Local Retirement Community Plans Birthday Surprises for Residents

Visits to retirement communities across the country have been restricted due to the pandemic, making it difficult to celebrate special occasions, including birthdays. In times like these, it’s up to the team members at Grace Ridge retirement community in Morganton to adapt and use their creativity to lift residents’ spirits and keep them motivated, all while keeping safety top of mind. That’s why they’ve created an initiative where residents can celebrate their special day surrounded by their loved ones.

The residents at Grace Ridge use the community’s theater room to host virtual Zoom chats with their families on the big screen. Some families have even connected with team members at Grace Ridge to plan a surprise birthday party for their loved one living at the community, complete with a birthday cake and decorations.

Resident Jennie Bost was completely surprised when she was tricked into stepping into the theater on her birthday and was met with her entire family projected on the big screen singing "Happy Birthday." Her daughter Stella set everything up. “My surprise party gave me the boost I needed,” said Bost. More than 25 family members attended the virtual celebration and chatted for more than an hour.

Grace Ridge was recently given a $1,000 grant by Blue Ridge HealthCare Foundation. The donation, through the HOPE Campaign, will help the community continue these surprise birthday parties, along with supplying a cake and decorations at no cost to residents or families.