photos by:  JODIE BRIM CREATIVE

With Winston Salem’s storied history, bustling economy and ever-growing entertainment and attraction venues coupled with affordability and extensive living options, well more than a quarter of a million happy Carolinians know this is a city for the ages.

Within the blissful microcosm of North Carolina, there is an often-overlooked segment of city data analysis and rankings reports – the senior-age demographic living options. Fortunately, for those in and around Winston-Salem, this group is well accounted for.

Now, let’s consider the options for those who’ve seen decades of change, the ebb and flow of popular restaurants, festivals and countless council member rotations. I’m talking about active adults and seniors in retirement with energy to burn.

To expand our reach and understanding of the offerings, let’s look at one of the most popular choices in Winston-Salem – Homestead Hills. 

Homestead Hills, a CCRC or Life Plan community, offers a plethora of living options, from active adult and independent living to assisted living and memory care. It’s essentially a mini-city within a community – or maybe better described as a big community in a mini-city. Either way, it’s pretty neat.

The community caters to seniors 55 and above. Though it’s not so much about the number you give when asked your age, it’s more how you want to spend your free time; as noted in one of the community’s mottos – our members live longer, healthier and happier lives.

For instance, the independent living portion offers cottage homes and villa apartments in essentially the same manner you’ll find outside the community. One-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans are available to accommodate your living preference. Here’s the cool part – most, if not all, maintenance, upkeep and chores are taken care of by the community team. That means you can safely travel to a favorite haunt for the weekend or jump on a 30-day cruise to the Caribbean with peace of mind that your home and valuables are safe. You can also safely clean out your gutters by simply calling the concierge or punching in a request on your mobile device – no need to house, much less use, an extension ladder.

Now that the house is taken care of, it’s on to the fun stuff, like dinner and dancing. The opportunity to lead an active and fulfilling lifestyle surely continues into retirement. There’s more opportunity to devote to delayed travels, forgotten destinations, honing musical skills and diving into newfound hobbies. 

For many seniors, this phase represents an opportunity to embrace a lifestyle enriched by vibrant community engagement that nurtures both body and mind.

More Friends

Like other retirement communities, Homestead Hills offers a wide range of recreational activities tailored to diverse interests. What’s unique to Homestead Hills is its full time independent living social director. Coupled with member input, the social director plans a fully loaded monthly calendar of events ranging from live entertainment to signature experiences and off-site excursions, guaranteeing there’s always something exciting in which to engage. 

Spending time exploring, learning and growing makes meeting new neighbors and forming strong friendships easy. Whether members enjoy arts and crafts sessions, book clubs or gardening groups, there is something for everyone. 

Better Health

In between the ultra-fun social gatherings, there’s the always-present dedication to health and wellness. Retirement communities are especially in tune with helping seniors maintain and improve their health. For example, Homestead Hills boasts a state-of-the-art wellness center staffed by dedicated professionals, including a full time wellness director who tailors fitness programs to meet the needs and interests of the members. Exercise classes, such as yoga, tai chi and aqua aerobics are offered regularly, catering to various fitness levels and abilities. These classes not only promote physical strength and flexibility but also contribute to mental clarity and emotional balance. Wellness seminars and workshops covering topics such as nutrition, mindfulness and stress management enhance the program, empowering members to take charge of their health and make informed lifestyle choices, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

Clean Plates

Yes, I’m using clean plates with a double meaning. I’m more focused on the delicious food offerings resulting in more members joining the clean plate club, though the fortune of not having to wash and clean your plates is nice, too. 

Dining programs vary by retirement community. Executive chefs, rich in talent and skill, are passionate about creating flavorful and nutritious dishes, and the dining experience is a highlight for members. Menus feature a variety of options that cater to diverse tastes and dietary requirements, ensuring that every mealtime is a hit. In addition to exquisite dining options, the shared dining spaces become inviting and conducive to socializing. Meals become opportunities for members to come together, share stories and forge lasting friendships over shared culinary delights.

Whether it’s a gourmet dinner prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients or a casual brunch with friends in a bistro, meals become occasions for socializing, sharing stories and building connections with fellow residents.

Safety

Now that we have our living space, food and exercises perfected, let’s move to safety. In reviewing Homestead Hills, the community’s commitment to safety and security provides peace of mind for members and their families. As a gated community equipped with an emergency response system throughout, on-site healthcare services and 24/7 staffing, Members receive the support they need, when they need it. Prioritizing the well being and safety of the members provides reassurance for everyone involved.

Moving into a retirement community sooner allows you to proactively plan for any future healthcare needs that may arise. Homestead Hills offers a continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care, ensuring that you can access the support you need as your health needs change over time. It’s a great benefit to have sensitive matters well planned out. It minimizes sudden life disruptions and makes pivoting much more accessible. 

Winston-Salem residents are fortunate to have multiple options for senior living. It’s good to know that living in Winston-Salem means the ability to age in a community, offering a lifestyle built around enjoying each day to the fullest. Wherever you start your retirement living journey, it’s a safe bet that Homestead Hills is one for the ages.