It’s not everyday that senior citizens get the chance to ride down a slip n’ slide, but for the residents at The Oaks at Northpointe, a slip ‘n slide was just another day of fun activities.

On June 6, the assisted living facility hosted community members and residents during a day or outdoor fun, which included a safe and accessible slip n’ slide.

“We just open it up to the public so that anybody can come. The residents obviously come out and participate, their families come,” Therapy Program Director Bobi Bonar said. “We had some people here from the senior group and we just teach them about senior health, mental (and) physical wellness and make sure they have a good time while they’re here.”

Since the water activities in early June, a video of residents enjoying the slip ‘n slide has been featured on USA Today, Good Morning America, ABC News and many more.

For two residents, Tom Hardwick and Eddie White, June 6 was the first time they had ever experienced a slip ‘n slide.

“It was wonderful, it was wonderful,” Hardwick said.

While it was The Oaks at Northpointe’s first attempt at a slip n’ slide, the facility aims to help senior citizens live their best lives during their time as a resident some activities the residents partake in include sled riding in the wintertime, attending the Ohio State Fair, overnight camping trips to Recreation Unlimited, themed dinners, bringing zoo animals into the facility and more.

Aside from the events that take more planning, resident Enita Maurer said the crafts and entertainment at the facility are unmatched.

“We don’t want them to give up on all of their independence,” Bonar said. “When they come here there’s so much change from being at home and we want them to feel like they have a lot of spark left.”

For the slip ‘n slide, Bonar said there was a lot of brainstorming that went into the slip ‘n slide activities to ensure the safety of each resident and community members.

Executive Director of The Oaks at Northpointe Jacqueline Altier commended her staff, specifically the therapy team, for their efforts in making the outdoor activities possible.

“They’re more fun to be around, this staff and stuff. They treat us like you’re home,” White said of the staff.

The slip ‘n slide was such a big hit among the residents that The Oaks at Northpointe is already planning another one later this month. During a day of “stay-cationing,” residents are going to enjoy all of the fun activities associated with vacationing, slip ‘n slide included.

“(We want them to) live their best life, and they can do that with us,” Altier said.