Greenwood, Indiana, is a vibrant town that truly embodies the spirit of community. Located just a stone's throw away from bustling Indianapolis, Greenwood offers a unique blend of small-town warmth and big-city conveniences. With its thriving local businesses, delightful parks, and welcoming neighborhoods, it's easy to see why residents take immense pride in their town.
Life in Greenwood is enhanced by its lively calendar of events, from the annual Freedom
Festival to the bustling farmer's markets. Families bask in the great outdoors at Freedom Springs Aquatic Park and Craig Park, where laughter and leisure blend seamlessly with nature. Strolling through Old Towne, visitors and locals alike enjoy the unique charm of local boutiques and family-run eateries that offer flavors to excite every palate.
Education is a top priority in this community, with a commitment to nurturing young minds through a variety of excellent
Discovering the Charm of Greenwood,
4 | HelloGreenwood, Indiana • Winter Issue
Hello Greenwood, Indiana • Winter Issue |5
schooling options. Residents enjoy a peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle bolstered by close-knit neighborhoods and a shared sense of purpose. Greenwood's continuous growth and development create a perfect balance between progress and preserving the warmth of its roots.
Living in Greenwood means embracing a future with open arms while cherishing the traditions that make this town an extraordinary place...
Discovering the Charm of Greenwood,
Discovering the Charm of Greenwood, Indiana
Greenwood, Indiana, is a vibrant town that truly embodies the spirit of community. Located just a stone's throw away from bustling Indianapolis, Greenwood offers a unique blend of small-town warmth and big-city conveniences. With its thriving local businesses, delightful parks, and welcoming neighborhoods, it's easy to see why residents take immense pride in their town.
Life in Greenwood is enhanced by its lively calendar of events, from the annual Freedom Festival to the bustling farmer's markets. Families bask in the great outdoors at Freedom Springs Aquatic Park and Craig Park, where laughter and leisure blend seamlessly with nature. Strolling through Old Towne, visitors and locals alike enjoy the unique charm of local boutiques and family-run eateries that offer flavors to excite every palate.
Education is a top priority in this community, with a commitment to nurturing young minds through a variety of excellent schooling options. Residents enjoy a peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle bolstered by close-knit neighborhoods and a shared sense of purpose. Greenwood's continuous growth and development create a perfect balance between progress and preserving the warmth of its roots.
Living in Greenwood means embracing a future with open arms while cherishing the traditions that make this town an extraordinary place to call home.
Equine Therapy in Indianapolis: Can Horses Really Help with Senior Care?
In recent years, equine therapy has moved beyond childhood programs and veterans’ support to find a meaningful place in senior care. In Indianapolis, interest in equine therapy for older adults is steadily growing, particularly for those facing memory loss, depression, or the effects of long-term
isolation. The connection between seniors and horses may seem unlikely at first glance, but the results are hard to ignore.Horses are highly sensitive animals. They respond to tone, body language, and emotion in ways that people often cannot. For seniors who struggle with communication or who live
6 | HelloGreenwood, Indiana • Winter Issue
Equine Therapy in Indianapolis: Can Horses Really Help with Senior Care?
In recent years, equine therapy has moved beyond childhood programs and veterans’ support to find a meaningful place in senior care. In Indianapolis, interest in equine therapy for older adults is steadily growing, particularly for those facing memory loss, depression, or the effects of long-term isolation. The connection between seniors and horses may seem unlikely at first glance, but the results are hard to ignore.
Horses are highly sensitive animals. They respond to tone, body language, and emotion in ways that people often cannot. For seniors who struggle with communication or who live with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, that sensitivity can be deeply reassuring. A horse does not judge a halting word or a forgotten name. Instead, it meets the individual exactly where they are in that moment.
Equine therapy does not always take place outdoors. In Indianapolis, trained miniature horses often visit senior living communities, bringing the experience directly to residents who cannot travel. These visits are carefully managed, with horses trained to remain calm indoors, their hooves disinfected, and special coverings used to keep the environment clean. Some even signal their handlers when they need to step outside. For seniors who are bedbound, these gentle encounters can be significant. Staff members frequently report that a resident who has been silent for weeks will suddenly speak when a horse is brought to the bedside.
For many seniors, equine therapy serves as a bridge between isolation and connection, even as memory and language fade.
Scientific studies on equine therapy and dementia care are still developing, but early findings show positive outcomes. Seniors who participate often display lower anxiety, more frequent social interaction, and even moments of clarity during or after sessions. Families sometimes report that their loved one, who has been quiet for days, will begin speaking again while near a horse. These moments may be brief, but they can be powerful reminders of the person’s inner world that illness has made harder to reach.
The setting, whether a barn, a courtyard, or a resident’s room, plays an important role. A horse’s steady presence has a calming effect, no matter where the encounter takes place. Caregivers often note the visible shift in posture and expression that occurs when someone restless or withdrawn begins to engage with an animal. It is not just those with memory loss who benefit. Seniors facing depression or loneliness may also find comfort in equine-assisted activities. Horses mirror emotions, which helps participants recognize and regulate their own feelings. For individuals who may feel overlooked or disconnected, this nonverbal feedback can be validating. It reminds them that they are still seen and still capable of building a relationship, even if it is with an animal.
The role of caregivers and therapy staff is equally important. Sessions are guided with safety in mind, and activities are adapted to meet each person’s abilities. A senior who cannot stand may enjoy resting a hand on a horse’s back, while others with more mobility might help walk a miniature horse slowly through a hallway. Each interaction is tailored to foster connection without pressure or expectation.
Equine therapy is not a cure for memory loss or emotional decline, but it can be a supportive layer of care. In Indianapolis, more families and senior care providers are exploring it as a complement to traditional approaches. The goal is not to replace medical treatment but to create moments of peace, dignity, and joy that medication or daily routines cannot consistently deliver.
