By Kari Richie, Pathways Director
Finding community provides the sense of belonging, support, and connection crucial for wellbeing. You’ll often hear staff and residents alike describing Springmoor as being “like a big family.”
Every resident brings unique gifts and experiences and is a valued a member of our extended family. With more than 600 residents, Springmoor is a large community, and we support each resident to find their own “community within the community.”
“We discuss with future residents the importance of community life and the deep connections made between residents and staff,” says Beth Holden, Director of Sales & Marketing. “These relationships are vital to the vibrancy of Springmoor. The compassion and care residents and staff extend to one another are what make the culture of our community so special.”
Connecting with others in meaningful ways looks different for each individual. Some residents choose to spend most of their time with their closest neighbors. Others have multiple groups of friends that share a common interest such as volunteering, a type of exercise, a love for bridge, membership in a book club, participation in a support group, or regular attendance at Bible study.
Regularly engaging with the same smaller group provides increased opportunities for individuals to share their experiences, learn from each other, and feel less isolated. This can significantly increase overall quality of life. Getting together frequently helps creates a network in which people can rely on each other and feel valued.
Key Benefits of Building Community Include:
Mental health support: A strong personal community can help mitigate stress, anxiety, and depression by offering a space to share challenges and receive emotional support.
Sense of belonging: Feeling connected to a group of people who share similar interests or experiences can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Personal growth: Communities can expose individuals to new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities for learning and development.
Social support network: Having people to rely on during difficult times can provide a safety net and increase our resilience in the face of challenges.
Purpose and meaning: Participating in a community can contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfillment by allowing individuals to contribute to something larger than themselves.
Increased engagement: Being part of a community can motivate individuals to be more active and engaged in their lives.
Every day, Springmoor offers numerous ways to engage with others and develop meaningful relationships. From the Community Table in our dining room to outings, group exercise, and a wide range of fun events and activities, there is something for everyone.
It can, however, feel overwhelming to get started—especially if you’re new to our campus or are experiencing a significant recent life change such as a health setback or the loss of a spouse. We encourage any resident feeling alone or isolated to reach out to a Pathways staff member, one of the Chaplains, our Resident Outreach Coordinator, or one of your neighbors. We want to help you find your community!
A recent wellness seminar staff offered to residents was titled Combatting Loneliness Through Community. Loneliness is considered a public health crisis in the United States. In 2023, the Surgeon General declared that loneliness is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day! At the seminar, we discussed the realities of loneliness, its physical and emotional impacts, and how to combat loneliness through community engagement.
The Sense of Security a CCRC Provides
A tremendous benefit of living at a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) like Springmoor is the sense of security it provides. A wide range of health services are available in the event of an emergency.
While some residents have adult children nearby who can assist, family may not always be available due to busy careers, their own health challenges, or other commitments. For those whose family members live out of state, quick in-person support may be difficult to arrange.
Our residents can rely on our professional staff and the comprehensive services we offer to provide the assistance and support they need. Security staff responds 24/7 to any call or pendant alert on the Springmoor campus.
During the workday, security will contact a nurse from our Clinic, and after hours, a nurse from the Stewart Health Center (SHC) will respond to a resident’s health emergency. The nursing staff will assess the situation and make the most appropriate recommendation for care.
Solo agers and residents without local adult children are especially encouraged to proactively build a Springmoor support network in case of emergency. In addition to our staff, neighbors can lend a hand. Consider asking a neighbor or friend to pick up your mail or help with a pet if a health issue arises.
If residents would like to meet other members of the community without family near by and learn about building a support team, Springmoor’s Social Worker and Resident Outreach Coordinator can help. Building connections now helps ensure you have the support you need when unexpected situations arise.
Whether you are planning ahead or facing immediate challenges, having a well-established support network will help ensure you remain safe, comfortable, and well cared for. “At Springmoor, we believe that fostering a connected, caring community is one of the most powerful ways to support each other’s emotional health,” says Jessica Pagan, Associate Director. “When we feel seen, heard, and valued, our hearts are lighter—and our community thrives.”
Plan Your Visit Today!
Springmoor’s monthly service package allows you to spend less time doing things like dealing with health insurance paperwork and more time doing all of the things that bring you the most joy. From 24-hour security and emergency call service to chef-prepared meals, life is better at Springmoor!
To learn more about our active senior living community, call us at 919-848-7080 or click here to request a personalized tour or an information packet. We look forward to speaking with you soon about all that Springmoor has to offer.
