Arlington Place at Red Oak Fulfills Lifelong Dream for Resident with Heartwarming Horse Encounter

February 21, 2024

Arlington Place at Red Oak, a beloved senior living community under the management of Jaybird Senior Living, continues to spread joy and create lasting memories through its innovative “Dare to Dream” program. This heartfelt initiative recently made waves by fulfilling the lifelong dream of resident Carol “Suzie” Kohl, bringing her face-to-face with her cherished companions: horses.

The “Dare to Dream” initiative at Arlington Place is all about making meaningful dreams come true. It’s not about grand gestures but about tapping into residents’ deepest desires. Suzie, chosen as February’s Dare to Dream recipient, epitomized the spirit of the program with her lifelong passion for horses.

“Suzie’s love for horses is undeniable, and we wanted to bring some joy into her life during a challenging time,” said Katie Baker, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Arlington Place of Red Oak. “Her face lights up whenever she talks about her beloved horses, and we knew we had to make her dream of reconnecting with them a reality.”

Suzie’s journey with horses began in her youth and continued into adulthood, where she cherished her own Quarter Horse named Sharkey and a Friesian horse named Marten. Despite having to bid farewell to her beloved companions four years ago, Suzie’s passion for horses remained unwavering. The Arlington Place team, in collaboration with Horses Help Southwest Iowa, arranged for a special visit with therapeutic horses to bring Suzie’s dream to life.

“Today was a magical moment as Suzie spent time with these beautiful animals,” remarked Katie. “It was a joy to see her spirit lift as she reminisced about riding trails with Sharkey and Marten.”

The Dare to Dream experience, which included the presence of two therapeutic horses, brought comfort, joy, and nostalgia to Suzie and all who shared in her journey. As she interacted with the horses, Suzie’s smile spoke volumes about the impact of fulfilling one’s lifelong dream.

“Our residents are at the heart of everything we do, and moments like these remind us of the profound connections we share,” expressed Aubrey Burns, Community Director at Arlington Place at Red Oak. “Through the Dare to Dream initiative, we are honored to create meaningful experiences that celebrate the unique passions and dreams of each resident.”

As Arlington Place at Red Oak continues to uplift spirits and foster a culture of compassion and connection, the Dare to Dream initiative and each dream fulfilled remains a testament to their commitment to enriching the lives of seniors.