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. Learn More...
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!...
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....
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...
In the fall of 2022, the Portland Conservatory of Music and The Atrium at The Cedars started what has grown into a beautiful musical relationship. Faculty, student groups, and soloists from PCM perform on the 2nd Tuesday evening of each month to the gracious and engaging members of The Atrium. The music ranges from instrumental soloists to collaborations such as flute and violin, music from the Middle East on traditional instruments, classical and Spanish guitar, cello duets, string trios and quartets, and fiddle and accordion. Here is what some of the PCM faculty members have to say about their experience performing: “It was such a fun and fulfilling experience! The space is beautiful, I look forward to my next opportunity to perform there!” “The audience was very receptive to our performance. They enjoyed the explanation of each piece and composer which added to the overall experience” “There is...
Bates College students have started a music program for residents of The Cedars over the three-month spring semester. The students will develop and implement enriching and engaging musical programs each week that inspire our residents to explore their musical artistic capabilities and form social connectedness within their communities. Students will share their passion for music while providing residents the opportunity to actively participate, make choices, and express their musical artistic capabilities through educational classes, presentations, creative composition, and interactive performances. The first goal of this program is to provide student musicians the opportunity to bring their musical artistry to older adults, practice their music in a unique real-world setting and cultivate reciprocal and mutually beneficial partnerships with older adults. The second goal is to provide older adults an intergenerational experience by providing opportunities for older adults to share their artistic capabilities, wisdom, creative insight and life experiences. Each program...
Music & Memory started with the understanding that music is deeply rooted in our conscious and unconscious brains. It becomes even more important if the functioning of the brain is deteriorating, as occurs in dementia and other types of cognitive and physical loss. Music can awaken the brain and with it, the memories that are associated with familiar songs. The Music & Memory program helps people who suffer from a wide range of cognitive and physical challenges to find renewed meaning and connection in their lives through the gift of personalized music. The approach is simple and effective: Music playlists – containing the beloved songs from a person’s formative years – tap deep memories long attached to the brain and can bring listeners back to life, enabling them to feel like themselves again, to converse, socialize, and stay present. Music & Memory has been a part of 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...
The Cedars is excited to announce a new partnership with Tucker’s Taphouse, a small micro-producer of maple syrup with 115 taps located around the southern part of the state, but boiling in Norway, Maine. Together we will explore the art of maple syrup producing while tapping the trees on The Cedars campus! Tucker’s Taphouse will be presenting at The Atrium and Hoffman Center on March 8th to hold an interactive lecture on all things MAPLE for The Cedars residents. From tap to collection to boiling and finally finished syrup. Our residents will have special opportunities all month to see the demonstration of tapping of the trees on the grounds of The Cedars and even help participate in the tapping process! Tucker’s Taphouse: Crafted in Maine, Sustainably Harvested, 100% All-Natural Maple Syrup....
When you think of senior living communities, do you imagine playing bingo all day? Think again! From day trips to exciting destinations around southern Maine to sensory gardening, reiki massage, and wine and cheese parties, The Cedars finds fresh ways to keep older adults active, engaged, and connected to each other and the world. Yes, you can join a rollicking bingo game at The Cedars, (Free Money Monday Bingo is cutthroat competitive, so bring your game face!) But activities for seniors at The Cedars go far beyond bingo. Our life enrichment team fills our assisted living activities calendar with vibrant, diverse, and lively opportunities to socialize with others, learn new skills and find new passions, improve health and cognitive functioning, experience the natural world, and make meaningful contributions to the wider community. Here are just some of the unexpected and innovative ways our residents make the most of this...
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. Learn More...
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!...
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....
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...
In the fall of 2022, the Portland Conservatory of Music and The Atrium at The Cedars started what has grown into a beautiful musical relationship. Faculty, student groups, and soloists from PCM perform on the 2nd Tuesday evening of each month to the gracious and engaging members of The Atrium. The music ranges from instrumental soloists to collaborations such as flute and violin, music from the Middle East on traditional instruments, classical and Spanish guitar, cello duets, string trios and quartets, and fiddle and accordion. Here is what some of the PCM faculty members have to say about their experience performing: “It was such a fun and fulfilling experience! The space is beautiful, I look forward to my next opportunity to perform there!” “The audience was very receptive to our performance. They enjoyed the explanation of each piece and composer which added to the overall experience” “There is...
Bates College students have started a music program for residents of The Cedars over the three-month spring semester. The students will develop and implement enriching and engaging musical programs each week that inspire our residents to explore their musical artistic capabilities and form social connectedness within their communities. Students will share their passion for music while providing residents the opportunity to actively participate, make choices, and express their musical artistic capabilities through educational classes, presentations, creative composition, and interactive performances. The first goal of this program is to provide student musicians the opportunity to bring their musical artistry to older adults, practice their music in a unique real-world setting and cultivate reciprocal and mutually beneficial partnerships with older adults. The second goal is to provide older adults an intergenerational experience by providing opportunities for older adults to share their artistic capabilities, wisdom, creative insight and life experiences. Each program...
Music & Memory started with the understanding that music is deeply rooted in our conscious and unconscious brains. It becomes even more important if the functioning of the brain is deteriorating, as occurs in dementia and other types of cognitive and physical loss. Music can awaken the brain and with it, the memories that are associated with familiar songs. The Music & Memory program helps people who suffer from a wide range of cognitive and physical challenges to find renewed meaning and connection in their lives through the gift of personalized music. The approach is simple and effective: Music playlists – containing the beloved songs from a person’s formative years – tap deep memories long attached to the brain and can bring listeners back to life, enabling them to feel like themselves again, to converse, socialize, and stay present. Music & Memory has been a part of 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...
When you think of senior living communities, do you imagine playing bingo all day? Think again! From day trips to exciting destinations around southern Maine to sensory gardening, reiki massage, and wine and cheese parties, The Cedars finds fresh ways to keep older adults active, engaged, and connected to each other and the world. Yes, you can join a rollicking bingo game at The Cedars, (Free Money Monday Bingo is cutthroat competitive, so bring your game face!) But activities for seniors at The Cedars go far beyond bingo. Our life enrichment team fills our assisted living activities calendar with vibrant, diverse, and lively opportunities to socialize with others, learn new skills and find new passions, improve health and cognitive functioning, experience the natural world, and make meaningful contributions to the wider community. Here are just some of the unexpected and innovative ways our residents make the most of this...