Posted in our blog on by Tracy& filed under Featured.
Tips from Kathryn Callnan, The Cedars President and CEO, on active, healthy, rewarding aging. Drawing from her life experience as a nurse and as the leader of the largest not-for-profit senior living community in northern New England, Kathy offers her best advice on preparing for and making the most of your later years: Plan on living to the age of 100. Find the best providers for healthcare, rehabilitation, long-term care and assisted living. Decide where you would like to receive care in the event you are hospitalized. Don’t assume that you’ll always be able to live at home. Determine if you will be happier and better cared for at home with services or by moving to a community. Then do your research, tour communities and get on a waiting list. Talk with your children and let them know what you want before something happens. Do you want to live near...
Posted in our blog on by Tracy& filed under Featured.
A thrilling view of the Maine coast—and a thought-provoking point-of-view on aging—captivated guests at The Cedars End-of-Summer Cocktail Party, hosted by Marjorie and Robert Ory on September 27. THE ORYS, LONGTIME FRIENDS OF The Cedars, divide their time between Boston and a stunning oceanfront home in Kennebunkport. In 2003, when Marge’s mother became a resident at The Cedars, they became strong supporters of our innovative programs. Knowing that the Grow Bold With Us campaign is poised to transform not only The Cedars but the standard of senior care statewide, they generously opened their Kennebunkport residence to offer family and friends from York County a first-hand preview of the exciting advances ahead. Guests received the warmest of welcomes from their hosts and representatives from The Cedars were on hand to share a look into some exciting advances in aging. AN ENTIRE INDUSTRY COMES HOME Kathryn Callnan, President and CEO,...
For seniors in the early stages of memory loss still living at home, Mindful Connections provides powerful, personalized therapy to preserve independence, cognitive function, and hope. BY THE AGE OF 60, between 5 and 7 percent of people will suffer from some form of memory loss. By the age of 85, 50 percent will show symptoms of cognitive impairment, usually diagnosed as Alzheimer’s Disease. Whether it affects us or someone we love, dementia will touch all our lives—but The Cedars believes it should not define our lives. It’s a bold view, and it is true: people with memory loss have the ability to lead rich lives and make valuable contributions to their community. Our newest community-based program, Mindful Connections, proves this every day. Using forward-thinking therapies rooted in research and best practices and customized for each patient’s unique life experiences and personal preferences, we support seniors with memory loss...
Posted in our blog on by Tracy& filed under Featured, Giving.
The Cedars welcomed our community to join us in commemorating a powerful and pivotal moment in the Grow Bold With Us Campaign. THE DAY BEFORE the groundbreaking ceremony for the much-anticipated Sam L. Cohen Households, construction crews arrived at The Cedars to begin tearing down a building set on the corner of our campus, clearing the way for the construction to come. By the time honored guests, supporters, community members, staff, and residents arrived on September 21, enormous excavators surrounded the crisp white event tent. The air was charged with excitement, optimism, and change. After so much hope and hard work, the first senior living community to implement the Household Model in Maine and New England was about to be the first to construct a residence specifically designed to be a true home for seniors. CREATING HOME Long before The Cedars broke ground for this innovative new building, our...
Nick Viti (OMA Facilitator Class of 2015) has launched a highly successful OMA program at The Cedars in Portland, Maine. The facility has already begun their third OMA session. They partner with the University of Southern Maine and the University of New England, where students receive college credit to participate in the OMA program. The site had their first art show in June as a part of Portland’s First Friday Art Walk, a monthly community event. They also plan to exhibit at partnering universities. OMA Artists have an exhibit at USM in Lewiston, ME right now! Check out their video featuring an OMA session and the art show. “One of our elders said to her partner, ‘I’m not an artist,’ at the start of every session until the very last project when she finally said, ‘I am an artist!” Nick took the time to answer a few questions about what his experience has...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
“Ask The Nurse is a program at The Atrium, independent living at The Cedars that gives our residents the chance to touch base with Nancy Kuliga, RN and ask health questions, get their blood pressure checked, or help them decide if they need to contact their physician. In addition to this twice-weekly clinic, Nancy also oversees the Home Health Services at The Cedars that provides support for our residents. Nancy enjoys getting to know so many of the residents and always looks forward to this part of her week. Here is her advice on how to stay healthy this flu season: 1. Get the flu vaccine! The best time to get the vaccine is from October through November but it is still useful to get one even if it’s later in the flu season. 2. Wash or sanitize hands thoroughly and often. Frequently washing hands with regular soap is an...
