Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
MPBN visited The Cedars this week to learn more about Music and Memory, a relatively new program at The Cedars. Full audio here. PORTLAND, Maine – Of the 1.3 million people living in Maine, about 37,000 have dementia. Over the next five years that number is expected to increase to more than 50,000. There is no cure, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms. One nursing center in Portland recently employed a new strategy. The Cedars is the first in the state to use the “Music and Memory” program, which advocates say can tap deeply into dementia patients’ memories to help connect them to the present. Inside The Cedars nursing home is a bright orange toolbox. It’s a sort of treasure chest of memories – music memories, all contained in iPod Shuffles that hold some of the residents’ personalized playlists. “So I’ll get the iShuffles out for two of our...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Atrium, Featured.
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 the significant experiences and individuals influencing them. More people are reaching their ninth decade than ever before. According to the U.S. National Institute on Aging, those living to 90 and beyond are the fastest growing group of seniors in our country. The number of nonagenarians has nearly tripled –...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
“We have the same basic needs and desires in our later years,” explains Richard Marino, MD, Medical Director at The Cedars. “We need friendships and companionship. Relationships improve the quality of our lives, and can actually extend our lives.” It has been observed that mortality rates slightly decrease just prior to major holidays and life events, suggesting that spending time with those that we love has a beneficial effect on our survival. Research has shown that sexual activity and other forms of physical and emotional affection lowers the risk of depression in seniors.* That’s why Dr. Marino makes it a priority to support healthy, consensual relationships that form at The Cedars— and why loved ones should, too. “Our staff respects the privacy of our residents,” he says. “We work closely with families to resolve any concerns about consent or their loved one’s care, and we work closely with residents to...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
Research is showing that lifestyle choices can lead to a healthy body and fit mind as well. What do these smart choices involve? Eldercare Locator has recently released a brochure providing guidance to help each of us make good decisions about our brain health with each passing year. They outline the actions we can take including: Take Charge: with health screenings, managing health conditions and talking with health care practitioners about our medications and possible side effects. Eat Right: try to maintain a balanced diet of fruit and vegetables, grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy. Get Moving: being physically active can help reduce conditions that can harm brain health, and it may help improve connections among our brain cells. Drink Moderately, If At All: staying away from alcohol can actually reverse brain related issues. Don’t Smoke: non-smokers have a lower risk of heart attacks, strokes and lung disease which...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
This week at The Atrium at The Cedars, in addition to their regular water aerobics, strength training and yoga fitness classes, they are enjoying a lecture by historian, Jerry Wiles about Dolly Madison; the Longfellow Book Club discussion on All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr; and a mid-winter cook-out as we raise our glasses to the warm weather ahead. If you’re interested in finding more out about life at The Atrium, call our Marketing Representative at...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
Having a difficult time getting yourself motivated following the holidays? You’re not alone and with just a little effort, you can turn your free time during winter into something new and exciting. Here are some things you might try: Exercise. Get your blood pumping and get a better attitude about everything with daily exercise. It can improve your body and your mind. Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay fit – try a mall if you’re looking for someplace ice-free.Read a good book. Do a cross-word puzzle. They keep your mind working. Find a new hobby. Try something different. Look into your town’s adult education opportunities and learn something fun. Socialize. Don’t hibernate. Encourage yourself to go out either with friends or to meet others at community centers, your church or synagogue or a lecture at your local museum or library. Color your home with flowers. Start plants...
BOB NEEDED A PLUS ONE. His daughter, Kathryn Callnan, President and CEO of The Cedars, wanted him to join a family birthday celebration in Old Orchard Beach. He’d only been living at The Osher Inn for one month, but he knew exactly who he wanted to bring. “I’d noticed Lauretta in the dining room,” he explains, eyes twinkling. “This was my big chance.” “And we’ve been together ever since!” Lauretta says. Talking with Bob Callnan and Lauretta Torraca, they feel as though they’ve been together for years, not less than six months. Both widowed, they had each raised large families with loving partners before life brought them to The Osher Inn. When they found each other, they knew right away what a precious thing they had. “We just melded our lives together,” Lauretta beams. “At this stage of our lives, we get to do what we want. There’s so...
