Blog

The holiday season brings a special kind of magic to Greenville. The air feels crisp but never too cold, lights twinkle across downtown and everywhere you look, people are smiling. At The Woodlands at Furman, that spirit feels even brighter. The holiday season reminds us what community truly means.

At The Woodlands at Furman, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are the heart of care. Recognizing the emotional and physical demands that come with supporting older adults, leadership at The Woodlands launched the Preceptor Program – an eight-week initiative designed to empower CNAs through mentorship, teamwork...

As the leaves begin to change in upstate Greenville, The Woodlands at Furman becomes an especially inviting place to call home. Nestled in a serene, natural setting and just steps from Furman University, this award-winning not-for-profit Life Plan Community is surrounded by the kind of fall beauty that inspires both adventure and reflection.

At The Woodlands at Furman, creating a thriving workplace means more than offering competitive benefits or winning awards. It means ensuring that each person has the chance to contribute, grow and feel valued. A key part of that commitment is our long-standing partnership with Thrive Upstate, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people with learning and developmental challenges find meaningful employment throughout the Upstate and Greenville.

Finding the Right Path Forward

Navigating brain change can be emotional and complex, both for the person experiencing it and for those who care deeply about them. Knowing when and how to seek help can feel overwhelming. But choosing memory care isn’t about giving something up—it’s about embracing support that helps a loved one live with dignity, independence and a sense of belonging. At The Woodlands at Furman, memory care is built on respect, compassion and personalized connection. As a not-for-profit Life Plan Community, The Woodlands is uniquely positioned to provide consistent, lifelong support in an environment where individuals are known, valued and understood.

There’s cause for celebration at The Woodlands at Furman—and this time, it’s not just among graduates in cap and gown. During Furman University’s 2025 Commencement weekend, The Woodlands officially “graduated” as a Certified University Based Retirement Community (UBRC), the highest recognition awarded to university-connected senior living communities.

At The Woodlands at Furman, generosity isn't just a gesture—it’s a defining part of who we are. From record-breaking fundraising totals to meaningful volunteer efforts, our not-for-profit Life Plan Community continues to raise the bar on what compassionate giving looks like. As we reflect on the past few months, we’re proud to share the highlights of our philanthropic accomplishments, celebrate the people who made them possible and look at the opportunities that still lie ahead.

At The Woodlands at Furman, curiosity never retires. Our residents are passionate about learning, bringing together a vibrant community of retired and semi-retired educators, engineers, writers, healthcare professionals, business leaders and more. With such a wide range of backgrounds, lifelong learning is woven into the fabric of everyday life here. The Woodlands is proud of its partnership with Furman University, a top-ranked private liberal arts school just next door. This special connection enriches our residents’ opportunities for growth and offers easy access to the university’s intellectual and cultural life. For those who cherish continued education, The Woodlands is the perfect place to call home.

Put on your hard hats and pop the champagne: The Woodlands is gearing up for a major expansion that will significantly enhance the living experience for future residents. Starting in spring 2025, we are embarking on this exciting project to meet the growing demand for independent living spaces. Rick Brackett, President and CEO of The Woodlands, shares, "This expansion is crucial to meeting the growing demand at The Woodlands. With our five-year waitlist, this expansion is great news for retirees in Greenville, offering more living options in a community known for its quality, service and hospitality. Future waitlist residents will have first choice of locations and availability, ensuring they get the best fit when this expansion opens its doors."

What new products help us age with vitality and peace of mind for long-term independence? Check out what we found.

The 2025 CES has concluded, leaving us with an exciting list of innovative technologies and gadgets designed to improve quality of life and support longevity for people of all ages and abilities. The CES has been taking place since 1967, steadily growing to become the most influential tech event in the world. This year’s show highlighted groundbreaking technologies that could help older adults live independently longer, a mission we are deeply committed to here at The Woodlands. CES attracted 4,500 exhibitors and 141,000 attendees, making it the ideal platform to showcase the future of tech for older adults. While this is not a complete list, we have curated some of the best and most promising ideas for your consideration. Please note that The Woodlands recommends conducting your own research and consulting your physician before purchasing or using any of these products. If you’re a fan of “the next big thing,” you might already be familiar with this event or even be following your favorite new startup. So, let’s get straight to the point and highlight some of the exciting products geared toward seniors that are worth keeping an eye on.