10 Oct Celebrating Thanksgiving at The Woodlands at Furman: Gratitude Around Every Corner

As the crisp fall air settles in and the leaves begin to turn, Thanksgiving invites us to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. Here at The Woodlands at Furman, our sense of gratitude runs deep—woven into the fabric of our community. In this season of thankfulness, we’d like to share some of the many things we’re grateful for at The Woodlands.

Science Says: An Attitude of Gratitude Boosts Well-Being.

As we reflect on our many blessings, it’s important to remember to literally count your blessings daily. Research in cognitive therapy shows that it is one of the most effective practices to significantly boost happiness and overall well-being and it is also one of the easiest and most straightforward.

Write down five things you’re grateful for every day in a journal. It can be as simple as “I am grateful I have two legs,” “I am grateful for the delicious salad I had for lunch,” or “I am grateful for my financial situation.” This practice encourages us to focus on the positives and promotes a sense of contentment and peace. In a matter of a few days to a few weeks, people who write down what they are grateful for are happier.

While we could write a book about the many amazing things we can be grateful for in 2024 at The Woodlands, here are six highlights we would like to share with you

1. Grateful for Our Safety After Hurricane Helene.
We cannot express enough gratitude for the safety and well-being of our community following Hurricane Helene. Numerous trees were downed and several areas suffered extensive damage, including downtown Greenville and neighborhoods, particularly to roads and parks and tragically, multiple fatalities were recorded in the Upstate. We are thankful for our team’s preparedness and our residents’ resilience, which allowed us to weather the storm together safely and securely. Other than losing electrical power, our operations were uninterrupted and our residents and team members were safe.

 2. Our Dedicated Team Members: The Heart of The Woodlands.
Our employees are The Woodlands’s heart and backbone of our community. We are endlessly thankful for their dedication, expertise, adaptability and positive attitude. Many of our team members have been with us for years, creating strong bonds with our residents and ensuring continuity of care, hospitality and quality service. Their long-term tenure speaks volumes about the supportive work environment and the mutual respect shared between staff and residents. Whether it’s our nurses, dining staff or activity coordinators, their commitment to excellence and kindness is felt daily. We couldn’t be more thankful for their work in making The Woodlands a place of comfort and joy.

3. Thankful For Exceptional Dining.
You cannot make a Thanksgiving gratitude list without mentioning food!

Thanksgiving dinners, in particular, are a hallmark of our quality dining, where residents can savor turkey with all the trimmings crafted with care by our talented chefs. More than a few residents invite their family members to dine with us at Thanksgiving because the dining team goes above and beyond to make this holiday meal an experience.

Many senior living communities struggle to deliver quality dining, but we are grateful our team provides consistent, delicious meals day in and day out. With menus inspired by seasonal ingredients, residents can enjoy gourmet dining that caters to individual tastes and nutritional needs. From casual bites in our Bistro to more formal meals in the dining room, we offer a variety of choices that make dining both a pleasure and a comfort. We are deeply grateful for the exceptional culinary team that brings creativity and care to every dish. Plus, our salad bar is one of the largest you’ll find in any community in the Upstate.

4. Grateful For The Upgrades In Memory Care.
We are incredibly grateful for the recent upgrades made to our Memory Care neighborhood. These thoughtful improvements enhance the quality of life for residents living with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions. From state-of-the-art design features that promote safety and comfort to tailored programs that focus on cognitive health and engagement, our updated Memory Care unit fosters a sense of security and belonging. We are proud to offer a space that honors the dignity of each resident while providing compassionate care that allows families to feel confident and at ease.

5. The Community in High Demand.
It is a testament to the strength of our community that we are fully occupied with a waiting list of up to five years. While many non-profit communities struggle with census levels nationwide, our waitlist continues to grow. If you’re reading this and want to make The Woodlands part of your five-year plan, we recommend making a refundable deposit to secure your place in line. Our full occupancy reflects the vibrant lifestyle, reputation and excellent services we offer, from health and wellness programs to cultural and recreational activities. Being in high demand only fuels our commitment to continuously exceed expectations for every current and future resident.

6. Best of the Upstate: Honored and Thankful for Multiple Awards.
For the eighth year in a row, The Woodlands at Furman has won the “Best of the Upstate” awards. The 2024 awards include top honors in categories such as Best Senior Living Facility, Best Memory Care Program and Best Dining Experience. This recognition reflects our community’s unwavering commitment to excellence in senior living, from healthcare to recreational programs. We are deeply grateful for this honor and for the continued support from the local community. It inspires us to keep pushing the boundaries of what senior living can be and to constantly elevate the experience of our residents.

Here at The Woodlands, we embrace gratitude as a way of life—an attitude that enriches our community and everyone’s experience. We invite residents and families alike to join us in practicing gratitude, not just this Thanksgiving but every day of the year.

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, we at The Woodlands at Furman are filled with appreciation for our community, our residents, our staff, our safety and the blessings that surround us daily. We hope this season brings peace, joy and plenty of gratitude to you and yours.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Woodlands!