intergenerational opportunities are only a few samples of what you may see on our calendars.
Emotional Wellness – This Dimension of Wellness stimulates the senses and moves us at a deeper level that may include musical opportunities, pet visits, poetry and painting, book clubs, virtual travel experiences, baking, and reminiscent groups in addition to penning the past, genealogy, and study groups.
Physical Wellness – Keeping our bodies working at optimum levels is best achieved through a variety of exercises and games that include stretch, balance, yoga, and cardio classes. All exercises can be completed seated or standing based on the resident’s preference.
Spiritual Wellness – Spiritual wellness is a connection to something bigger than ourselves through traditional faith practices, personal beliefs or principles. Sweetwater offers many opportunities to keep your spiritual connection intact through worship services, bible studies, prayer or meditation groups, yoga, music, and even nature outings.
Intellectual Wellness – This aspect of programming always has the element of learning something new. Our PSU classes, travel clubs, lunch and learn events, documentaries, foreign languages, study clubs, visits to museums, and church history tours are a few of the ways we promote Lifelong Learning.
Social Wellness – Connecting with peers is important and Sweetwater offers multiple opportunities daily where our residents can enjoy each other’s company. Gathering for morning coffee, ice cream socials, happy hour, and live music are a few of the more popular events. A large focus of our social programming focuses on unique brain exercise programs, Neurobics, which are fun, easy exercises that stimulate brain nutrients, and we believe are key to increased mental fitness. Tailgating, celebrating birthdays or other annual celebrations, along with cards and board games are a few more social interactions that our residents enjoy.
Technology Partners for Senior Wellness and Connection
Keeping Families Connected
When it comes to your loved ones, Sweetwater understands the importance of staying connected. To assist our families and residents in maintaining this connection, Sweetwater has partnered with Smile®. This unique, innovative, complimentary service allows family access to our calendars, newsletter, and menu through a secure mobile app or desktop web portal.
Families are also able to view which programs their loved ones are engaging in as well as offer support and encouragement to become more active if that is their desire.
A daughter of a resident shared, “I’m crying happy tears! Mom and Dad loved dancing and my heart is so happy to see her dancing! Thank you for sending video and pictures, it has made my year!”
Families can communicate directly with our staff through Smile to RSVP quickly and efficiently for community events they can also share additional information that can aid us in providing better person-centered opportunities.
Smile allows our staff to share photos, videos, or updates regarding your loved one in real time when the presence of family or friends isn’t possible. Think of it as the Netflix® for older adults.
Wellness & Exercise
Sweetwater Retirement is proud to partner with Sprio100®, a state-of-the-art exercise and wellness resource for the Sweetwater Life Enrichment team. This virtual online resource gives on-demand access to educational workshops, customizable exercise programs, and live weekly workshops. All resources are designed specifically for older adults and offer fun, engaging, and accessible ways to stay physically active, no matter their fitness level while cultivating a supportive community of individuals who share similar health and fitness goals.
Music & Faith
Another Life Enrichment program partner is Coro Health®. Their philosophy is care uses music and faith first, before traditional medical interventions, to improve health outcomes featuring music spanning decades from classical to brass band to crooners to Taylor Swift. The programs are designed to aid digestion during meals, gently building momentum to wake up each day, singalongs for social gatherings, restful compilations for relaxation or sleep, and much more.
FaithFirst is their multi-faith audio and video library supporting spiritual and religious connection. This program unlocks the healing benefits of spirituality through prayers, sermons, meditations, sacred texts, music, worship opportunities, education, and interactive spiritual exercises.
Care-oke is another offering of Coro Health. Besides improving pulmonary and brain function, evidence shows karaoke can foster friendships, conjure fond memories, and meaningfully improve quality of life. Belting out power ballads is a joyful activity, and clinical evidence shows it also improves memory recall and respiratory function.
CLICK HERE to view our monthly Wellness Calendar to see what activities are happening each day. If you see something you would like to try out for yourself or a loved, give the team a call to reserve your spot!
If you are curious about any of the Primrose Life Enrichment offerings, CONTACT US TODAY to learn more!
*Primrose Retirement Communities, LLC is the parent company of Sweetwater Retirement Community.