As research continues, interest in equine therapy for seniors is likely to grow. The simplicity of the interaction is part of its strength. In the quiet rhythm of brushing a horse, walking beside one in a courtyard, or welcoming a miniature horse into a resident’s room, seniors are reminded that life still holds opportunities for connection. For families and caregivers, these sessions offer hope, demonstrating that even when words fade, other forms of communication persist.
Horses cannot take away the challenges of aging, but they can soften the edges. Sometimes healing shows up not in a pill or a procedure, but in the steady gaze of an animal that asks nothing more than to stand beside you.
Beth Bigham
with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, that sensitivity can be deeply reassuring. A horse does not judge a halting word or a forgotten name. Instead, it meets the individual exactly where they are in that moment.Equine therapy does not always take place outdoors. In Indianapolis, trained miniature
horses often visit senior living communities, bringing the experience directly to residents who cannot travel. These visits are carefully managed, with horses trained to remain calm indoors, their hooves disinfected, and special coverings used to keep the environment clean. Some even signal their handlers when they need to step outside. For seniors who are bedbound, these gentle encounters can be significant. Staff members frequently report that a resident who has been silent for weeks will suddenly speak when a horse is brought to the bedside.For many seniors, equine therapy serves as a bridge between isolation and connection,...
For many seniors, equine therapy serves as a bridge between isolation and connection, even as memory and language fade
About the Author
Beth Bigham, Community Outreach & Marketing Director, and Mackenzie Butler, Business Development Director, lead ComForCare’s South Indianapolis team. Beth builds community connections and raises awareness of care options, while Mackenzie ensures families receive personalized support. Together they help seniors live with dignity, independence, and meaningful connection at home.
HelloGreenwood, Indiana • Winter Issue |7
The Smart Seller’s Playbook: How Greenwood Homeowners Can Maximize Value Without Overspending
Many homeowners in Greenwood believe that selling a home for top dollar requires major remodeling. But local real estate professionals and recent listings show that targeted home updates often deliver a better return than large-scale projects. Simple, budget-friendly improvements can increase your
Greenwood home's value without breaking the bank or delaying your sale.Start with neutral paint throughout the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. Neutral colors create a clean canvas, allowing potential buyers to picture their own style in the home. Paired with bright natural light and
8 | HelloGreenwood, Indiana • Winter Issue
The Smart Seller’s Playbook: How Greenwood Homeowners Can Maximize Value Without Overspending
Many homeowners in Greenwood believe that selling a home for top dollar requires major remodeling. But local real estate professionals and recent listings show that targeted home updates often deliver a better return than large-scale projects. Simple, budget-friendly improvements can increase your Greenwood home's value without breaking the bank or delaying your sale.
Start with neutral paint throughout the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms. Neutral colors create a clean canvas, allowing potential buyers to picture their own style in the home. Paired with bright natural light and uncluttered spaces, these tones make rooms feel larger and more welcoming. Real estate agents often say that a well-lit space is one of the most eye catching features during an open house.
In the kitchen, small changes can make a big difference. Updated cabinet hardware, a modern light fixture, or freshly painted cabinets can completely refresh the space. These kitchen updates cost far less than new cabinets or countertops but signal to buyers that the home has been cared for. Simple, thoughtful home improvements often add more perceived value than expensive renovations that appeal only to a few prospective buyers.
Curb appeal is just as important. A freshly painted front door, clean house numbers, and trimmed landscaping all help create a strong first impression. Even a pop of color from seasonal flowers can make your home stand out in photos. Most home buyers decide how they feel about a property within moments of arriving, so small exterior details count.
Inside, focus on home staging that feels natural. Declutter rooms, remove personal photos, and rearrange furniture to highlight the floor plan. This helps prospective buyers see how each space flows. A bright and open living room with simple décor feels warm and ready for move-in. Real estate advice from local agents often stresses that less is more when preparing for showings.
During an open house, presentation matters more than perfection. Clean windows that let in natural light, sparkling floors, and fresh-smelling rooms all create a lasting impression. A few modern touches, like updated fixtures or matching light bulbs, help your home look cohesive and move-in-ready. Real estate professionals agree that the homes attracting multiple offers are not always the most luxurious—they are the most prepared.
In Greenwood’s competitive market, selling a home successfully depends on thoughtful preparation, not overspending. By combining curb appeal, neutral paint, simple home updates, and intelligent home staging, you can increase your Greenwood home value and attract serious potential buyers. With the proper guidance from a trusted real estate agent, these strategies can help you sell your home quickly and confidently.
Angi Oakes
uncluttered spaces, these tones make rooms feel larger and more welcoming. Real estate agents often say that a well-lit space is one of the most eye catching features during an open house.In the kitchen, small changes can make a big difference. Updated cabinet hardware, a modern light fixture, or freshly painted
cabinets can completely refresh the space. These kitchen updates cost far less than new cabinets or countertops but signal to buyers that the home has been cared for. Simple, thoughtful home improvements often add more perceived value than expensive renovations that appeal only to a few prospective buyers.Curb appeal is just as important. A freshly painted front door, clean house numbers, and trimmed landscaping all help create a strong first impression. Even a pop of color from seasonal flowers can make your home stand out in photos. Most home buyers decide how they feel about a property within moments of arriving, so small...
Simple, thoughtful home improvements often add more perceived value than expensive renovations that appeal only to a few prospective...
About the Author
Angi Oakes is a Realtor® and trusted advisor serving Greenwood and Southside Indianapolis since 2017. Backed by a background in marketing and local knowledge that started in high school, she’s known for creative problem-solving and personalized guidance. Fun fact: Proud season ticketholder for the Indianapolis Colts for 12 years and counting.
