Halloween 2025 at Riverside Senior Living
At Riverside Senior Living, we believe every day is an opportunity for connection, joy, and laughter — even when our residents prefer the comfort of their own apartments. Whether someone isn’t feeling their best or simply enjoys quieter surroundings, our team makes sure they never miss out on the fun.
In October, our hallways came alive with one of our most loved traditions — the Riverside Halloween Parade! Staff and residents dressed up in creative costumes and rolled through the community spreading smiles, treats, and music. For those who didn’t feel up to joining the crowd, the celebration came right to their doors.
Residents waved from their apartments, accepted candy and laughter, and felt included in every moment. It’s small gestures like these that make Riverside feel like home — a place where community isn’t just an activity on the calendar, but a way of life.
At Riverside, we believe wellness extends beyond physical health. Staying connected, feeling seen, and sharing joy are just as important. That’s why, whenever a resident can’t come to the activity room, we bring the activity room to them.
Because at Riverside Senior Living, every resident is part of the celebration — every day of the year.
Summer Heat is Here – Hydrated Seniors are Thriving Seniors
As summer temperatures rise, staying hydrated is more important than ever for older adults. Seniors are at higher risk of dehydration because:
- Their sense of thirst decreases with age
- Common medications (like diuretics) increase fluid loss
- Chronic conditions can make dehydration more dangerous
- High heat can quickly lead to dizziness, confusion, or even heat stroke
Warning Signs of Dehydration:
- Dark urine
- Dizziness or confusion
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
6 Hydraton Tips for Summer
- Drink on a Schedule – Sip water throughout the day, not just when thirsty.
- Enjoy Water-Rich Foods – Watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries all count.
- Mix It Up – Herbal teas, flavored water, or diluted juice make drinking more enjoyable.
- Skip Caffeine & Alcohol – They can lead to fluid loss.
- Keep Water Handy – Place cups or bottles in easy-to-reach spots.
- Check Urine Color – Light yellow is good; dark means drink more!
Hydration saves lives in summer. Drink water before you are thirsty and keep water close at hand. A few small changes can prevent serious health incidents!
Monica Parker: Employee of the Month – June 2025
Employee of the Month: Monica Parker
Monica is a dedicated administrative assistant at Riverside Senior Living, where her commitment to excellence has earned her the title of Employee of the Month.
A true multitasker, Monica expertly supports the community’s daily operations, leveraging her computer expertise to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Beyond her desk, she goes the extra mile—literally—by driving residents to their appointments, always with a smile and warm conversation.
Monica also supports our Activities Director and regularly helps out planning all of the activities that our residents enjoy.
Her attentiveness and genuine care ensure that every resident experiences “The Riverside Difference” in every interaction. Her professionalism, compassion, and tireless energy make her an invaluable part of the Riverside family. Thanks Monica!
Covid Vaccines at Riverside Senior Living
Residents at a senior center in Decatur received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Read more on The Decatur Daily.
Riverside Senior Living resident Rose Miller received her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday and was grateful to get it.
“This was exciting. I haven’t been able to sleep, I’ve been so excited about getting it,” Miller said.
Miller, 92, was the first of 73 residents at Riverside to receive the vaccine Wednesday. She said being vaccinated against COVID-19 will provide her with a sense of security.
“I think I feel safe, you know, just even around here,” she said. “In case somebody else hasn’t been vaccinated, that I won’t be susceptible to getting it, so I’ll just be more at ease. Every day I wonder when I get up, do I feel alright?”
Donna and Bernard Malkmus were the second and third Riverside residents to receive COVID-19 vaccinations Wednesday.
Malkmus, 88, said prior to receiving the vaccine, she was worried about spreading the virus to others.
“I didn’t want to have the thought that I might be responsible for a family member or our extended family here (getting infected), because this place is family,” she said.
Malkmus said seeing loved ones less frequently due to COVID-19 restrictions has been hard. She and her husband moved into Riverside Senior Living in December 2019, shortly before the pandemic began. “That’s been tough, but they have done so much to try to make arrangements so we can see limited visitors. They’ve done so much to keep our morale up, keep us safe,” she said.
Miller, who has lived at Riverside Senior Living for about four years, said she didn’t have any reservations about receiving the vaccine. “I just wanted to get it,” she said.
All of Riverside’s 73 residents requested to receive their first of two vaccine doses Wednesday, according to activity director Lisa Burns. All employees who wanted the vaccine were also able to receive it. Burns said only about 5% of employees did not want to receive the vaccine.
Burns said all vaccine recipients were monitored for 15 minutes after receiving the shot. Payless Pharmacy provided Riverside Senior Living with acetaminophen for pain relief and epinephrine injectors in case a resident had an allergic reaction to the vaccine.
Burns said she’s glad that residents and most staff opted to receive the vaccine. Burns said the average age of residents is 85 to 87, and the community has two 101-year-old residents.
“I’m excited because I’ve seen the toll mentally that it has taken on our residents, not being able to see their families, not being able to get out, to go to lunch, to go to Walmart every week, to interact in such a way with the community,” Burns said. “We were very proud of our residents for wanting to take this step and be part of the solution.”
Source: Decatur Daily
Covid Vaccines at Riverside Senior Living
Covid-19 Update February 2021
Riverside Senior Living continues its dedication and focus towards the safety, security, and health of all our residents and staff.
These are exceptionally challenging times and yet with the outstanding work of our staff, and the cooperation of our residents, we continue to provide a safe community for all.
We’re very pleased to be able to say that the residents and staff at Riverside Senior Living were the first in Alabama to start the Covid-19 vaccination process and protocols.
These are difficult times, no doubt, and we will continue to follow all county, state, and federal guidelines related to Covid-19.
We also monitor the CDC website daily for news, updates, recommendations, and guidelines related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
For more information please contact us at (256) 350-4545.
Riverside Senior Living in Living 50 Plus Magazine
Did you see Riverside Senior Living in the April/May 2021 edition of the Decatur-Morgan Living 50 Plus magazine?
About Riverside Senior Living
Riverside Senior Living is a senior living community in Decatur Alabama that is dedicated to meeting the needs of our residents and their families by ensuring confidence, compassion, enrichment and respect.
What makes Riverside Senior Living different? Many things, but the difference everyone says is the most important is that it’s like FAMILY here.
You can feel it and see it as soon as you walk through the front door. Riverside Senior Living is locally owned and operated by June & Steven Hall.
Call us at (256) 350-4545 to arrange a tour or use our online inquiry form and we will follow up with you promptly.
Experience the Riverside Difference!
A Thank You Note
Dear Riverside Staff,
Thank you so much for the loving care you provided to my Mother. All of you were so kind and helpful to her these past few months. It gave me great comfort to know she was living in such a wonderful environment. I consider all of you to be Angels.
Sincerely,
Amanda
June 20, 2020
