Resident-Driven Living and Lifelong Wellness at Trillium Woods

Trillium Woods, the premier Life Plan Community in Plymouth, Minnesota, has long been recognized for its vibrant culture and resident-centered approach. To make sure that all its residents are given ample opportunities to learn, socialize, contribute, and pursue new and favorite passions in the ways they prefer, the Community Life Services team sends out detailed surveys before creating its jam-packed schedule of classes, parties, performances, clubs, games, outings, lectures, and special events.

“Trillium Woods isn’t just a beautiful place to call home,” Laurie Kruper, Director of Community Life Services, explains. “It’s a constantly evolving community of people with diverse interests. We don’t offer cookie-cutter programming and expect residents to fit themselves to it. Everything we do is based on what they want. We know that listening to residents is always at the heart of creating meaningful experiences.”

Letting Residents Shape Community Life

Kruper first began surveying residents in 2016, shortly after Trillium Woods opened. What started as a way to gather ideas from the (then) entirely new resident population has evolved into an ongoing process that helps ensure that programming keeps up with residents’ changing interests. This latest survey was conducted following a resident activities fair and focused on identifying new opportunities while also evaluating existing programs.

“There’s nothing better than getting ideas directly from the residents,” Kruper said. “As we continue to grow, we want to make sure we’re meeting the needs and interests of everyone who lives here, especially as so many new residents have moved in with the recent expansion. They bring exciting new perspectives, talents, and abilities to the community. At the same time, we want to continue scheduling events that the more established residents love, too.”

The results revealed strong interest in a variety of social, educational, and recreational activities, including murder mystery events, board games, women’s groups, wine tastings, technology classes, pub trivia, photography groups, dominoes, and line dancing. Many of these activities are already being planned or expanded based on resident feedback.

One of the most exciting aspects of the survey is that many of the ideas will be led by residents themselves. Several residents have already volunteered to organize activities, teach skills, or share personal expertise with neighbors.

This resident-led approach creates opportunities for meaningful involvement while strengthening connections among neighbors. Whether organizing a dominoes group, leading photography discussions, or helping coordinate trivia nights, residents play an active role in shaping the life of the community.

“Many people find sharing their talents and interests deeply satisfying,” Kruper said. “Some people are born organizers, planners, and teachers. In those cases, I’m more than happy to step aside and support them in whatever way they wish.”

Wellness Through Every Dimension of Life

The survey reflects something much larger than a list of activities. At Trillium Woods, every program is intentionally designed around Life Care Services’ Eight Dimensions of Wellness philosophy, which recognizes that well-being encompasses far more than physical health alone.

The eight dimensions include physical, emotional, intellectual, social, vocational, spiritual, and environmental wellness, in conjunction with the community’s health services. Rather than treating these areas separately, Trillium Woods seeks opportunities for residents to experience several dimensions at once.

“We try to create experiences that contain multiple levels of wellness,” Kruper explained. “An activity might be physical, social, environmental, and spiritual all at the same time.”

For example, the community’s popular Active Adventures program combines outdoor exploration with exercise, social interaction, and appreciation for nature as residents visit local parks and trails. Charcuterie board classes encourage residents to learn new skills, express creativity, socialize with neighbors, and then share their creations with friends. Seasonal crafts, educational lectures, volunteer opportunities, and resident-led clubs all foster multiple dimensions of wellness simultaneously.

Supporting Healthy Aging

Beyond entertainment and enrichment, Trillium Woods places a strong emphasis on helping residents maintain their health and independence. Community Life Services works closely with fitness professionals, therapy staff, health services teams, and dining services to provide education and resources that support healthy aging.

Programs such as Better Balance through Zibrio technology help residents better understand fall risks and identify opportunities to improve balance and mobility. Educational programs focus on wellness in positive, empowering ways that encourage residents to remain active and engaged rather than focusing on limitations.

“People here are really interested in healthy living,” Kruper said. “They want information that helps them stay well, stay active, and continue participating in the things they enjoy.”

For Kruper, the impact of the community’s programming is evident every day.

“I know that every day when I leave here, I’ve affected someone’s life,” she said. “My job is to help people stay happy and healthy while they’re living here so they can enjoy everything this community has to offer.”

A Community Built Around Purpose

Trillium Woods offers residents the opportunity to enjoy maintenance-free living while remaining deeply connected to what matters most. As a Life Plan Community, it provides the peace of mind of a full continuum of care alongside an active lifestyle.

To learn more about Trillium Woods resident-focused lifestyle, schedule a personal tour at https://www.trilliumwoodslcs.com or call 763-744-9440.