We are proud to be Brookridge, a ThriveMore community. ThriveMore’s long history in senior living has earned them a respectable name of quality care for seniors in North Carolina, and Brookridge is honored to be part of that legacy. ThriveMore makes concerted effort to build relationships between their communities across North Carolina, growing support from the staff for the mission of creating a safe place to call home while offering impeccable service with dignity and kindness for seniors. And so, when one ThriveMore community is in great need, the others respond to offer support and comfort.
On September 27, when Hurricane Helene reached Western North Carolina, ThriveMore’s newest addition, Ardenwoods Retirement Community, was affected. As the eastern parts of the state waited with bated breath to see the devastation, the staff at Ardenwoods wasted no time and jumped right into action.
Several staff in Ardenwoods’ Independent and Assisted Living communities worked tirelessly to maintain the comfort of their residents. Though they didn’t have power, they did have water. Using a gas stove, they were able to cook canned foods and boil water for drinking. Generators were used to maintain oxygen machines and other life-saving devices. Staff worked around the clock to ensure that these things were provided, and they even developed modified social activities to engage everyone, especially those who could not use the elevator.
As the weekend progressed, ThriveMore leadership coordinated a substantial donation of essential supplies, including food, water, and gasoline, to ensure uninterrupted operations. CEO Reed VanderSlik personally delivered supplies, while COO Jessica McCollum and Shannon Sears, Director of Clinical Services, Compliance, and Risk Management, brought additional provisions and stayed at Ardenwoods for the first week to provide hands-on assistance and serve as a source of respite for the dedicated staff.
In the week following the storm, Taylor Glen also contributed by delivering similar supplies. Executive Director Tatum Meyers, Executive Chef Eric Nooe, and Sales Counselor Stephanie Shafer each transported carloads of provisions from Brookridge and ThriveMore offices in Winston-Salem. This collaborative effort was a true blessing, offering comfort, support, and care to our sister community in their time of need.
Since the storm, water, power, and cell service has been restored at Ardenwoods. Operations have gone back to “normal” for residents. However, many staff’s lives were drastically changed. As a result of the damage of the storm, ThriveMore’s foundation, the Baptist Retirement Homes Foundation has put together a fund to benefit the staff who have been deeply affected by the storm.
Being part of a network of communities that seeks to look after one another is a unique privilege. Though our communities are separated by miles, there is no distance we will not overcome to share compassion and kindness to our ThriveMore family. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those whose lives have been so upended by Hurricane Helene, especially Ardenwoods’ hardworking employees.
Brookridge Retirement Community is a Life Plan Community located in Winston-Salem, NC. Our family-like atmosphere offers you a chance to dive into enriching activities while you build meaningful relationships. Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more.
To give to the Baptist Retirement Homes Foundation, you can click here.