One thing people are often surprised to learn is that creating a personalized activity plan starts before move-in day. That means it’s important for engagement directors to sit down with residents and their families to explore interests, passions, and life experiences so your loved one can feel more comfortable and involved when it’s time to settle in. Was your mom a quilter who spent years creating heirlooms? Did your dad coach Little League and miss being around young people? These conversations become the blueprint for engagement.
This process reflects The Arbor Company’s Deep Connections philosophy, which is an effort made to personally know each resident beyond their care needs. Through this philosophy, staff at our communities engage in meaningful interactions with residents and family, getting to know each individual in a way that truly connects. When the team takes time to understand who someone really is, residents often accomplish things here they never thought possible on their own.
At Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill, this means an engagement program offering individualized options rather than expecting everyone to participate in the same activities. Some residents thrive in large group settings, while others prefer smaller, intimate gatherings. Our plans respect these preferences while gently encouraging residents to try new experiences.
Within the first few weeks, our engagement director meets with each new resident to discuss:
Past hobbies and interests
Career background and skills they'd like to continue using
Physical abilities and any mobility considerations
Preferred times of day for activities
Social preferences (large groups vs. one-on-one time)
Our engagement director then partners with the resident's care team to ensure activities support both physical and cognitive wellness. If someone is working on balance in physical therapy, the engagement director might suggest chair yoga or gentle stretching classes. For residents managing cognitive changes, activities that encourage failure-free conversation (like reminiscence groups) become part of the plan.
Using insights from both the resident and care team, our engagement director then builds a weekly schedule that balances structure with flexibility. This isn't about filling every hour, but rather creating meaningful touchpoints throughout the day that align with the resident's energy levels and interests.
Personalized plans aren't static. Every month, our team reviews each resident's participation and satisfaction, making adjustments as interests evolve or abilities change. Family input is welcomed and encouraged through regular check-ins!
At Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill, we are dedicated to following an Engaged Lifestyle framework that ensures residents have opportunities across all dimensions of wellness:
Learning doesn't stop with retirement. Residents attend painting classes, guest lectures, and skill-building workshops. Their artwork might even be displayed throughout the building!
It’s no secret that social events are key for fostering friendships and family involvement. From wine tastings to birthday celebrations, these gatherings create the family-like atmosphere Arbor Terrace is known for in Dacula, GA!
Exercise classes, preventative health programs, and therapy services help residents maintain independence. No need to worry—our chair yoga, walking clubs, and "Sit and Be Fit" classes accommodate different ability levels.
Volunteering, service projects, and mentorship programs give residents chances to give back. Many residents participate in charity drives or intergenerational programs with local schools, instilling a sense of purpose that brightens their daily life.
Fun hobbies, games, happy hours, and outings keep life enjoyable! From card game clubs to day trips to nearby Buford or Gwinnett County attractions, these activities are excellent ways to build camaraderie and create shared experiences.
Faith-based activities, meditation, and on-site devotional services accommodate residents' spiritual needs. Transportation to local churches and places of worship in Dacula and surrounding areas is available for all residents who wish to attend their regular services.
By balancing these six areas, Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill helps residents remain fulfilled and living their best life.
We review each resident's personalized plan monthly and make adjustments as needed. If a resident discovers a new interest or their abilities change, we adapt the plan immediately rather than waiting for a scheduled review.
We respect all social preferences. For introverted residents, we offer one-on-one activities, small group options, and independent pursuits like reading clubs or individual art time. The goal is engagement that feels comfortable, not forced.
Absolutely! Family participation is encouraged and welcomed. Many activities (like holiday celebrations to gardening projects) are specifically designed to include family members. We also offer family nights and special events throughout the year.
While many communities offer activity calendars, Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill creates individualized plans based on each resident's specific interests and abilities. Our Deep Connections philosophy and Engaged Lifestyle framework ensure every activity here is personally meaningful.
Our engagement team is trained to adapt activities for all ability levels. We offer failure-free activities like reminiscence groups, sensory experiences, and modified versions of favorite hobbies that allow residents to participate successfully regardless of cognitive changes.
At Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill, we carry the firm belief that retirement should be filled with both purpose and connection, without the fear of losing either one. Our personalized activity plans ensure that every resident can pursue their passions, try new experiences, and build meaningful friendships—all while receiving the support they truly need.
If you're searching for assisted living in Dacula, GA that treats your loved one as a unique individual rather than just another resident, we invite you to see the Arbor difference for yourself. Download our free guide, The Journey to Senior Living, to start your next chapter with the right footing!
Ready to learn more about personalized engagement at Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill? Schedule a tour to meet our engagement team, observe activities in action, and discuss how we can create a meaningful daily life for your loved one.