Beyond the Diagnosis: Finding Joy and Community in “Mindful Connections

Posted by Sarah Martin

A diagnosis of early-to-moderate memory loss often feels like a door closing. Families frequently describe a shrinking world—friends stop calling, social outings become stressful, and the focus shifts entirely to what is being lost.

At The Cedars, we believe the conversation should be about what remains. Our Mindful Connections program is designed to open those doors back up, proving that a diagnosis doesn’t have to mean the end of a vibrant social life.

A National Standard for Our Portland Community

Our commitment to this mission was recently reinforced when The Cedars was awarded a $125,000 Community-Dementia Care Research Promotion (CDRI) grant from the Alzheimer’s Association. As one of only 41 organizations in the United States selected for this honor, the grant serves as a powerful “seal of approval” for our work. For our local families, this national recognition represents a promise: that we will continue to expand our “memory-capable” care and bring the highest level of expertise directly to the Portland community. This support ensures that Mindful Connections remains a gold standard for outpatient support.

The Power of the “Positive Approach”

What makes Mindful Connections different? It’s our philosophy. Our staff is trained in the Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care (PAC). Instead of focusing on “fixing” or “correcting” an older adult with memory loss, we meet them exactly where they are.

By using specific techniques—like “Hand-under-Hand” guidance and specialized communication—we reduce frustration and build confidence. In our Wellness Group sessions, held from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, participants aren’t “patients”; they are peers engaging in:

  • Specialized Exercise: Improving balance and strength in our state-of-the-art rehab gym.
  • Cognitive Stimulation: Challenging the brain through music, art, and intellectual discussion.
  • Social Connection: Sharing a meal and a laugh with people who truly understand the journey.

Caring for the Caregiver

We know that for an older adult to thrive at home, their caregiver must thrive, too. Mindful Connections serves as a vital respite program. While your loved one is safe and engaged with us, you have the time to rest, work, or run errands, knowing they are receiving world-class care backed by national-level research and funding.

Join Our Circle

Mindful Connections is about more than just “daytime supervision”—it is about maintaining the Six Dimensions of Wellness (Physical, Intellectual, Occupational, Social, Spiritual, and Emotional) so that our neighbors can live independently in the homes they love for as long as possible.

Are you curious if Mindful Connections is right for your family? Our Program Coordinator is ready to help you navigate this journey. We invite you to schedule a tour or an evaluation to see our “Positive Approach” in action.

From House to Home: Making a Smooth Transition to The Atrium

Posted by Sarah Martin

 

For many of us, our home is more than just a place to live; it’s a living scrapbook of a lifetime of memories. The creak in the floorboard, the height marks on the kitchen doorframe, the garden we’ve tended for decades—these are the things that make a house a home.

So, it’s entirely natural for the thought of moving to a senior living community to feel overwhelming. The idea of leaving a place that holds so much history can be emotionally daunting. But what if the journey from house to home could be a celebration of your life, not an ending? What if it were the first step toward a new kind of freedom and joy?

At The Atrium, we understand this journey is a major life transition, and our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way. Here are a few practical tips and an overview of how we help make the transition to our Portland, Maine, community as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Practical Tips for Downsizing with Ease

The thought of sorting through a lifetime of belongings can feel like a monumental task. The key is to approach it with a clear mind and a supportive plan.

  • Start Small: Don’t try to tackle the entire house at once. Begin with a single room or even a single drawer. The sense of accomplishment from completing a small task will build momentum and confidence.

  • Sort into Categories: Create three simple piles: “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” and “Recycle/Discard.” Be intentional about what you keep, focusing on items that bring you joy and comfort. Remember, you’re not getting rid of your memories—you’re curating them.

  • Involve Your Family: Turn the process into a shared experience. Invite adult children or grandchildren to help. This is a wonderful opportunity to share stories, pass on treasured heirlooms, and remember the moments that made your house a home.

