HealthLinksSC.com | 39 There’s a monthly announcement that brings residents at The Bridge at Charleston hurrying to the courtyard: “The animals are waiting.” While some senior communities may offer therapy dogs or cats, residents at The Bridge at Charleston spend time with and even participate in goat yoga with miniature goats. Goat yoga is traditional yoga, except the goats participate as they see fit. They might sniff, nuzzle or walk on residents as they assume their yoga poses. As odd as it sounds, it is fun and brightens the day of those who live at The Bridge at Charleston. Beyond goat yoga, residents often visit the Lane Tiny Farm to pet, feed, hug or just watch calves, dogs, chickens, goats, ducks and geese. Because animals have been found to be great stress relievers as well as good friends, The Bridge at Charleston formed a partnership two years ago with the Lane Tiny Farm to give residents a taste of the country life. “Some of the residents have been coming since the animals were babies, and they have seen them grow up,” said Nicole Browning, lifestyles services director at The Bridge at Charleston. “The animals form bonds with them.” Interacting with animals is just one of the offerings for retirees at The Bridge at Charleston. In fact, its enriching programming played a major role in the community being named one of the best assisted living communities in the country for 2022-2023, according to U.S. News & World Report. A study analyzed survey data from more than 250,000 residents and their families at nearly 4,000 senior living communities nationwide. According to U.S. News & World Report, “The ratings recognize communities that excelled at making residents feel safe, well cared for and highly satisfied by the services provided by their communities.” Located in North Charleston, The Bridge is near local attractions, events and activities. It’s also important to seniors that they have easy access to medical centers, physicians and pharmacies. Getting to these places is as easy as calling transportation services and requesting a ride. Residents enjoy bright and spacious apartments with many safety features – so they feel at home and they also feel safe. The experienced staff makes living in the community easy, offering housekeeping and laundry services and three homecooked meals a day. Because The Bridge at Charleston is an assisted-living community, residents can get help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and medication management, and there’s also a 24-hour emergency response system. The Bridge at Charleston provides the advantages of home living without the fear of being alone. Help is always there if it is needed. When residents want to spend time with friends or make new ones, they can venture down to the dining room or other common areas, and meals can be customized to meet the dietary needs of each resident. Besides the dining room and outdoor and indoor common areas, such as a craft room, library and café, The Bridge at Charleston has an on-site beautician, devotional services onsite and off-site and a wellness center. In the outdoor areas, residents enjoy the beautifully landscaped property, which is accented by a gazebo and fountain. The animal activities are popular, but residents also enjoy themed parties, classes and live entertainment. ANIMALS MAKE LIFE FUN AT THE BRIDGE AT CHARLESTON By Jim Rada SPONSORED MEDICAL CONTENT For more information about The Bridge at Charleston, visit centurypa.com/senior-living/bridge-charleston, or call 843-553-6342.
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