East Ridge Adds New Creative Outlets for Residents' Self Expression
CUTLER BAY, Fla., Sept. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Retirement communities are expanding their educational and social programs to meet the needs of newer residents who are on the cusp of the boomer generation.
An example is East Ridge at Cutler Bay (www.EastRidgeAtCutlerBay.com). The retirement community is continually updating the social programs that are offered.
"Our residents enjoy having new experiences that they may not have envisioned for themselves," explained Rick Drew, director of marketing for the life care community. "People often remark that they are doing things they never had time to pursue prior to moving to East Ridge. Since East Ridge offers a maintenance-free lifestyle, residents eliminate the many responsibilities they had caring for their home and now have more quality time."
East Ridge has a fulltime lifestyle director and lifestyle coordinator who both work with residents in planning community activities within the community and many excursions in and around Cutler Bay.
A new class recently introduced at East Ridge is "Art Therapy". Facilitated by Billie Bivins, the class is offered twice a month and has a growing number of participants. Bivins also works at Kristi House in Miami and uses a similar art therapy program for healing sexually-abused children.
Art therapy is an opportunity for participants to express themselves while creating something with unusual materials. The class works with materials such as paints and colored tissue paper, as well as less traditional art materials like knee-high stockings, fabrics and wire.
"Working with these less-than-typical materials gives people a greater sense of freedom to express themselves. They aren't locked into painting a 'still-life'," explained Bivins. "The conscious mind allows the unconscious to sneak up and the results are astonishing. It's meant to be fun and offer a relaxing opportunity in self-expression."
As part of the art therapy class, people are encouraged to share their thoughts and express their feelings. They can process it, think about it and then talk about what they have created during the session.
"Typically, this type of exploration wouldn't be part of a traditional arts and craft class," she added. "The discussion fosters greater self-awareness and reduces anxiety."
Art therapy is one of the many classes found at East Ridge. The community's Lifestyle Center is the hub were residents take advantage of the many opportunities that are offered.
To learn more about East Ridge at Cutler Bay, please call 305-256-3564.
SOURCE East Ridge at Cutler Bay
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