  • Focus on Treasures, Not Things: The goal isn’t to pack everything into a smaller space. It’s to bring the most meaningful parts of your life with you. Your new apartment at The Atrium is a blank canvas for your most cherished photographs, beloved books, and favorite armchair.

How The Cedars Helps You Every Step of the Way

Moving to a retirement community doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the resources and support you need to make the transition a seamless experience.

  • Your Dedicated Move-in Coordinator: We provide every new resident with a dedicated Move-in Coordinator. This person serves as your single point of contact, helping you with everything from choosing paint colors to coordinating with your moving company.

  • Partnering with Local Experts: We have established relationships with trusted professional organizers and movers in the Portland area who specialize in senior transitions. They understand the unique needs of this process and can help with everything from decluttering to packing and setting up your new home.

From One House to a New Home: Diane’s Story

For 40 years, Diane lived in a beautiful colonial house in a quiet Portland suburb. While she loved her home, the constant upkeep had become a burden. The thought of moving was overwhelming, but with the support of her family and The Cedars’ team, she leaped.

Our Move-in Coordinator helped Diane with the logistics, and with the help of a professional organizer, she was able to sort through her belongings thoughtfully. She decided to keep her treasured rocking chair, her collection of classic novels, and her favorite oil paintings.

Today, Diane’s new apartment at The Atrium is a perfect reflection of her life. Her rocking chair sits by a bright window, her favorite photos are displayed on a beautiful bookcase, and she is a regular at the community book club.

“I was so worried about leaving my house, but now I realize I didn’t lose my home—I just found a new one,” Diane says with a smile. “All the most important parts of my life are right here with me, and now I have more time to enjoy them.”

Moving is a significant decision, but it can also lead to a richer, more vibrant chapter in your life. At The Atrium, we’re not just offering a new address; we’re offering a supportive community and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a team by your side.

Ready to learn more? We invite you to contact us today to speak with our team and start your own smooth journey to a beautiful new home.

Designation of Excellence in Person-Centered Long-Term Care

Posted by Tracy

The Cedars is proud to announce that we have received the Designation of Excellence in Person-Centered Long-Term Care from the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at NYU. The Cedars is among the first in the country to receive this distinguished designation.
This honor is a powerful reflection of the compassion, commitment, and excellence our staff brings to their work every single day. It recognizes not only the quality of care we provide, but the heart and humanity behind it.

 

Explore The Cedars 2025 Philanthropy Report

Posted by Tracy

We’re thrilled to share The Cedars 2025 Philanthropy Report – a celebration of the incredible impact our donors made possible.

🌟 Discover how your generosity transformed the lives of Maine’s older adults

 

from May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025. This year’s report highlights powerful stories of progress in clinical excellence, workforce development, and person-centered programs – all thanks to your support.

This report is our heartfelt tribute to the families, individuals, corporations, and foundations who stood with us. Your compassion is shaping a brighter, more dignified future for aging in Maine.

👉 View the 2025 Philanthropy Report

Need help accessing the report or prefer a printed copy? Contact Tracy Ericson, Associate Director of Development, at tericson@thecedarsportland.org or 207.221.7007.

Thank you for being part of this journey!

 

Susan Wehry, MD, Medical Advisor to The Cedars Learning Community

Posted by Tracy

The Cedars Learning Community is proud to welcome Dr. Susan Wehry as our new Medical Advisor. A board-certified Gero psychiatrist with over 40 years of experience, Dr. Wehry is a nationally recognized leader in aging and dementia care. She currently directs AgingME, Maine’s Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, and serves as Associate Clinical Professor at the University of New England.

Dr. Wehry will guide research, workforce development, clinical standards, and resident programming at The Cedars. Her expertise will be especially impactful in our Mindful Connections program, translating evidence-based dementia engagement strategies into meaningful experiences.

We are honored to have Dr. Wehry to help advance our mission and shape the future of geriatric care.