The 89 year history of The Cedars as a non-profit is steeped in the tradition of volunteering. In 1927 The Cedars Auxiliary was formed and these dynamic women collected a nickel a week to build The Jewish Home of Aged on Portland’s Munjoy Hill. Today, volunteering at The Cedars is as important – and robust – as ever. The Cedars has over 70 volunteers who give their time to the residents who live here – and last year graciously contributed over 3200 hours! What do these generous men, women and young adults do at The Cedars? Volunteer positions include friendly visitors, activity assistants, pet therapy visitors, helping to facilitate religious services, hospice support, musical entertainers, bridge and cribbage game players, dining assistants, companions, technology tutors and support, book club leaders and more. In addition, our volunteers receive quarterly trainings and gather monthly for group meetings with our Volunteer Coordinator, Janine...
Are you anticipating a rehabilitation stay in the new future? Whether you have an upcoming surgery scheduled, or you or a loved one is experiencing an unexpected rehabilitation stay, here are a few tips that may help your return home easier. Expect things to be different. Recovery can take a while and in some cases you may need to make modifications around the house or get extra assistance from caregivers. Recognizing that these adjustments will ultimately result in a safer and more comfortable living environment may relieve some of the stress associated with the transition. Start planning early. If you think you’ll need to make some changes around the house, or if you’ll need extra assistance, don’t wait until you’re home to start planning. Touring a rehabilitation center before your planned surgery will not only acquaint you with the therapists, staff and accommodations but will also give you information on...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
We’ve known for years about the state of euphoria that follows exercise, often referred to as runner’s high. In 2008 scientists were able to document evidence supporting this chemical reaction that results in a flow of endorphins to the brain. We’re pleased to know that lower intensity, physical exercise has mood-enhancing properties as well. An article from the Buck Institute recently shared several studies suggesting that regular exercise is positively mood altering and a relatively inexpensive and accessible treatment, with no direct side effects. Whether we’re exercising with others in a class environment or with friends, or we prefer to exercise alone – the benefits are great. At The Cedars, our wellness staff provides classes in Tai Chi, yoga and strength training and our fitness centers, indoor pool, putting green and walking trails all make it easy to invite exercise into or lives – even in the winter months. For more information about life...
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 the significant experiences and individuals influencing them. More people are reaching their ninth decade than ever before. According to the U.S. National Institute on Aging, those living to 90 and beyond are the fastest growing group of seniors in our country. The number of nonagenarians has nearly tripled –...
BOB NEEDED A PLUS ONE. His daughter, Kathryn Callnan, President and CEO of The Cedars, wanted him to join a family birthday celebration in Old Orchard Beach. He’d only been living at The Osher Inn for one month, but he knew exactly who he wanted to bring. “I’d noticed Lauretta in the dining room,” he explains, eyes twinkling. “This was my big chance.” “And we’ve been together ever since!” Lauretta says. Talking with Bob Callnan and Lauretta Torraca, they feel as though they’ve been together for years, not less than six months. Both widowed, they had each raised large families with loving partners before life brought them to The Osher Inn. When they found each other, they knew right away what a precious thing they had. “We just melded our lives together,” Lauretta beams. “At this stage of our lives, we get to do what we want. There’s so...
Are you anticipating a rehabilitation stay in the new future? Whether you have an upcoming surgery scheduled, or you or a loved one is experiencing an unexpected rehabilitation stay, here are a few tips that may help your return home easier. Expect things to be different. Recovery can take a while and in some cases you may need to make modifications around the house or get extra assistance from caregivers. Recognizing that these adjustments will ultimately result in a safer and more comfortable living environment may relieve some of the stress associated with the transition. Start planning early. If you think you’ll need to make some changes around the house, or if you’ll need extra assistance, don’t wait until you’re home to start planning. Touring a rehabilitation center before your planned surgery will not only acquaint you with the therapists, staff and accommodations but will also give you information on...