ChrisJ

Another installment of “Near Forgotten” – Stories from This Side of the River

What is it about living dangerously that appeals to us all? Oh, maybe not openly appealing to everyone. But deep down in parts of us that aren’t always shared, it seems we all have a bit of a wild hair that surfaces from time to time.

As activity planners, it’s often difficult to continually provide stimulating yet engaging activities that haven’t been done a million times before. Google helps in the search for the month’s “holidays” for activity ideas. Those lesser-known holidays or national days of such & such are a go-to for the planning process. As it happened, April Fool’s Day and National Tatting Day fell on the same day. Tatting is the process of knotting lace by hand using a small shuttle. Not an entirely appropriate or appealing activity for a mixed crowd with dexterity challenges. Often, the struggle is to also find things that men and women would equally enjoy. Bingo is always a crowd favorite that never fails to bring a ruckus, good time, but it’s variety that the crowd demands.

So, with a little well-meaning alteration to the holiday in question, our first ever “Tats & Snacks” was born. There were some simple, fun snacks to enjoy while we were each “tatted up.” Those tattoos will wear off in a day or two, but the fun had while residents and staff alike allowed themselves to live a little on the wild side will be remembered well. You see, with all the moments that are nearly forgotten, it’s quite alright to create new moments for the mind to ponder.

Monica Parker

Congratulations to Ms. Graham who earned a month of free rent at Riverside Senior Living, Decatur’s award-winning senior living community (multi-year winner Decatur Daily’s BEST OF).

How did she do this you ask?

She referred someone who moved into Riverside Senior Living.

You can earn a free month of rent too.

See Ms. Brenda for details

Advice & Insight from our Activities Director, Rose Langford

As the Activities Director at Riverside Senior Living, the award-winning and #1 senior living community in Decatur, I’ve seen firsthand how engaging activities significantly enhance our residents’ well-being.

Staying active—mentally, physically, and socially—helps seniors maintain a sense of purpose, reduces feelings of isolation, and boosts overall mood and enhances quality of life.

Whether it’s a morning exercise class, a creative arts session, Bible study. or a lively game of bingo, these activities stimulate the mind and body, promoting cognitive health and mobility.

Participating in group events also fosters meaningful connections, helping our residents form friendships and feel part of a vibrant community. This sense of belonging is vital—it can improve emotional health, reduce depression, and even support better sleep and appetite.

Simply put, activities bring joy, routine, and vitality to daily life. They aren’t just “something to do”—they’re essential to living well.

Here are 5 key things seniors can do to stay healthy and vibrant:

Stay Physically Active

Regular movement—like walking, stretching, or low-impact classes—helps maintain strength, balance, and flexibility, reducing the risk of falls and keeping energy levels up.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Nutrient-rich meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of water support overall health, boost immunity, and help manage chronic conditions.

Stay Socially Connected

Engaging with others through clubs, group activities, Bible study, phone calls, or video chats helps reduce loneliness, supports mental health, and keeps the spirit uplifted.

Keep the Mind Sharp

Reading, puzzles, games, or learning something new—like a hobby or technology—keeps the brain active and supports memory and cognitive function.

Get Regular Checkups and Rest

Staying on top of medical appointments, medications, and getting enough quality sleep is crucial for staying on track physically and emotionally.

Congratulations to Jason Strickland, the April Riverside Senior Living Employee of the Month!

As the Maintenance Director at our senior living community in Decatur, Jason consistently ensures our grounds, apartments, and buildings are not only beautiful but also safe and welcoming.

Jason’s dedication and attention to detail keep Riverside Senior Living looking great and operating smoothly every single day.

He’s recently completed installation of new carpet on Line Street, new apartment painting and touch-ups, testing air-conditioning for the upcoming season, starting the Spring clean-up of our buildings and landscaping, and of course, handling the day-to-day maintenance requests of our residents.

His exceptional commitment to the safety and well-being of our residents and staff demonstrates our core values of dignity, respect, and providing a high-quality living environment.

Whether maintaining our buildings, equipment, beautifying our landscape, or responding promptly to the daily maintenance needs of our residents, Jason approaches every task with professionalism and care.

Thank you, Jason, for your outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment. You truly make Riverside Senior Living a wonderful place to call home.

When you see him around be sure to congratulate him!

The Riverside Difference – My Story

When I moved to Riverside, the phrase “The Riverside Difference” was seen on the pages of literature in my information packet. It’s a phrase that Ms. June Hall (the owner of Riverside Senior Living) uses to describe the specialness here.

Some even call it magic. For me, it was nothing short of the hand of God.

In May of 2023, my life, and the life of my daughters, was turned upside down. More accurately, it felt as if we had been thrown into a rock tumbler. This chaos began in 2021, and by May of 2023, the lid of the tumbler was opened and everyone was scattered.

I moved to RIverside, sick with cancer, depressed beyond all care, suicidal, and with very little ability to support myself financially. Ms. June and Captain Johnny moved me into an apartment and gave me the most valuable gift anyone could have offered at that time in my life. They let me hide and heal. 

They cared for me with prayer and saw that my needs were met with the services they provide to everyone.

When I began to come back to myself, I was allowed to help with activities and other small tasks at Riverside Senior Living. Then, as I made friends with the people that live here, I was allowed to drive them to appointments around town. I didn’t know then what those car rides were doing. You see, my last grandparent or any other older relative, passed more than twenty years ago. I hadn’t had a grandmother’s hug in a very long time. But those trips with precious friends, like Ms. Kay Drake, Ms. Elaine Stephenson, and Ms. Marilyn Clark began to heal broken places. 

The time-worn wisdom they shared and the laughs we had became like gold used to repair broken pottery; a beautiful process called kintsugi. The pot isn’t thrown away, it is restored. That’s exactly how I felt, broken, and of no purpose to anyone anymore. But purpose is what I found, and it’s only been getting better along the way. The wonderful staff members that have become like family to me and the residents helped to bring me back to life. Riverside is where I live.

Monica Parker

Here are five reasons why delaying a move to a senior living community may not be a good choice for your loved one.

1. Health Decline Can Make the Transition Harder

As seniors age, mobility issues, cognitive decline, or chronic conditions can worsen. Moving while still relatively healthy allows for an easier adjustment and access to supportive services before a crisis occurs.

2. Making Transitions Later Will Be More Difficult

Adjusting to a new environment, routines, and social settings becomes more challenging as people age. Moving earlier allows seniors to settle in, make friends, and establish a sense of home before significant health challenges arise.

3. Increased Risk of Isolation and Loneliness

Many seniors experience social isolation when living alone, which can negatively impact mental and physical health. Senior living communities provide social engagement, activities, and companionship that can enhance quality of life.

4. Limited Availability in the Best Communities

The best senior living communities often have waitlists. Delaying a decision may result in missing out on a preferred location, floor plan, or level of care.

5. Increased Fall and Safety Risks at Home

Living alone increases the chances of falls, medication mishaps, or delayed emergency response. Senior living communities provide a safer, more supportive environment with staff available to help in case of an emergency.

Bottom Line

Delaying a difficult decision to move is often a mistake. Move early! Live longer! Live better! Save money!

Did you see our new billboards at Stratford Road?

Some pictures from the 2025 Valentine’s Day party at Riverside Senior Living.

Thank you to everyone who voted for us in the 2024 Decatur Daily “Best of the Best.”

#1 Senior Living Community – 9 Year Winner