Looking back over the years, it’s clear that The Cedars would not be the thriving community it is today had it not been for our volunteers raising nickels and uniting a strong passion for “change” to support our residents. Today that spirit is fully ignited and contagious as ever, with a diverse variety of volunteers sharing their talents and giving back in unique ways that offer immeasurable returns. Our volunteers continue to be the cornerstone of the compassionate care that we strive for, offering creative approaches that enhance lifestyle choices and honor individuality. It has been said that the heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but instead by the depth of commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. In being of service to others, there’s a sense of strong connection to those around us and in turn we can become inspired by the...
What can an art therapy program for seniors with dementia teach all of us? All the participants in this Opening Minds through Art (OMA) class sing “You Are My Sunshine” as sunlight pours across worktables and paint is poured into palettes. Before the studio work begins, Pamela Moulton, artist in residence, sparks curiosity and delight with a performance art piece. “I want to wake us all up,” Pamela explains, showing off her vibrant hat and whimsical apron. “Intergenerational play infuses all my art. We all crave that joy.” It’s true. Smiles are everywhere as the artists, who are residents of The Cedars with dementia, confer with their personal facilitators, undergraduate students from the University of New England (UNE). While the seniors learn today’s art technique, the students learn about therapeutic work with seniors. And as the works progress, students express sincere admiration and help each artist choose a title...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
Thinking about a move to a retirement community? Although this transition can seem overwhelming at first, people who have made the move report that it was one of the best decisions they have ever made for themselves. They are able to enjoy a rich social life, . And their reasons are as much practical as they are personal. Most people are either moving from the home that they’ve lived in for years or from a residence to which they’ve already downsized. Some move from out of the area to be closer to their adult children while others have lived in Maine for much of their lives. In either case, the benefits of living in a retirement community are many and include a rich social life, worry-free living, and freedom from the hassles of home repair and maintenance. Freedom from Managing a Home. No more worries about maintaining a home, managing...
The Cedars was honored to recently host Dr. Liliane Willens as she presented to a packed house, sharing her riveting story of growing up in China during World War II under the pressures of foreign invaders and civil war as recounted in her most recent book, Stateless in Shanghai. Lily spoke energetically for more than an hour about her experiences living in Shanghai, often injecting humor among the political and social details of this tumultuous time. Scholar, memoirist and humanitarian, Dr. Willens has conducted hundreds of lectures and interviews across the United States, Europe, Asia and into Africa. She has presented at Georgetown University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stonehill College, the University of Maine, the Library of Congress, and to the Joint Harvard/MIT Washington Clubs. Born of Russian parentage in the former French Concession of Shanghai China, Liliane and her family experienced World War II under the Japanese military occupation and...
On April 11, Jennifer Butcher, long time volunteer at The Cedars received the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Leading Age Maine/New Hampshire Standing Ovation Award ceremony. Here is what they shared about Jenn. Jennifer first came to The Cedars to visit her grandmother, an Assisted Living resident. It was easy to see that she felt comfortable with and easily related to our residents. Since 2009 and long after her grandmother’s passing, Jennifer has logged over 3/500 hours of service. She has faithfully made the on-hour commute to The Cedars at least two full days each week, and often returns for a third day to support staff vacations. With her natural ability to tune into the needs of others, combined with her understanding of dementia, Jennifer uses humor and warmth to relate to residents. Jennifer is a natural leader, responding to needs as they arise. Form comforting residents...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Atrium, Featured.
Researchers are gaining a better understanding of the effects of loneliness and isolation on our health, such as the studies outlined in the recent New York Times article. Scientists have found that loneliness can raise our levels of stress hormones and inflammation, which then increase the risk of heart disease, arthritis, Type 2 diabetes and dementia. Interestingly, findings indicate that individuals can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely – if their relationships are not emotionally rewarding. Essentially, isolation does not definitively lead to loneliness. The question arises, how to counter the effects of loneliness, particularly in our older years. At The Cedars, we have various living options for seniors including independent living, assisted living, long-term care and short-stay rehabilitation. Over the years, we’ve had the honor of witnessing the effects of new relationships on our residents’ wellbeing. One resident at The Atrium independent living recently exclaimed, “I...
