LIFELONG LEARNING

Westminster at Lake Ridge Keeps Residents Sharp Through Engaged Living

By Gianna Jirak

The residents of Westminster at Lake Ridge may not have been in a classroom for a few decades, but that does not mean they have stopped learning.

Westminster at Lake Ridge is a CARF-accredited, SAGECare platinum LGBT cultural competency credentialed non-profit senior living community located near the historic Occoquan with over 300 residents. They offer different levels of care, such as independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, respite services and rehabilitation services. No matter the level of care, the community supports engaged living — being active both mentally and physically — through their motto “Love where you live, love the way that you live,” and by focusing on the Dimensions of Wellness model.

“This model considers all the elements that contribute to a healthy individual and is comprised of social, emotional, intellectual, physical, spiritual, occupational and environmental wellness,” said Life Enrichment Events and Volunteer Coordinator Bing Gonzalez.

Through this model and coordinators like Gonzalez, residents of Westminster at Lake Ridge participate in an array of fun and engaging activities.

“Each day we offer a wide variety of life enrichment programs for all levels of care. This includes fitness classes, art groups and classes, book clubs and writing groups, knitting groups, cooking, trivia nights, singing and music groups, acting groups, cards and board games, spiritual and religious groups, and more. We also have a greenhouse, community garden, woodworking shop, stocked fishing ponds and a pickleball court,” said Gonzalez. “We’ve had art teachers come in for painting classes and various speakers that come in to teach residents about gardening, beekeeping, writing and more.”

To specifically support mental sharpness and stimulation, the independent living community offers lectures, a music and memory program, Bible study groups and Italian lessons. Residents are also given opportunities to volunteer by serving on committees and working in the library, gift shop and more. Seniors who are socially engaged, through activities such as volunteering, benefit from a greater sense of belonging and enhanced self-esteem.

Aside from aforementioned activities, residents are also given the opportunity to learn how to use new technology and improve their already acquired technological skills. for Computer Learning and Information Center. We have a lounge dedicated to this group where they can come in and ask questions, use computers and be taught by fellow residents to improve their technological skills,” said Gonzalez.

Even during trying times, such as the current coronavirus pandemic, residents are still managing to safely stay engaged and mentally stimulated through activities offered by the independent living community. They participate in events in a socially distanced manner, following guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We have an in-house channel for our community, which we have used for resident engagement during this pandemic. We show movies, fitness videos appropriate for all levels of care, live-streamed meetings with residents and staff, and prayer and hymn videos with our chaplain. Our fitness and wellness coordinator has also been able to hold small group exercises outdoors,” said Gonzalez.

Continuing to learn through the ages offers a variety of benefits for seniors. Lifelong learning opportunities provide the chance for increased social interaction, improved cognitive functioning and increased quality of life by filling time with meaningful and structured activities.

Mental engagement, learning and stimulation directly contribute to the happiness and satisfaction of residents and are paramount during a time when many individuals are spending more time independently. Westminster at Lake Ridge continues to offer opportunities for growth and socialization, as well as connection with others, during the pandemic.

“We are a family and it is so important that our residents are happy and engaged every day,” said Gonzalez.

Gianna Jirak is an intern at Prince William Living with aspirations of being an international and political reporter. She is a junior at C.D. Hylton Senior High School, the Editor in Chief of her school newspaper, and a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.