With her long litany of ailments, Mrs. N.A. looked and felt much older than her 65 years. At the time she joined the Wellness Program at Galloway Ridge in 2011, she had just undergone both gastric bypass surgery and breast cancer treatment. Not only was she taking medication for pain, blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, she was very weak and had difficulty walking. Moreover, she was unable to complete the standard cardiovascular test for her age group and gender or to rise from a seated position without using her hands.
Two years later, Mrs. N.A. is a different person. With the support and encouragement of the Wellness Program’s professional staff, including the certified cancer exercise trainer, she exercises three times weekly to improve both muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness. Her cancer in remission, she has lost 50 pounds and stopped taking most of her medications, stands up and sits down easily – and can even walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes without difficulty.
Vibrant Living for Active, Involved Seniors
Just miles from North Carolina’s renowned Research Triangle, Galloway Ridge at Fearrington is a vibrant community of active, involved seniors, many of whom are still working. The 25,000-square-foot, medically based wellness center, where Mrs. N.A. transformed her life, is a focal point of the continuing care retirement community.
Most residents live independently in an apartment or villa, though assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care are also available on site should the need arise. Indeed, residents are guaranteed priority access to these services, for just a minimal additional meal cost.
Life at Galloway Ridge is interesting and intellectually stimulating, says Executive Director Heather Rusnak. There is always something to do, from volunteer work to current events groups to world-class performances on campus or in nearby Chapel Hill or Raleigh-Durham.
In addition, the wellness center, with its indoor pool and indoor track, offers a wide range of programs and services to enhance wellness of mind, body and spirit. Both Duke University Health System and UNC Health Care operate primary care clinics on the Galloway Ridge campus, and some of the best medical facilities in the world are just a short drive away.
“The best time to move to a continuing care retirement community is when you are well and living independently,” Rusnak says. “Our residents enjoy a wonderful lifestyle, with the security of great medical care nearby if they need it.”
