Posts Categorized: Atrium

Chaplain Services at 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...

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Aquasize for a Low Impact and Effective Workout

Exercising in the water is low impact and delivers tremendous benefits to your cardiovascular and respiratory systems, not to mention, it can be a lot of fun! When you exercise in the water you are generally able to do a lot more than your body may allow on dry land. Along with some increased flexibility and balance, the push and pull of the water allow both increased muscle training and a built-in safety barrier for joints. The water also helps to reduce lactic acid buildup and offers a gentler natural resistance while training. Aquacising at The Atrium is offered three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The class is a go at your own pace and begins at 9:15am and lasts until 10:00am. The trainer stands outside of the water giving instructions and motivating the participants. Join a class today!                                                                                                                                                              ...

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Dining at The Cedars: A Secret Gem in Southern Maine’s Celebrated Dining Scene

Portland, Maine is nationally renowned for its restaurants, bakeries, and breweries. Chefs at The Cedars take full advantage of the region’s seasonal ingredients and fun foodie culture. When you read about our diverse and delicious dining options, you’ll want to reserve your table today! When you hear the phrase “retirement home food,” do you imagine unappealing cafeteria-style cooking? Think again! The Cedars campus is located in the heart of Portland, Maine, voted “Restaurant City of the Year” by Bon Appetit and topping national lists of foodie destinations everywhere. Our residents have come to expect a very high standard in fine dining, and we always deliver. The Cedars offers a wide range of dining options across our community, from casual, European-style café cuisine to traditional New England lobster bakes to picnic-style barbecues to formal, multi course meals. Every meal offers so many choices—healthy indulgences, exciting new cuisines, comfort-food favorites—and our...

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Caring and Connecting at The Cedars

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,...

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How Technology Can Help Seniors Age in Place

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...

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Healthy Living is Easy at The Atrium

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...

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Three Reasons to Move to a Retirement Community

Independent retirement living provides convenience and ease within a welcoming community that offers amenities and services to support your daily lifestyle and preferences. There are many aspects to independent living that can help eliminate the challenges of maintaining a home and inspire a new chapter of adventures and friendships in your life. When talking with residents at The Atrium at The Cedars, here are some of features that have brought them peace of mind since making their move. Socialization when you want it. The beauty of an independent living community is that you can choose to be as busy or as social as you like! While the offerings of activities, lectures, wellness programs and social engagements are plentiful, there is the opportunity to have restful and quiet moments in the privacy of your own home. The convenience of visiting friends and neighbors without the hassle of inclement weather and...

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The Benefits of Retirement Living in the Winter Months

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...

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Healthy Tips for Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities

Elderly Woman Partaking in Fitness at Assisted Living For over 90 years, The Cedars has helped to transform aging. We have found a wonderful mix of activities, hobbies, and events that will keep you healthy during your stay at an assisted living facility. When you move from aging in place to life in senior living communities, there is no need to slow down or stop enjoying treasured hobbies or activities. In fact, one of the biggest assisted living benefits is the way it frees older adults to pursue their passions in a safe, stress-free environment. Ready to make the most of assisted living? Read on! Healthy Aging Tips for Seniors Staying Active in a Community for Older Adults Many older adults choose to move into senior living communities when they realize keeping up with housekeeping and the activities of daily living has become more difficult and less rewarding. Now that mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, and cleaning,...

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Making the Best of Social Distancing at The Atrium

Hello Friends of The Atrium, Over the past few weeks, I’ve had some wonderful conversations with many of you about how you’re staying busy, active and connected as you stay safe at home.  In these conversations, many of you have asked how members at The Atrium are keeping healthy and engaged. Here are some examples of how we’re focusing on the positive and making this period of social distancing more enjoyable for everyone:  Door-to-door visits to our members with afternoon treats, such as our chef-prepared margaritas and tostadas, or a glass of wine and a selection of hot hors d’ouevres Our in-house exercise physiologist, Sarah, creates exercise videos of her Strength and Flexibility classes to share with the community, so members can stay fit at home. Check out one of Sarah’s classes HERE. Links to video concerts such as one from a favorite concert pianist, Clare Longendyke. Click HERE to enjoy. Weekly yoga classes continue with...

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