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....
The Cedars senior living community in Portland, in collaboration with the Westbrook Housing Authority and University of New England School of Nursing, proudly announces the launch of Telehealth Intervention Programs for Seniors (TIPS), an innovative initiative designed to enhance social connection and improve health and wellbeing among Maine’s older adult population. The kick-off presentation took place last Friday at the Robert L. Harnois Apartments, Westbrook Housing Authority. The program is directed by The Cedars’ Sue Dionne-Jones, VP of Nursing! TIPS offers weekly health checks from a licensed nurse such as blood pressure, oxygen levels, pulse, etc. “The Cedars views TIPS as a proactive measure to empower older adults to maintain independent living at home while significantly enhancing their well-being and community involvement,” said Kathryn Callnan, President and CEO of The Cedars. “By addressing both medical and social needs, we anticipate a reduction in hospitalizations, rehospitalizations, emergency room visits, and...
The Cedars is proud to announce that John Watson, Chief Financial Officer at The Cedars, has been elected to receive the Outstanding Advocacy Award from LeadingAge, a national association representing 6,000 non-profit aging-services organizations throughout the United States. The award honors John Watson as a tireless advocate at the State level for educating legislators, executive branch officials, and fellow nursing facility administrators regarding Maine’s current system of reimbursing nursing homes. Through his governor-appointed position on the Commission to Study Long Term Care, John worked with State Representatives to introduce a bill for a more equitable allocation system for care provided in nursing homes. In doing so, John was integral in reforming Maine Medicaid’s system of nursing home reimbursement and thereby assuring continued access to care for Maine’s oldest and frailest....
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Advocacy, Featured.
Tune into the WHCoA live broadcast today from 10AM to 5PM to find out about important issues involving seniors in our nation. Topics covered include caregiving, financial security, healthy aging, intergenerational connections and more. President Barack Obama will deliver his remarks at 11:15 AM. The Cedars’ CEO and President, Kathy Callnan received the invitation from U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree’s office to join the regional Boston forum of the WHCoA in May to offer her expertise on vital topics that are increasingly effecting our aging population. “As the number of older American’s is growing, and with Maine being the oldest state, policy makers, service providers and the medical community need to come together to address key issues such as healthy aging, access to long term care services, and aging with dignity,” Callnan shared. The Cedars is no stranger to advocacy. With a frequent presence in Augusta, and participation in various Washington...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Advocacy, Featured.
JOHN WATSON, Chief Financial Officer at The Cedars, received a special Advocacy Award from Leading Age on April 14 for his work on Maine’s Commission to Study Long Term Care (LTC) Facilities. John has been a leader in the statewide movement to change the ways our state pays for nursing home care for years, and his distinguished service on the Commission reflects his commitment to good finance—and fairness. “The Commission found Maine underfunds nursing homes by $40 million dollars each year, ” John says. “This forces nursing homes to carve out funds from Medicare or private pay to provide acceptable care for their residents. If they can’t, they close.” These closures disproportionately affect Maine’s rural communities—and leave seniors in those communities without options. Maine’s strict medical eligibility requirements restrict access to home nursing, leaving seniors and their families to shoulder the burdens of aging in place. “The State of...
The Cedars is proud to announce that John Watson, Chief Financial Officer at The Cedars, has been elected to receive the Outstanding Advocacy Award from LeadingAge, a national association representing 6,000 non-profit aging-services organizations throughout the United States. The award honors John Watson as a tireless advocate at the State level for educating legislators, executive branch officials, and fellow nursing facility administrators regarding Maine’s current system of reimbursing nursing homes. Through his governor-appointed position on the Commission to Study Long Term Care, John worked with State Representatives to introduce a bill for a more equitable allocation system for care provided in nursing homes. In doing so, John was integral in reforming Maine Medicaid’s system of nursing home reimbursement and thereby assuring continued access to care for Maine’s oldest and frailest....