In the fall of 2022, the Portland Conservatory of Music and The Atrium at The Cedars started what has grown into a beautiful musical relationship. Faculty, student groups, and soloists from PCM perform on the 2nd Tuesday evening of each month to the gracious and engaging members of The Atrium. The music ranges from instrumental soloists to collaborations such as flute and violin, music from the Middle East on traditional instruments, classical and Spanish guitar, cello duets, string trios and quartets, and fiddle and accordion. Here is what some of the PCM faculty members have to say about their experience performing: “It was such a fun and fulfilling experience! The space is beautiful, I look forward to my next opportunity to perform there!” “The audience was very receptive to our performance. They enjoyed the explanation of each piece and composer which added to the overall experience” “There is...
Bates College students have started a music program for residents of The Cedars over the three-month spring semester. The students will develop and implement enriching and engaging musical programs each week that inspire our residents to explore their musical artistic capabilities and form social connectedness within their communities. Students will share their passion for music while providing residents the opportunity to actively participate, make choices, and express their musical artistic capabilities through educational classes, presentations, creative composition, and interactive performances. The first goal of this program is to provide student musicians the opportunity to bring their musical artistry to older adults, practice their music in a unique real-world setting and cultivate reciprocal and mutually beneficial partnerships with older adults. The second goal is to provide older adults an intergenerational experience by providing opportunities for older adults to share their artistic capabilities, wisdom, creative insight and life experiences. Each program...
Music & Memory started with the understanding that music is deeply rooted in our conscious and unconscious brains. It becomes even more important if the functioning of the brain is deteriorating, as occurs in dementia and other types of cognitive and physical loss. Music can awaken the brain and with it, the memories that are associated with familiar songs. The Music & Memory program helps people who suffer from a wide range of cognitive and physical challenges to find renewed meaning and connection in their lives through the gift of personalized music. The approach is simple and effective: Music playlists – containing the beloved songs from a person’s formative years – tap deep memories long attached to the brain and can bring listeners back to life, enabling them to feel like themselves again, to converse, socialize, and stay present. Music & Memory has been a part of The Cedars...
Under the auspices of Spiritual Care Services of Maine, Sally Thomas has been providing chaplain services at The Cedars since June of 2023. She visits each of four Cedars neighborhoods once a month, offering both one on one pastoral care and group conversation. In each neighborhood she works with the Lifestyles Managers to help her understand what might be interesting or useful and then makes plans for conversation for each setting. Like many chaplains she knows, much of her training was gotten in a medical setting–in her case, during the many years she worked as an RN in oncology. Her monthly visits to the Atrium follow a pattern: first she checks with participants giving each a chance to share what’s on their mind; then she presents a story, usually with material props of some kind, to provide a basis for spiritual conversation. (At a recent meeting, in telling an...
The Cedars is excited to announce a new partnership with Tucker’s Taphouse, a small micro-producer of maple syrup with 115 taps located around the southern part of the state, but boiling in Norway, Maine. Together we will explore the art of maple syrup producing while tapping the trees on The Cedars campus! Tucker’s Taphouse will be presenting at The Atrium and Hoffman Center on March 8th to hold an interactive lecture on all things MAPLE for The Cedars residents. From tap to collection to boiling and finally finished syrup. Our residents will have special opportunities all month to see the demonstration of tapping of the trees on the grounds of The Cedars and even help participate in the tapping process! Tucker’s Taphouse: Crafted in Maine, Sustainably Harvested, 100% All-Natural Maple Syrup....
When you think of senior living communities, do you imagine playing bingo all day? Think again! From day trips to exciting destinations around southern Maine to sensory gardening, reiki massage, and wine and cheese parties, The Cedars finds fresh ways to keep older adults active, engaged, and connected to each other and the world. Yes, you can join a rollicking bingo game at The Cedars, (Free Money Monday Bingo is cutthroat competitive, so bring your game face!) But activities for seniors at The Cedars go far beyond bingo. Our life enrichment team fills our assisted living activities calendar with vibrant, diverse, and lively opportunities to socialize with others, learn new skills and find new passions, improve health and cognitive functioning, experience the natural world, and make meaningful contributions to the wider community. Here are just some of the unexpected and innovative ways our residents make the most of this...
