Dunwoody Pines Retirement Community

Dunwoody Pines Retirement Community

When I think about a retirement home, I imagine old people rolling around in wheelchairs, some moving around using an upright walker, even some limping with a cane down hallways. I picture them sitting up in their bed while taking different medications to treat each of their medical diagnoses while they watch the daily news or make a phone call to one of their relatives. I imagine some drinking Ensure as a meal replacement to ingest the same number of calories to maintain their weight. Occupants entering and exiting out of their rooms where they relax their mind and body while they carry a sweet, caffeinated beverage within their hand. I also picture residents playing games such as chess, checkers, bingo or dominos. I imagine tenants laughing and sharing with one another memories they made with their loved ones when they were young and sharing pictures of their offspring, as well as their grandchildren with one another. Some knitting hats and scarves with different designs and colors. In my mind, I envision a great quantity of them singing along to songs that have a calming melody. Life is delightful for the residents at Dunwoody Pines Retirement Home. According to their company website, the retirement home was established in 2010. The business then began to expand in locations across the United States. After looking up the private residence, I became interested in wanting to know more about it. So, I decided to go to the facility and requested an interview with the executive director named Mr. Pierre. I communicated to him that I desired to know what it is that the retirement provides for residents. Moreover, what the daily life schedule of a resident looks like. 

     

His first topic of discussion with me was about the several different amenities that they offer for the residents to use that are within the retirement home. He began to say, "We have a swimming pool which they perform different water aerobics in. As well as a fitness center so that they can exercise and maintain their body structure. Additionally, a movie theater room so they can watch different shows, series and movies that interest them", (Pierre). Furthermore, that in their billiards lounge people come with their acquaintances to play pool. After he shared with me all the different amenities that retirement has, he then gave me a tour and showed me all the amenities that he had just finished telling me about. The swimming pool was outdoor and was the perfect size. I could tell that it was well taken care of. It was so clear; I could see that the bottom of the pool was clean. 

     

Afterwards we walked into the fitness center room. I observed the types of workout equipment they had. I remember seeing treadmill's which they could either walk, jog, or run on. There were also stationary bicycles that I remember catching a sight of. We then entered the theater; the screen was so massive. There were three rows of big, black leather spacious chairs. I could smell the scent of popcorn that must have been made earlier in the day. The aroma caused me to reminisce about the kettle corn that I would have at my summer camp when I was younger. Not too long after, we then walked towards the billiards lounge which was near the dining room where the residents would feast. The pool table was brown, and the slate was bright red. The last thing that he showed me was the piano; it was light brown; at the time it was playing on automatic. The sound of the music that was traveling through my ears sounded so beautiful.  As we were walking back to his office, I remember spotting a Koi Pond of fish. The fish were so massive, growing large was a trait that was strong within their genetics. Not only were they big, but they all had a variety of different colors. Some were light yellow; others were Mandarin orange. A few of the fish were green. They too resembled the shape of a pickle. One of the fish had a combination of white and orange.  

     

After reviewing all of the amenities, I asked him if it would be ok if I could see one of their weekly planners that had been created. He told me, "Sure, certainly not a problem". He began to show me how their activity planner was made for week three in March for the dates of the 19th through the 24th. On the upcoming date of March 20th early at 9:30am, they'll tune in and listen to Sunshine News. Not too long after that at 10:30am the residents will do their "Sit and Get Fit'' activity and drink their monthly smoothie. At 2:00pm bible study with Chi. Afterwards at 3:00pm do crafts and chat. A family feud game was going to begin at 4:00pm. Furtherly at 7:00pm they end the day with an evening movie. They are very energized people that like to be kept content. The residents at the facility are very gleeful.

