diverse activities

"We get a special opportunity to know people at an amazing stage of life; when so many blossom given the right environment. We experience so much emotional honesty, and when this occurs we get to fall in love with what I believe to be the true spirit of a person. It's all so very poetic and rich." Heather Dawson-Snead, Accounting Department.

We all know that activities are crucial to maintaining physical and mental health. Sunshine Gardens and the Country Home take great pride in our Activities Program. We implement a full schedule of activities for residents to participate in. We also offer weekly outings to shop, catch a show, or enjoy a nice meal out. Our full-time activities director is on-hand to assist residents, encourage participation, or facilitate a resident's favorite activity.

HEATHER DOWNING, ACTIVITY DIRECTOR
Heather Downing is youthful, vibrant and full of energy; all of the qualities the residents love in an Activity Director. Heather is from Cleveland, Ohio, and has worked as a personal trainer and is certified in the Silver Sneakers exercise program. She uses her experience to enhance the residents' physical health. "Heather's exercise classes are so much fun. She really gives us a workout," states Jean Brenner, Sunshine Gardens Resident.

Heather brings her love of dogs and the outdoors to our Sunshine Gardens residents. She incorporates a walking club, pet therapy, outings to restaurants, picnics, and so much more for the resident's enjoyment. "I have the best job in the world, " states Heather, "I get to hang out with the residents and do fun stuff all day!"

Heather has worked as Activity Director at Sunshine Gardens for more than 3.5 years.



A Sunshine Gardens resident enjoys a manicure from Activity Director Heather Downing. Manicures are one of the many activities that are offered weekly at Sunshine Gardens!

Example of a Weekly Schedule

Monday   Tuesday   Wednesday
10:00:
Trip to Humane Society Thrift Store
 9:00: Let's make cookies workshop! 9:15:
 Trivia
11:00: Bible Study 11:15: Exercise Class 10:15: Donut Social
1:00: Walking Club 1:30: Matinee Movie and Popcorn Social 11:00: Exercise Class
2:00: Bingo 1:45: Bingo 1:00: Walking Club
4:00: Gospel Sing-A-Longs 3:15: Arts and Crafts 2:00: Bingo
        2:15: Bar D Wrangler Music Concert
        2:30: Poker Game
        4:00: Hand Massages
Thursday   Friday   Saturday   Sunday
9:00:
Manicures 9:00:
Crossword Puzzle 10:30:
Arts and Crafts 8:30:

 Church Services
11:00: Prayer Practice 11:00: Exercise Class 1:30: Matinee Movie and Popcorn Social 10:30: Donut Social
1:30: Trip to Walmart 1:30: Bingo/Bridge Club 3:00: Poker Game 2:00: Bridge Club
3:30: Riverview Elementary Readers 3:00: Happy Hour     4:00: Lutheran Church Choir Performance
    3:40: Name that Tune