 

AJAS Innovation Igniter Award – Story As Medicine Program

Posted by Tracy

At the Association of Jewish Aging Services Conference in May 2025, The Cedars proudly received the AJAS Innovation Igniter Award for its groundbreaking course, Story as Medicine: Uniting Generations through Narrative Medicine. This innovative program, developed in collaboration with the University of Southern Maine Honors Program, pairs healthcare students with older adult mentors, known as “elder teachers,” to explore and share stories of health and wellness.

Robin Moore’s quote, “Inside each of us is a natural-born storyteller waiting to be released,” captures the essence of this transformative four-credit course. Over six years, it has enriched the lives of around 60 students and 60 residents, fostering meaningful connections and enhancing students’ narrative skills for patient-centered care.

Participants engage in dynamic workshops, crafting personal essays and illness narratives, and learning to listen actively to their elder teachers. This immersive experience cultivates compassion, empathy, and crit

The Cedars’ innovative approach not only enhances the spiritual, social, physical, and mental wellbeing of older adults but also prepares future healthcare professionals to build relationships based on trust and respect.

Angela Hunt, The Cedars Chief Innovation Officer, shared the details and success of this program with members of other AJAS member communities from across North America. Many were inspired and excited to implement this program in their own communities.

 

The Cedars Awarded $125,000 Grant to Expand Dementia Respite Care

Posted by Tracy

The Cedars’ community-based Mindful Connections Program has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the Alzheimer’s Association’s Center for Dementia Respite Innovation (CDRI). This funding will enhance the quality and availability of dementia-specific respite care for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers in the Greater Portland area.

The Cedars is one of just 41 organizations selected from more than 200 applicants nationwide to receive this competitive grant. The funding will support the expansion of Mindful Connections, a program that uses innovative, research-based therapies tailored to each participant’s unique life experiences and preferences. The program helps older adults with memory loss live in the moment with strength, purpose, and joy.

Recognizing that dementia can accelerate both physical and mental decline, The Cedars takes a holistic approach to care, addressing six dimensions of wellness: physical, intellectual, occupational, social, spiritual, and emotional. Mindful Connections is designed for individuals in the early to moderate stages of memory loss who are still living independently. It also provides essential resources and respite for caregivers, while promoting health and hope for participants.

“The Cedars is excited to be included in this elite group of community-based service providers,” said Kathryn Callnan, The Cedars President and CEO.  “Caring for someone living with dementia can be overwhelming. This grant will help us provide much-needed dementia-specific respite care and services for people living with dementia and their caregivers in the Greater Portland area.”

In addition to the grant, The Cedars will receive online training and ongoing technical assistance from the CDRI to ensure its services are dementia-capable and sustainable. The CDRI will also collect data and evaluate the impact of all funded projects to inform future public policy.

“We congratulate The Cedars on its grant and look forward to working with its team to help enhance respite care services for local dementia caregivers,” said Sam Fazio, Ph.D., Vice President of Care and Support Programs and Research at the Alzheimer’s Association. “Our goal is to learn from each funded program and build a comprehensive catalog of tools and resources for caregivers and care providers nationwide.”

The Alzheimer’s Association established the CDRI in 2024 with a $25 million grant from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Over the next four years, the CDRI will distribute $25 million in grants to local organizations to improve respite care across the country. To view the full list of this year’s grant recipients, visit alz.org/cdri.

Funding Disclosure
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as part of a financial assistance award totaling $13,261,685, with 75% funded by ACL/HHS and 25% ($3,285,728) funded by non-government sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS or the U.S. Government.

For more information on Mindful Connections, call 221-7000, extension #1456.

 

Richard Borts, Chair, Board of Trustees Receives AJAS Award

Posted by Tracy

Richard Borts, the dynamic Chair of The Cedars Board of Trustees, has been a tireless volunteer and advocate for over two decades. His unwavering dedication has earned him the prestigious Trustee of the Year Award from the Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS). This esteemed organization represents over a hundred Jewish-sponsored, not-for-profit older adult care organizations across North America and Israel. The Cedars has proudly been a member of AJAS since its inception in 1960.

