Enhancing Health and Wellness for Affordable Living Residents
May 31st is the 30th anniversary of National Senior Health and Fitness Day, a date set aside each year for older adults to participate in wellness activities across the country. Physical fitness plays a role in quality of life for adults as they age, and at Brio Living Services we have made wellness central to our mission.
A two-year Thome Aging Well grant of $200,000 is helping to enhance physical and mental wellness for residents at each of Brio Living Services’ eight Affordable Living communities from Detroit to Grand Rapids. The Thome Aging Well program is made possible by Enterprise Community Partners, the Edward N. & Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation, and Bank of America to help older adults living in affordable communities to age safely and securely at home.
“Reaping the benefits of this generous award are the older adults who call our Affordable Living communities home,” says Brio Living Services Senior Executive Director for Affordable Living, Debbie Steggles. “We are delighted that this grant supports their overall wellness, including mental and physical health, through a variety of programming, as well as training for our community managers.”
Features of this project include physical movement and dance classes, music appreciation and therapy, and the purchase of NuStep fitness equipment. In addition, the managers of each community will complete Mental Health First Aid training to better recognize mental health symptoms and provide early interventions before a crisis occurs.
“One of our residents was so excited, she cried when she saw the new NuStep at Harvest Way [Affordable Living community in Sparta],” says Debbie.
Mary Rynbrand, Service Coordinator at Bailey’s Grove in Kentwood, says residents there are enjoying the wellness classes taught by Val Cobbs. “The instructor is so nice,” says one resident. “I really am moving in this class, and I love the music we exercise to. This is so fun!”
Learn more about the variety of beautiful affordable living options offered by Brio Living Services! Our six affordable housing communities in the Grand Rapids area are now taking applications!