Adapting increased technology and personal connection within The Cedars community In these days of social distancing and ‘stay safe at home’ orders, it’s critical to keep our residents and members connected to their loved ones and community, for happiness and overall well being. As we learn to adapt and navigate our current situation under COVID-19, we want to take a moment to share some of the platforms, personal connections and virtual technology in place, as well as our approach to offering special events and activities. The satisfaction, fulfillment, health, and safety of our community members is our main objective and we look forward to a continued offering of enriching and enhancing programs and experiences. Our traditional in-house activity programs have been transformed to virtual visits and programs such as strength training videos of our Lifestyles Manager, yoga class with our long-standing yoga instructor, lectures from Maine Audubon, chef demos,...
Integrating technology into the lives of seniors is a top trend in senior living communities. Why? From social media to helpful gadgets, recent advances in technology can help them stay active, stay safe, and stay in touch with loved ones. Here are seniors and technology tips that can help an older adult in your life take advantage of today’s tech. Tech literacy for seniors has never been a more important priority as shutdowns, lockdowns, and social distancing protocols continue to keep us all us spending more time in our homes. From grandparents on Facebook to helpful gadgets for the elderly, today’s technological advances can help older adults stay connected with family and friends, strengthen fitness and cognition, access information and services, and age in place safely for longer periods of time. If there is a loved one in your life who has resisted using computers or mobile devices, using...
We’ve all heard that physical activity and exercise are good for us. In fact, being physically active on a regular basis is one of the best things older adults can do for themselves. According to the National Institute of Health, even moderate exercise can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging. Being strong and fit can allow us to continue doing the things we enjoy as we age. Making exercise a regular part of our lives helps improve our health and maintain our independence as we age. At The Atrium, independent living at The Cedars, our residents can attest to that. Our Wellness Coordinator develops customized wellness plans based on each person’s goals and abilities. After just one year of exercise, our residents have experienced significant gains. Here are some of their gains: 38% more upper body strength 63% more lower...
On wintry days like today, we find our residents expressing how thankful they are to have made the decision to move to a retirement community. “I love snowy days now,” one individual recently exclaimed. “I get to enjoy the beauty from inside, while having everything I need, right here.” At The Atrium, independent living at The Cedars, our residents relax in the privacy of their own apartments while having immediate access to friends, fine dining, fitness, entertainment and more. Here are some of the more popular winter activities older adults at The Cedars are enjoying this winter. Fitness Classes When the temperature drops, it can be challenging to get outside and exercise. The Cedars offers many fitness choices including Yoga, Tai Chi, Strength Training, Water Aerobics in our indoor, heated pool, and more. Residents can take advantage of our Fitness Center, swim laps or enjoy the whirlpool spa. Our Wellness...
In the fall of 2022, the Portland Conservatory of Music and The Atrium at The Cedars started what has grown into a beautiful musical relationship. Faculty, student groups, and soloists from PCM perform on the 2nd Tuesday evening of each month to the gracious and engaging members of The Atrium. The music ranges from instrumental soloists to collaborations such as flute and violin, music from the Middle East on traditional instruments, classical and Spanish guitar, cello duets, string trios and quartets, and fiddle and accordion. Here is what some of the PCM faculty members have to say about their experience performing: “It was such a fun and fulfilling experience! The space is beautiful, I look forward to my next opportunity to perform there!” “The audience was very receptive to our performance. They enjoyed the explanation of each piece and composer which added to the overall experience” “There is...
Bates College students have started a music program for residents of The Cedars over the three-month spring semester. The students will develop and implement enriching and engaging musical programs each week that inspire our residents to explore their musical artistic capabilities and form social connectedness within their communities. Students will share their passion for music while providing residents the opportunity to actively participate, make choices, and express their musical artistic capabilities through educational classes, presentations, creative composition, and interactive performances. The first goal of this program is to provide student musicians the opportunity to bring their musical artistry to older adults, practice their music in a unique real-world setting and cultivate reciprocal and mutually beneficial partnerships with older adults. The second goal is to provide older adults an intergenerational experience by providing opportunities for older adults to share their artistic capabilities, wisdom, creative insight and life experiences. Each program...
Music & Memory started with the understanding that music is deeply rooted in our conscious and unconscious brains. It becomes even more important if the functioning of the brain is deteriorating, as occurs in dementia and other types of cognitive and physical loss. Music can awaken the brain and with it, the memories that are associated with familiar songs. The Music & Memory program helps people who suffer from a wide range of cognitive and physical challenges to find renewed meaning and connection in their lives through the gift of personalized music. The approach is simple and effective: Music playlists – containing the beloved songs from a person’s formative years – tap deep memories long attached to the brain and can bring listeners back to life, enabling them to feel like themselves again, to converse, socialize, and stay present. Music & Memory has been a part of The Cedars...
