The top concern for workers at Parkwood Health Care Facility in Phenix City is their residents. But the staff’s desire to help seniors and their caregivers doesn’t stop at their property line.
“It’s really important for us to be a part of the community,” said Terri Roop, administrator for Parkwood. “It’s important that we reach out and give back to them because so many people give to us every day.”
Parkwood’s biggest community event is an annual Senior Adults River Walk and Golf Cart Tour, now in its seventh year. It is organized by Pat Harrell, who works in community relations for Parkwood.
“In honor of National Older Americans Month, we do the Senior River Walk and Golf Cart Tour,” Harrell said. “It’s a health fair, entertainment, door prizes, we have provider resources come and present information.”
Seniors 50 years and older can come to the Phenix City Amphitheater from 9 a.m.-noon on May 24 to walk or ride along the river and learn valuable health information from local providers. Last year an estimated 400-500 people attended.
“The way it got started is Phenix City Beautiful wanted our senior residents to be able to go down on the RiverWalk and feel comfortable,” said Harrell, who took over the event after the first year. She added that police and firemen will be at the event to ensure everyone’s safety.
Though the River Walk and Golf Cart Tour is Parkwood’s largest event, they also hold Brunch and Learn sessions from 10-11 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Phenix City Central Activities Center.
Each session focuses on a different health issue that affects seniors and their caregivers. Tomorrow’s Brunch and Learn will feature the Russell County Sheriff’s Department and will address the new Yellow Dot Program.
“The way (Brunch and Learn) got started is we really realized that people do not know and understand the resources that are available to them in the community,” Harrell said.
Topics are developed through suggestions and “things that seniors need to know about,” she added.
In addition to the presentation, food is provided and various drawings take place.
Roop added that while they target senior citizens and their caregivers, Parkwood’s doors are open to anyone with questions, regardless of whether they’re considering using the facility.
“It really has made a difference because it shows that we’re not just focused on the people that live here,” Roop said. “We’re really committed to the community.”