When you are walking through a grocery store, have you ever stopped to wonder why there are so many cereal boxes advertising for heart health? According to Emory University, approximately 550,000 people are diagnosed with heart failure each year! That is a lot of people who are affected by this diagnosis; this does not account for the people who have had a stroke or a heart attack. Many of these people have to go to rehab facilities, like The Cedars, in order to better take care of themselves. To help address this issue, The Cedars has introduced the CHF Program involving interactive weekly classes in the Rehabilitation Conference Room. These classes help educate our patients with heart problems, and their families. This program started a year ago when Hannah Temple, Nurse Manager on Black Wolf, thought there should be more formal education about Congestive Heart Failure and how to...
As we progress on our transformation into the Household Model, The Cedars is learning and evolving in many ways. One helpful tool in our process has been the Learning Circle. Staff throughout the community are finding the value of this communication method where trust and understanding are fostered and diverse perspectives are welcomed, shared and respected. The Learning Circle begins when the facilitator poses a question or issue for the group, and then a volunteer responds with their thoughts on the topic. The person on the left or the right of that person goes next, followed one by one around the circle until everyone has spoken, without interruption. Participants are welcome to pass, at the end they are given the opportunity to respond. Once everyone has had the chance to speak, the floor opens for general discussion. A recent Learning Circle involving staff on the Neighborhoods centered around the...
Starting in February, MECA students enrolled in the Art for Social Change course moved their classroom every Monday morning to The Cedars. The course goal was to bring the MECA students opportunities to learn about the history of what it means to directly create social and public change through a creative practice. Part of the course integrated the practice of socially engaged art where the students worked collaboratively with seniors from The Cedars in creating an engaging intergenerational and multicultural community-based art program. Students and seniors met at The Cedars weekly from February to April throughout the course and collaborated together on creating art. Throughout the months, relationships formed and insights developed – from both perspectives. Here are some quotes from the seniors: “I want you to teach me everything, just like I want to teach you everything.” –Senior artist “Art didn’t mean anything to me until older years...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
On January 24, MPBN journalist, Patty Wight featured a story on Maine Things Considered on The Atrium’s group of 90+ year olds. The Nine Decades Group shared their various perspectives at this stage of their lives. The audio is available here, and below is a piece we shared when the group was first formed. On the first Monday of each month at The Atrium, a select group of members meet. The only requirement for admission? Living on this earth for at least ninety years. What’s so different about being ninety? If you ask nonagenarians, they may explain that life changed for them when they hit this milestone. Many of the responsibilities of estate and life planning are behind them and they can focus on new priorities and interests. Celebrating Nine Decades is an opportunity to process and share their ideas, goals and bucket lists. Members find renewed meaning in their lives and reflect on...
Looking back over the years, it’s clear that The Cedars would not be the thriving community it is today had it not been for our volunteers raising nickels and uniting a strong passion for “change” to support our residents. Today that spirit is fully ignited and contagious as ever, with a diverse variety of volunteers sharing their talents and giving back in unique ways that offer immeasurable returns. Our volunteers continue to be the cornerstone of the compassionate care that we strive for, offering creative approaches that enhance lifestyle choices and honor individuality. It has been said that the heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but instead by the depth of commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. In being of service to others, there’s a sense of strong connection to those around us and in turn we can become inspired by the...
What can an art therapy program for seniors with dementia teach all of us? All the participants in this Opening Minds through Art (OMA) class sing “You Are My Sunshine” as sunlight pours across worktables and paint is poured into palettes. Before the studio work begins, Pamela Moulton, artist in residence, sparks curiosity and delight with a performance art piece. “I want to wake us all up,” Pamela explains, showing off her vibrant hat and whimsical apron. “Intergenerational play infuses all my art. We all crave that joy.” It’s true. Smiles are everywhere as the artists, who are residents of The Cedars with dementia, confer with their personal facilitators, undergraduate students from the University of New England (UNE). While the seniors learn today’s art technique, the students learn about therapeutic work with seniors. And as the works progress, students express sincere admiration and help each artist choose a title...
Thinking about a move to a retirement community? Although this transition can seem overwhelming at first, people who have made the move report that it was one of the best decisions they have ever made for themselves. They are able to enjoy a rich social life, . And their reasons are as much practical as they are personal. Most people are either moving from the home that they’ve lived in for years or from a residence to which they’ve already downsized. Some move from out of the area to be closer to their adult children while others have lived in Maine for much of their lives. In either case, the benefits of living in a retirement community are many and include a rich social life, worry-free living, and freedom from the hassles of home repair and maintenance. Freedom from Managing a Home. No more worries about maintaining a home, managing...
