On Tuesday Sept. 24 at 4 p.m., the Summer Village Community, a senior living community in Auburn, enjoyed their very own pep rally from the Auburn University Cheerleaders.
The Summer Village Community consists of three locations: Magnolia Place, Azalea Place and Camellia Place. The center provides many great opportunities for senior citizens, including independent living, assisted living and comprehensive memory care.
“I think that it’s better than a nursing home. The activities that we try to plan keep them mentally stimulated, physically stimulated. We try not to let grass grow under their feet,” said Claudia Barber, Magnolia Place's director.
The cheerleaders were invited to hold a special pep rally for the individuals living at the Azalea Place location within the Summer Village Community. Barber reached out with the hope of giving the residents a personal experience as they are unable to attend the football games.
Each football game day, Amber Simpson, the Life Engagement Director, creates a tailgate for the residents to participate in. They enjoy food, drinks, games and surround a TV to watch the football game together.
Simpson makes the weekly calendars and sets up activities for them throughout the week.
“I make frozen margaritas for them. We have meatballs, cheese dip, popcorn, nachos, salsa, cakes and cookies. The whole week, they can’t wait for Saturday,” Simpson said.
Simpson emphasized the home-like environment and highlighted the Summer Village Community as a place for both assisted and independent living where residents have the opportunity to continue enjoying their lives.
“I would love to see more residents come to our facility and know that they will be well taken care of. This is a place like home. This is a place that, once you leave your home, you’re coming into an environment with people that you can enjoy being around. You’re not lonely, and we show genuine love,” Simpson said.
Sue Hair, a resident at the Summer Village Community, described how special the facility is to her and the other residents.
“I came down here to be near family and they found this place for me. It has just worked out great. I like it very much. You meet people and we sit on the front porch, and somebody will come and sit down and you get acquainted. Several of us ladies will take walks together,” Hair said.
In addition to today’s event, the facility brings residents off the property to enjoy meals and other activities throughout the week, making them feel more comfortable and well taken care of.
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