Our Interview with Resident Marilyn Balin
Where did you grow up?
New York
What are your favorite memories from childhood?
Time spent with my mother and grandmother. We all lived together, us three women!
What accomplishments in life are you most proud of?
My sons! The are wonderful men.
Did you have a profession?
My husband did not like the idea of me being out and about where I might catch the eye of other men. (She says with a smile) I love art! I have always been an artist at heart. I attend art school.
Do you have any advice for new college grads?
Don’t be afraid to work hard! Stay focused and in time you will reap the benefits of your efforts!
Any advice for those starting a family?
Women stay pretty for your man. Tell him he’s smart and handsome, even when sometimes he’s not! (Again with a smile)
What brings you to Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community in Buckhead, GA?
My family wanted me to be closer and in a nice, friendly, caring environment. So, here I am! (Smile)
What do you enjoy about assisted living here at Dogwood Forest’s Buckhead, GA Community?
All the fun, beautiful art work we do each week. Also the morning devotional time is really a nice start to my day. Bingo, always fun! And the fresh salads in the dining room are so wonderful!
Who are your best friends at Dogwood?
I enjoy talking, so I love spending time at the dining table chatting with Gerry Volkman and Sharon LaChance…they are my table mates!
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Our Interview with Resident Heidi Bradford
Where did you grow up?
New York State.
What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?
I loved horseback riding very much. Summer camp was always fun too. I also loved skiing.
What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?
Raising my children would be to very top memory. I really enjoyed so much playing tennis on tennis teams.
Did you have a profession?
Medical Profession. I was a psychiatric nurse and I really enjoyed the depth of that kind of work.
Do you remember what was happening in your life during a significant event in US history such as WWII, Vietnam, Woodstock or any other historical events?
I remember when President Kennedy was shot. It was so moving to see his son, little John John salute the flag at his memorial service.
Which accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud?
Being a nurse, a mother, and tennis team captain and ski instructor.
Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?
Go into a field that you really really like otherwise it will just bring you down.
What brought you to Dogwood Forest’s senior living community here in Buckhead, GA? Or Why did you choose Dogwood Forest?
My daughter lives in the Atlanta area and thought it would be a good fit for me.
What is your favorite part of living at Dogwood?
I really enjoy the crafts like beading and various art projects very much.
Who is your best friend here at Dogwood’s senior living community in Buckhead, GA?
I would have to say Allison Adams our Life Enrichment Director and my dog Rusty. I also enjoy my friendship with Joanne Barbour our chef.
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Our Interview with Resident Joyce Haag
Where did you grow up?
St. Paul MN
What are your favorite memories from childhood?
Taking trips with my family. My dad drove. We had beautiful lakes in our area, and I enjoyed seeing all of them. One time my dad took me to a ranger’s station and we climbed the tower and looked out over the tree tops. That was fun!
What Was Your Profession?
I was a homemaker with 3 children for many years. I used the GI bill and went to college in my early 50’s. I have my degree in psychology. Also, I traveled with my husband who was in the service and during those times I counseled service men and women as well as worked for the American Red Cross.
Of what accomplishment are you most proud?
I am most proud of how I raised my children.
Do you have any advice for those just graduating college?
Continue your education. Find work and keep going until you are doing what you love.
Do you have advice for those just starting a family?
Make sure your child knows they are loved! Talk with your kids and tell them honestly how the world works.
How did you come to live in assisted living in Buckhead, GA? Or, why Dogwood Forest?
I am at Dogwood Forest because my sweet daughter wanted me to live closer to her. I was living in California, so being here in Atlanta was a better choice for our family.
What do you enjoy about living in Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community here in Buckhead, GA?
I most enjoy having 3 good meals that I can be served each day. It is nice to enjoy the dining room. Also, I enjoy reading very much, so the book club is one of my favorite activities.
