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...
It’s called the long good-bye, and it is a journey that will change every person it touches. Dementia can be a terrifying diagnosis. Finding support can make all the difference when navigating the twists and turns of the disease. At The Cedars, we have created a space to come together and learn strategies, feel supported and develop lasting friendships My name is Susan, and I am a certified dementia practitioner and occupational therapist. I have worked with individuals living with dementia and their caregivers for more than twenty years. At our monthly dementia caregiver support group we come together as a team to not only listen to each other but to learn strategies and techniques. Understanding what’s causing challenging behaviors is the first step. Learning strategies and techniques is next. Everyone can ask questions and caregivers also learn from each other. Each month we cover a new topic with resources followed by an open discussion that provides an opportunity for questions about challenges caregivers are trying to navigate. Topics have included: “I...
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...
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...
On July 25, 2023, Dr. Susan Wehry spoke about Optimal Engagement at a cocktail party held at the home of Judy Glickman Lauder and Leonard Lauder. Bernard Osher was recognized for his contribution to this important project. The Cedars partnered with the University of New England (UNE) to study better supports for people with dementia. An interdisciplinary group of UNE graduate students in healthcare fields dug deep into scientific literature to identify best practices, evidence-based strategies, and gaps in knowledge under the direction of Susan Wehry, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, UNE College of Medicine, who co-leads the initiative with Angela Hunt, RPT, MS, our Chief Innovation Officer. The team’s recommendations will be reviewed by panels which include people living with dementia. This feedback and insight will inform the development of widely accepted, person-centered best practices that will have a transformative impact on older adults living with dementia and their...
The Cedars is pleased to be the recipient of The Age friendly Health Systems award. Recognized as a leader in the rapidly growing movement committed to care for older adults that is: · Guided by an essential set of age friendly evidence-based practices across the 4 M’s (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility). · Causes no harm and is consistent with What Matters to the older adult and their family. The Cedars continues its 93- year commitment and legacy of providing outstanding care for older adults. We are excited to be part of a nationwide movement to improve health care for older adults. Age-Friendly Health Systems is an initiative of The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United...
The Cedars is delighted to announce that The Lunder Foundation – Peter and Paula Lunder Family has awarded a $500,000 grant toward The Cedars’ memory support programs serving older adults in Maine. In recognition of this gift, The Cedars will name the “Lunder Memory Care Household” for assisted living on the first floor of the newly constructed Sam L. Cohen Households, which will officially open in March 2021. The gift will create a permanent endowment to support the development and operation of the “Lunder Memory Support Programs” serving residents of The Cedars. Richard Borts, Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Cedars, remarked that “This wonderful investment from Paula and Peter Lunder and The Lunder Foundation is an affirmation of The Cedars’ leadership work in caring for the most vulnerable among us, and a direct result of creating the first Household Model in Maine and Northern New England serving...
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,...
Our construction continues through the winter months and we are on the last elevation of the brick façade. Completing flooring, painting, and finishes on the first floor, and final touches being completed by all trades on the second and third floors this month. The high ceilings, large windows, spacious apartments, and gathering spaces will be comfortable and cozy. We cannot wait to welcome our new residents to the Memory Care Assisted Living and Long-term, Skilled Nursing Care Households. For more information, contact June O’Neill, Household Representative at...
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...
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...
It’s called the long good-bye, and it is a journey that will change every person it touches. Dementia can be a terrifying diagnosis. Finding support can make all the difference when navigating the twists and turns of the disease. At The Cedars, we have created a space to come together and learn strategies, feel supported and develop lasting friendships My name is Susan, and I am a certified dementia practitioner and occupational therapist. I have worked with individuals living with dementia and their caregivers for more than twenty years. At our monthly dementia caregiver support group we come together as a team to not only listen to each other but to learn strategies and techniques. Understanding what’s causing challenging behaviors is the first step. Learning strategies and techniques is next. Everyone can ask questions and caregivers also learn from each other. Each month we cover a new topic with resources followed by an open discussion that provides an opportunity for questions about challenges caregivers are trying to navigate. Topics have included: “I...
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...
On July 25, 2023, Dr. Susan Wehry spoke about Optimal Engagement at a cocktail party held at the home of Judy Glickman Lauder and Leonard Lauder. Bernard Osher was recognized for his contribution to this important project. The Cedars partnered with the University of New England (UNE) to study better supports for people with dementia. An interdisciplinary group of UNE graduate students in healthcare fields dug deep into scientific literature to identify best practices, evidence-based strategies, and gaps in knowledge under the direction of Susan Wehry, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, UNE College of Medicine, who co-leads the initiative with Angela Hunt, RPT, MS, our Chief Innovation Officer. The team’s recommendations will be reviewed by panels which include people living with dementia. This feedback and insight will inform the development of widely accepted, person-centered best practices that will have a transformative impact on older adults living with dementia and their...
The Cedars is pleased to be the recipient of The Age friendly Health Systems award. Recognized as a leader in the rapidly growing movement committed to care for older adults that is: · Guided by an essential set of age friendly evidence-based practices across the 4 M’s (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility). · Causes no harm and is consistent with What Matters to the older adult and their family. The Cedars continues its 93- year commitment and legacy of providing outstanding care for older adults. We are excited to be part of a nationwide movement to improve health care for older adults. Age-Friendly Health Systems is an initiative of The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United...
The Cedars is delighted to announce that The Lunder Foundation – Peter and Paula Lunder Family has awarded a $500,000 grant toward The Cedars’ memory support programs serving older adults in Maine. In recognition of this gift, The Cedars will name the “Lunder Memory Care Household” for assisted living on the first floor of the newly constructed Sam L. Cohen Households, which will officially open in March 2021. The gift will create a permanent endowment to support the development and operation of the “Lunder Memory Support Programs” serving residents of The Cedars. Richard Borts, Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Cedars, remarked that “This wonderful investment from Paula and Peter Lunder and The Lunder Foundation is an affirmation of The Cedars’ leadership work in caring for the most vulnerable among us, and a direct result of creating the first Household Model in Maine and Northern New England serving...
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,...
Our construction continues through the winter months and we are on the last elevation of the brick façade. Completing flooring, painting, and finishes on the first floor, and final touches being completed by all trades on the second and third floors this month. The high ceilings, large windows, spacious apartments, and gathering spaces will be comfortable and cozy. We cannot wait to welcome our new residents to the Memory Care Assisted Living and Long-term, Skilled Nursing Care Households. For more information, contact June O’Neill, Household Representative at...
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...