Under the auspices of Spiritual Care Services of Maine, Sally Thomas has been providing chaplain services at The Cedars since June of 2023. She visits each of four Cedars neighborhoods once a month, offering both one on one pastoral care and group conversation. In each neighborhood she works with the Lifestyles Managers to help her understand what might be interesting or useful and then makes plans for conversation for each setting. Like many chaplains she knows, much of her training was gotten in a medical setting–in her case, during the many years she worked as an RN in oncology. Her monthly visits to the Atrium follow a pattern: first she checks with participants giving each a chance to share what’s on their mind; then she presents a story, usually with material props of some kind, to provide a basis for spiritual conversation. (At a recent meeting, in telling an...
When you think of senior living communities, do you imagine playing bingo all day? Think again! From day trips to exciting destinations around southern Maine to sensory gardening, reiki massage, and wine and cheese parties, The Cedars finds fresh ways to keep older adults active, engaged, and connected to each other and the world. Yes, you can join a rollicking bingo game at The Cedars, (Free Money Monday Bingo is cutthroat competitive, so bring your game face!) But activities for seniors at The Cedars go far beyond bingo. Our life enrichment team fills our assisted living activities calendar with vibrant, diverse, and lively opportunities to socialize with others, learn new skills and find new passions, improve health and cognitive functioning, experience the natural world, and make meaningful contributions to the wider community. Here are just some of the unexpected and innovative ways our residents make the most of this...
Adapting increased technology and personal connection within The Cedars community In these days of social distancing and ‘stay safe at home’ orders, it’s critical to keep our residents and members connected to their loved ones and community, for happiness and overall well being. As we learn to adapt and navigate our current situation under COVID-19, we want to take a moment to share some of the platforms, personal connections and virtual technology in place, as well as our approach to offering special events and activities. The satisfaction, fulfillment, health, and safety of our community members is our main objective and we look forward to a continued offering of enriching and enhancing programs and experiences. Our traditional in-house activity programs have been transformed to virtual visits and programs such as strength training videos of our Lifestyles Manager, yoga class with our long-standing yoga instructor, lectures from Maine Audubon, chef demos,...
Integrating technology into the lives of seniors is a top trend in senior living communities. Why? From social media to helpful gadgets, recent advances in technology can help them stay active, stay safe, and stay in touch with loved ones. Here are seniors and technology tips that can help an older adult in your life take advantage of today’s tech. Tech literacy for seniors has never been a more important priority as shutdowns, lockdowns, and social distancing protocols continue to keep us all us spending more time in our homes. From grandparents on Facebook to helpful gadgets for the elderly, today’s technological advances can help older adults stay connected with family and friends, strengthen fitness and cognition, access information and services, and age in place safely for longer periods of time. If there is a loved one in your life who has resisted using computers or mobile devices, using...
We’ve all heard that physical activity and exercise are good for us. In fact, being physically active on a regular basis is one of the best things older adults can do for themselves. According to the National Institute of Health, even moderate exercise can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging. Being strong and fit can allow us to continue doing the things we enjoy as we age. Making exercise a regular part of our lives helps improve our health and maintain our independence as we age. At The Atrium, independent living at The Cedars, our residents can attest to that. Our Wellness Coordinator develops customized wellness plans based on each person’s goals and abilities. After just one year of exercise, our residents have experienced significant gains. Here are some of their gains: 38% more upper body strength 63% more lower...
On wintry days like today, we find our residents expressing how thankful they are to have made the decision to move to a retirement community. “I love snowy days now,” one individual recently exclaimed. “I get to enjoy the beauty from inside, while having everything I need, right here.” At The Atrium, independent living at The Cedars, our residents relax in the privacy of their own apartments while having immediate access to friends, fine dining, fitness, entertainment and more. Here are some of the more popular winter activities older adults at The Cedars are enjoying this winter. Fitness Classes When the temperature drops, it can be challenging to get outside and exercise. The Cedars offers many fitness choices including Yoga, Tai Chi, Strength Training, Water Aerobics in our indoor, heated pool, and more. Residents can take advantage of our Fitness Center, swim laps or enjoy the whirlpool spa. Our Wellness...