On Friday September 21, Senator Susan Collins shared remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony and climbed aboard an excavator to deliver the first dig for the Sam L. Cohen Households at The Cedars. A Bold Change to Transform Senior Care The Cedars is building the Sam L. Cohen Households for skilled nursing care and introducing a new, vitally needed memory care assisted living, as well as renovating our current neighborhoods in households. The Household Model of Senior Living The visionary and person-centered Household Model is earning praise across the country and fast becoming the best practice as an enlightened approach to senior care. The Household Model features a home environment where residents have choices, including when to wake up, what to eat, and how to spend each day, just like we do at home. It’s a model we believe will not only meet and exceed the expectations of our senior...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
Every Thursday at 1:30, something transformational happens. Members of The Atrium independent living at The Cedars, gather to listen and experience a sound journey with a well versed musical host. Larry Merson, member since 2017, has been collecting vinyl records since he was able to purchase them. Growing up in New York City, he’s a devoted fan of the Metropolitan Opera and regales stories of going as a teenager when there was only standing room available, marveling at the great performers of his time. In addition He’s spent 50 years singing in a classical music choir and attributes much of his interest to his parents and favorite classical influences: Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach, along with several 20th century composers such as Poulenc and Debussy. In addition to classical pieces, he offers some traditional Broadway plays and an occasional opera and operetta. “Die Fledermaus” a beloved operetta lasting 2.5 hours long is...
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....
Looking back over the years, it’s clear that The Cedars would not be the thriving community it is today had it not been for our volunteers raising nickels and uniting a strong passion for “change” to support our residents. Today that spirit is fully ignited and contagious as ever, with a diverse variety of volunteers sharing their talents and giving back in unique ways that offer immeasurable returns. Our volunteers continue to be the cornerstone of the compassionate care that we strive for, offering creative approaches that enhance lifestyle choices and honor individuality. It has been said that the heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but instead by the depth of commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. In being of service to others, there’s a sense of strong connection to those around us and in turn we can become inspired by the...
Tips from Kathryn Callnan, The Cedars President and CEO, on active, healthy, rewarding aging. Drawing from her life experience as a nurse and as the leader of the largest not-for-profit senior living community in northern New England, Kathy offers her best advice on preparing for and making the most of your later years: Plan on living to the age of 100. Find the best providers for healthcare, rehabilitation, long-term care and assisted living. Decide where you would like to receive care in the event you are hospitalized. Don’t assume that you’ll always be able to live at home. Determine if you will be happier and better cared for at home with services or by moving to a community. Then do your research, tour communities and get on a waiting list. Talk with your children and let them know what you want before something happens. Do you want to live near...
A thrilling view of the Maine coast—and a thought-provoking point-of-view on aging—captivated guests at The Cedars End-of-Summer Cocktail Party, hosted by Marjorie and Robert Ory on September 27. THE ORYS, LONGTIME FRIENDS OF The Cedars, divide their time between Boston and a stunning oceanfront home in Kennebunkport. In 2003, when Marge’s mother became a resident at The Cedars, they became strong supporters of our innovative programs. Knowing that the Grow Bold With Us campaign is poised to transform not only The Cedars but the standard of senior care statewide, they generously opened their Kennebunkport residence to offer family and friends from York County a first-hand preview of the exciting advances ahead. Guests received the warmest of welcomes from their hosts and representatives from The Cedars were on hand to share a look into some exciting advances in aging. AN ENTIRE INDUSTRY COMES HOME Kathryn Callnan, President and CEO,...