The award was presented during AJAS’s Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in May 2025. This accolade is bestowed annually upon a trustee who has made significant contributions to enriching the lives and well-being of older adults, demonstrating personal commitment, outstanding leadership, and a profound impact on the organization and community. Richard embodies these qualities, fostering growth, change, and vision through his deep understanding and dedication to The Cedars’ and AJAS’s missions of honoring our fathers and mothers.

Since joining The Cedars’ Board of Directors in 2005, Richard has been a transformative leader. As Chair, his strategic guidance has propelled The Cedars into a nationally recognized research institute and a leader in person-centered care. His visionary leadership was pivotal in developing The Sam L. Cohen Households, Maine’s first Household Model, and spearheading several capital projects that have significantly enhanced services for older adults.

Before retiring, Richard had a distinguished career in financial services, spanning over twenty years. From Fortune 500 corporations to successful startups, he built his career on identifying sound investments, innovative ideas, and exciting opportunities. Introduced to The Cedars by friend and colleague Hilary Rapkin, Richard immediately recognized the exemplifies all three of these ideals. “The Cedars had a great reputation,” Richard recalls. “From the moment I stepped through the doors, I understood why. The level of commitment and care was palpable.”

Richard’s passion for The Cedars is evident in his reverence for its rich heritage and his deep connection to his Jewish roots. “You know how you honor the rich heritage of The Cedars?” he asks. “You perpetuate the mission. You ensure The Cedars is ready to serve older adults today and tomorrow, no matter what tomorrow brings.”

The Cedars Awarded Grant for Groundbreaking Age-Friendly Health System Project

Posted by Tracy

The Cedars is proud to announce it has been selected to receive the John A. Hartford Foundation Support for Diagnostic Excellence-Age Friendly Health Systems Seed Grant, awarded by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. The Cedars will receive a grant of $75,000 to fund the project titled “Integrating Age-Friendly and Diagnostic Excellence: A Strategic Approach to Reducing SNR Rehospitalizations.” This innovative initiative aims to reduce 30-day unplanned rehospitalization rates among high-risk skilled nursing facility (SNF) patients by implementing a comprehensive rehospitalization prevention program that integrates two evidence-based frameworks: the Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms and principles of diagnostic excellence.

The project will focus on three key strategies: early risk identification, culturally responsive interventions, and the application of structured evidence-based practices to address social determinants of health. By combining these strategies, the program seeks to create a more effective system for preventing unnecessary rehospitalizations, all while maintaining patient-centered care. This holistic approach considers both clinical and social factors that contribute to rehospitalization risk, ensuring that patient outcomes are improved, and healthcare resources are used efficiently in the SNF setting. This initiative represents a significant step forward in enhancing the quality of care for aging patients and addressing challenges faced by healthcare systems in managing rehospitalization risks and if successful could have national implications. The project is targeted to start in March 2025.

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filed under: Giving

Alzheimer’s Awareness Day at Maine State Capitol Highlights Impactful Work

Posted by Tracy

On January 22, 2025, the Maine State Capitol in Augusta hosted a significant event in honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Day, bringing attention to the growing need for resources and support for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The event gathered legislators, caregivers, and advocates, all united in their mission to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those living with dementia and their families. Keynote speakers and presentations underscored the importance of improving services and ensuring that those impacted by Alzheimer’s receive the care and respect they deserve.

Angela Hunt, Chief Innovation Officer at The Cedars, staffed a table where she directly engaged with legislators, emphasizing the vital work The Cedars does in supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s and their families. Through innovative programs and personalized care models, The Cedars has been at the forefront of enhancing the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s. Hunt’s message emphasized the need for continued investment in dementia care and the importance of collaboration between communities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to address the growing needs of this vulnerable population.