The Cedars was honored to recently host Dr. Liliane Willens as she presented to a packed house, sharing her riveting story of growing up in China during World War II under the pressures of foreign invaders and civil war as recounted in her most recent book, Stateless in Shanghai. Lily spoke energetically for more than an hour about her experiences living in Shanghai, often injecting humor among the political and social details of this tumultuous time. Scholar, memoirist and humanitarian, Dr. Willens has conducted hundreds of lectures and interviews across the United States, Europe, Asia and into Africa. She has presented at Georgetown University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stonehill College, the University of Maine, the Library of Congress, and to the Joint Harvard/MIT Washington Clubs. Born of Russian parentage in the former French Concession of Shanghai China, Liliane and her family experienced World War II under the Japanese military occupation and...
On April 11, Jennifer Butcher, long time volunteer at The Cedars received the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Leading Age Maine/New Hampshire Standing Ovation Award ceremony. Here is what they shared about Jenn. Jennifer first came to The Cedars to visit her grandmother, an Assisted Living resident. It was easy to see that she felt comfortable with and easily related to our residents. Since 2009 and long after her grandmother’s passing, Jennifer has logged over 3/500 hours of service. She has faithfully made the on-hour commute to The Cedars at least two full days each week, and often returns for a third day to support staff vacations. With her natural ability to tune into the needs of others, combined with her understanding of dementia, Jennifer uses humor and warmth to relate to residents. Jennifer is a natural leader, responding to needs as they arise. Form comforting residents...
Researchers are gaining a better understanding of the effects of loneliness and isolation on our health, such as the studies outlined in the recent New York Times article. Scientists have found that loneliness can raise our levels of stress hormones and inflammation, which then increase the risk of heart disease, arthritis, Type 2 diabetes and dementia. Interestingly, findings indicate that individuals can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely – if their relationships are not emotionally rewarding. Essentially, isolation does not definitively lead to loneliness. The question arises, how to counter the effects of loneliness, particularly in our older years. At The Cedars, we have various living options for seniors including independent living, assisted living, long-term care and short-stay rehabilitation. Over the years, we’ve had the honor of witnessing the effects of new relationships on our residents’ wellbeing. One resident at The Atrium independent living recently exclaimed, “I...
When you are walking through a grocery store, have you ever stopped to wonder why there are so many cereal boxes advertising for heart health? According to Emory University, approximately 550,000 people are diagnosed with heart failure each year! That is a lot of people who are affected by this diagnosis; this does not account for the people who have had a stroke or a heart attack. Many of these people have to go to rehab facilities, like The Cedars, in order to better take care of themselves. To help address this issue, The Cedars has introduced the CHF Program involving interactive weekly classes in the Rehabilitation Conference Room. These classes help educate our patients with heart problems, and their families. This program started a year ago when Hannah Temple, Nurse Manager on Black Wolf, thought there should be more formal education about Congestive Heart Failure and how to...
As we progress on our transformation into the Household Model, The Cedars is learning and evolving in many ways. One helpful tool in our process has been the Learning Circle. Staff throughout the community are finding the value of this communication method where trust and understanding are fostered and diverse perspectives are welcomed, shared and respected. The Learning Circle begins when the facilitator poses a question or issue for the group, and then a volunteer responds with their thoughts on the topic. The person on the left or the right of that person goes next, followed one by one around the circle until everyone has spoken, without interruption. Participants are welcome to pass, at the end they are given the opportunity to respond. Once everyone has had the chance to speak, the floor opens for general discussion. A recent Learning Circle involving staff on the Neighborhoods centered around the...
Starting in February, MECA students enrolled in the Art for Social Change course moved their classroom every Monday morning to The Cedars. The course goal was to bring the MECA students opportunities to learn about the history of what it means to directly create social and public change through a creative practice. Part of the course integrated the practice of socially engaged art where the students worked collaboratively with seniors from The Cedars in creating an engaging intergenerational and multicultural community-based art program. Students and seniors met at The Cedars weekly from February to April throughout the course and collaborated together on creating art. Throughout the months, relationships formed and insights developed – from both perspectives. Here are some quotes from the seniors: “I want you to teach me everything, just like I want to teach you everything.” –Senior artist “Art didn’t mean anything to me until older years...