     

They had several other amazing activities that they were going to be participating in throughout the week such as morning meditation, 15-minute fitness challenges, chair yoga, piano time with Stephanie.  As well as name that tune, have line dancing classes, participate in walk-a Holic's club at. Play team jeopardy, participate in sipping and painting, have electric trivia with David. Play bingo with their friends, have battery and lunch outings. Have pet therapy, exercise, make illustrations with creative coloring.  Do exercises with Kristy, have happy hour, and do morning devotion. ("Dunwoody Activity Planner"). I was eager to find out the several different activities that they have in place for the residents to keep them in good spirits and entertained. Their week activity planner stated the different things that they were going to be doing. It conveyed that every Tuesday at 10am they have a Wii bowling where they residents can play bowling electronically on a gaming system. Furthermore, it exclaims that every other Wednesday at 10am they have a Zumba Gold Exercise. It also disclosed the weekly mental activities that they play a part in. Every Monday at 11:00 am they have meditation to relax their mind and body. Every Wednesday and Saturday they play Jeopardy at 11:00am. Each second Saturday at 10:00am they have pet therapy for dogs. Every Sunday at 11:00 am they have catholic mass for individuals that are religious. In connection to that they also have a vespers church service at 4:00pm every other Sunday.     

     

To further the conversation, I began to ask him what the residents' meals consist of.  I saw him pull out a tan brochure paper that said weekly menu. He began to tell me that on the paper it showed each of the course meal options that the residents would be consuming for the week of Sunday March 5th through Sunday, March 11th. The morning daily specials include eggs made to order, breakfast potatoes, with either the choice of bacon or another breakfast meat choice, a variety of different fruits and juices to choose from, and a choice of either hot or cold cereals. At noon jello and cottage cheese, mixed green salad. During the evening homemade bottomless soup named Du Jour. He started to read out loud to me the breakfast, dinner and dessert options for the rest of the week. 

        

The breakfast dishes that were prepared throughout the week was a Denver scramble, Omelets. Biscuits and gravy, as well as beef hash and tasty scones. Their dinner dishes that they were going to be having for the week was homestyle meatloaf served with red skin mashed potatoes, fish and chips. Which in English is fried fish with fries.  Grilled pork chops with a mango salsa served with tomato feta salad. Baked tilapia served with risotto and baked carrots, or clam chowder. Chicken fettuccini alfredo served with seasoned zucchini. Mahi Mahi served with Yukon gold mashed potatoes, green beans and red onions. Lastly meatball stroganoff served with noodles and eggplant. Their desert selection that the residents had to choose from was sweet ice cream, chocolate chip walnut cake. Cheesecake, blueberry pie, spiced apples and   delicious lemon bars. ("Dunwoody Meal Menu") He further explained to me that they have chefs of different ethnicities that prepare foods of different cultures. This ensures all the residents can be satisfied with a good meal. Also, so that they can get to taste and experience different flavors of foods. He told me that one of the new American chefs that had just started was from Florida. As well as the fact that there was also an Italian chef. 

As I ended my interview with Mr. Pierre the executive director, I apprised him that I was so thankful to be able to have the interview with him. Additionally, that it was such a fun experience, and pleasure being able to observe what life is like for residents at Dunwoody Pines Retirment Home. I then gave him eye contact, shook his hand firmly and told him thank you sir, God bless you. As I was walking out of his office, the aroma of the several different dishes that were being prepared was strong. Ethnic diversity was greatly perceived as I was walking through the lobby. After observing these things, it really made me realize the retirement home would be a wonderful place of interest that my elder grandmother would love to reside. In the beginning of my essay, I was able to discuss my thoughts of what I thought took place at a retirement home. My thoughts were reinforced and correct due to what I learned occurring at the Dunwoody Retirement home. The information I gathered supports why life for residents at the Dunwoody retirement home is so joyful. 

Works Cited

"Dunwoody Pines Retirement Community." Activity Planner, 2023.

"Dunwoody Pines Retirement Community" Meal Menu, 2023

“Dunwoody Pines Retirement Community.” Sunshine Retirement Living, 2023,

Pierre. Personal Interview, 15 Mar. 2023.

 https://www.sunshineretirementliving.com/dunwoody-retirement-living.

Image Credits

"Dunwoody Pines Retirement Community"