Why Residents Love Living at Friendship in Roanoke, VA

Nestled in Roanoke, Virginia, Friendship’s North Campus is more than just a place where seniors live, it’s a vibrant community where residents thrive. Martha and Philip Dean, who have called Friendship home for the past 11 years, share their heartfelt insights on what makes living here so special.

A Focus on Health and Well-Being

For Martha and Philip, finding a place that prioritized health was essential when choosing a place to live in their retirement years. Friendship offers a supportive environment that caters to their well-being, allowing them to focus on enjoying life rather than worrying about home maintenance. “I enjoy not having to do the housekeeping, yard work, and so forth. However, I can enjoy gardening and having my flowers and plants on my own,” says Mr. Dean. With the joys of independent living, they relish the freedom from yard work and house chores, all while still enjoying their hobbies—a perfect balance that keeps them engaged. 

Rich Cultural Activities

One of the standout features of life at Friendship is the abundance of activities available. Martha and Philip are never at a loss for things to do, with daily offerings that range from music groups and movie nights to exercise classes. “One of the biggest things I'm thankful for is the activities that we have available to us—those available in the Roanoke community as well as things that our activities director organizes and gets us involved with,” says Philip. Recently, they enjoyed a delightful performance of Shakespeare by Mill Mountain Theatre, showcasing Friendship's commitment to cultural enrichment. Martha emphasizes that the variety of activities keeps them both happy and energized, providing a wonderful outlet for creativity and social interaction.

A Community Built on Connections

At Friendship, building friendships and community is a core part of life. Martha, who has served as the president of the Residents Association for five years, finds immense joy in collaborating with both management and fellow residents. This role has given her a unique perspective on the happenings within the community, enhancing her sense of belonging. Martha shared an experience she had recently at the monthly buffet luncheon Friendship hosts. In a room of 50 or more people, a friend of Martha’s asked her how many people she knew. She said, “I looked around and said to him, ‘I am familiar with every person.’ I either knew them pretty well, very well, or at least knew the building that they lived in. Some of that is my personality. Some of that, I think, has come from being the president of the Residents Association. It took me by surprise, really, that I knew of, or knew well, everybody in that room. But some of that comes from being involved in a lot of the different activities. I just like people. I like being with people.”

Philip also cherishes the connections they’ve made, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to others. By sitting down with new people and sharing stories, they've built a rich tapestry of friendships that add depth to their lives.

Advice for Prospective Residents

Martha and Philip have valuable advice for those considering a move to a senior living community: “Don’t wait until you can’t participate in things anymore.” Their decision to come to Friendship was proactive, allowing them to engage fully in a community that offers not just a place to live, but a lively and fulfilling lifestyle. Philip says about the activities, “If you want to do activities, this is a place to be. There are activities not just at Friendship, but you should reach out and find out about your community and what's going on in the area because this is your new home.” 

They urge potential residents to look into the myriad activities available, reinforcing that if you desire an active life, Friendship is the perfect choice. With a robust calendar of events and a welcoming environment, there’s something for everyone.

Friendship’s North Campus in Roanoke, Virginia, stands out as a nurturing and engaging environment for seniors. Martha and Philip Dean’s experiences highlight the joys of independent living, where health, culture, and community thrive. If you’re searching for a vibrant place to call home, consider Friendship—a place where life is not just lived, but celebrated.

‍