For seniors in the early stages of memory loss still living at home, Mindful Connections provides powerful, personalized therapy to preserve independence, cognitive function, and hope. BY THE AGE OF 60, between 5 and 7 percent of people will suffer from some form of memory loss. By the age of 85, 50 percent will show symptoms of cognitive impairment, usually diagnosed as Alzheimer’s Disease. Whether it affects us or someone we love, dementia will touch all our lives—but The Cedars believes it should not define our lives. It’s a bold view, and it is true: people with memory loss have the ability to lead rich lives and make valuable contributions to their community. Our newest community-based program, Mindful Connections, proves this every day. Using forward-thinking therapies rooted in research and best practices and customized for each patient’s unique life experiences and personal preferences, we support seniors with memory loss...
The Cedars welcomed our community to join us in commemorating a powerful and pivotal moment in the Grow Bold With Us Campaign. THE DAY BEFORE the groundbreaking ceremony for the much-anticipated Sam L. Cohen Households, construction crews arrived at The Cedars to begin tearing down a building set on the corner of our campus, clearing the way for the construction to come. By the time honored guests, supporters, community members, staff, and residents arrived on September 21, enormous excavators surrounded the crisp white event tent. The air was charged with excitement, optimism, and change. After so much hope and hard work, the first senior living community to implement the Household Model in Maine and New England was about to be the first to construct a residence specifically designed to be a true home for seniors. CREATING HOME Long before The Cedars broke ground for this innovative new building, our...
Nick Viti (OMA Facilitator Class of 2015) has launched a highly successful OMA program at The Cedars in Portland, Maine. The facility has already begun their third OMA session. They partner with the University of Southern Maine and the University of New England, where students receive college credit to participate in the OMA program. The site had their first art show in June as a part of Portland’s First Friday Art Walk, a monthly community event. They also plan to exhibit at partnering universities. OMA Artists have an exhibit at USM in Lewiston, ME right now! Check out their video featuring an OMA session and the art show. “One of our elders said to her partner, ‘I’m not an artist,’ at the start of every session until the very last project when she finally said, ‘I am an artist!” Nick took the time to answer a few questions about what his experience has...
“Ask The Nurse is a program at The Atrium, independent living at The Cedars that gives our residents the chance to touch base with Nancy Kuliga, RN and ask health questions, get their blood pressure checked, or help them decide if they need to contact their physician. In addition to this twice-weekly clinic, Nancy also oversees the Home Health Services at The Cedars that provides support for our residents. Nancy enjoys getting to know so many of the residents and always looks forward to this part of her week. Here is her advice on how to stay healthy this flu season: 1. Get the flu vaccine! The best time to get the vaccine is from October through November but it is still useful to get one even if it’s later in the flu season. 2. Wash or sanitize hands thoroughly and often. Frequently washing hands with regular soap is an...
On Friday September 21, Senator Susan Collins shared remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony and climbed aboard an excavator to deliver the first dig for the Sam L. Cohen Households at The Cedars. A Bold Change to Transform Senior Care The Cedars is building the Sam L. Cohen Households for skilled nursing care and introducing a new, vitally needed memory care assisted living, as well as renovating our current neighborhoods in households. The Household Model of Senior Living The visionary and person-centered Household Model is earning praise across the country and fast becoming the best practice as an enlightened approach to senior care. The Household Model features a home environment where residents have choices, including when to wake up, what to eat, and how to spend each day, just like we do at home. It’s a model we believe will not only meet and exceed the expectations of our senior...
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....
Looking back over the years, it’s clear that The Cedars would not be the thriving community it is today had it not been for our volunteers raising nickels and uniting a strong passion for “change” to support our residents. Today that spirit is fully ignited and contagious as ever, with a diverse variety of volunteers sharing their talents and giving back in unique ways that offer immeasurable returns. Our volunteers continue to be the cornerstone of the compassionate care that we strive for, offering creative approaches that enhance lifestyle choices and honor individuality. It has been said that the heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but instead by the depth of commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. In being of service to others, there’s a sense of strong connection to those around us and in turn we can become inspired by the...