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Seniors Singing the Winter Blues
If you or a loved one has the winter blues here are a few things you can do put the jingle back in your bells:
1. Recognize the signs. Many people including seniors do not realize they are depressed. Symptoms of depression include persistent sadness; loss of appetite; withdrawal from activities once enjoyed; withdrawal in social settings; lack of energy and interest; persistent emotion which includes crying; feeling of helplessness; feeling of loneliness; changes in sleep patterns; inability to concentrate on any one thing; staring into space; anxiety and panic.
2. Get out of the house. One way to battle the blues is to get out and about. It’s amazing what some fresh air and interaction with others can do for the spirit. Volunteering is an excellent way to get out and help someone in need. This could help with the feeling of helplessness and worthiness mentioned above.
3. Spend time with family and friends. Spending time with family and friends consistently could help ward off the feeling of loneliness that often comes from continual isolation. Encourage your senior loved one to show family and friends around their homes, like we do here at Dogwood Forest’s assisted living community in Buckhead, GA.
4. See a healthcare provider. As mentioned above many seniors may not recognize the signs of depression. Therefore, it is at times left up to friends and family to recognize the warning signs and encourage them to seek help. Depression is a medical condition a healthcare provider can help treat. Doctors can prescribe a number of medications to help with depression, and counselors and psychologist can also offer non-drug alternatives.
5. Be a good listener. If a senior has decided to open up about their feelings, listen and be completely considerate. It’s important that you don’t dismiss ones feelings. Sometimes they are looking to someone to listen, even if they are silent.
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Our Interview with Resident Jeanette Quillen
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a beautiful spot known as Delaware.
What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?
I truly love the “small town life.” I enjoyed growing up with close family and life-long friends. That’s one of the benefits of staying in one place for a long time.
What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?
There are so many! But all stem from my 42 years of work within the school system. I just loved working with the children! Arts, crafts, cooking! Developing programs that bring about excitement and a positive outcome…what a joy!
Did you have a profession?
I have worked in all aspects of hospitality, catering, food service and more. I did those jobs within the school system as well as in the senior living facilities in Delaware. I love cooking and baking! I enjoy hosting Baking Time with Allison our Life Enrichment Director here at Dogwood.
Can you remember a historical event that took place during your lifetime?
I can remember when President Kennedy was killed. We were actually sitting in our Government Class when they tuned in the TV to the life coverage of the event.
Accomplishments you are most proud of?
All the wonderful relationships I have built throughout my life and career with the many children and seniors!
Graduating from college advice?
No one starts at the top! Take life step by step and enjoy your journey!
What brought you to Dogwood’s Buckhead Assisted Living Facility?
I came due to an ongoing medical issue. My mom was a resident so it made a good fit for me to join her here.
How do you enjoy Dogwood?
I have had a great time! It has been rewarding due to the fact that I am proactive. I love to volunteer my time and talents to the seniors within my community.
What is your favorite part of being at Dogwood?
The positive interaction with the staff members and the residents in our beautiful Buckhead assisted living community!
Who is your best friend at Dogwood?
Our life enrichment director Allison and our first impressions person Marie have really reached out to me and made me feel at home here.
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Welcome to Your New Home!
Dogwood Forest retirement and assisted living homes has enhanced the lives of hundreds men and women. We understand that seniors need a place to relax and enjoy stress-free living every day. Here at Dogwood Forest we have created the perfect living environment. All of our homes and services have been designed to create the perfect atmosphere to promote positive, healthy lifestyles for all of our senior residents.
It is clinically proven that a person’s living environment significantly affects their well-being; with a positive environment promoting happiness and health. Dogwood Forest extends its services to all living situations: retirement, assisted living, post-operative, rehabilitation and respite care. All of these different states of well-being receive the same quality service and treatment. Dogwood Forest services include nutritious meals and snacks, medicine management, wellness and exercise programs, life enrichment activities, socialization and more.
All of our Dogwood Forest locations provide an environment that fosters security, independence, happiness and hope. Be sure to check out all eight of the Dogwood Forest retirement and assisted living homes as each home’s environment is unique. Whether residents choose to reside in an atmosphere of city living or a more secluded, natural area, each Dogwood Forest home provides the highest standards and quality of life.
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