Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Atrium, Featured.
So, you’re thinking about retiring. You’ve likely considered the financial implications and planned accordingly to allow for a comfortable retirement experience. But have you planned beyond the dollar sign and considered how you’ll actually spend your time in retirement? Research shows that many retirees, and perhaps men more than women, underestimate the complex nature of the retirement transition and face the unpleasant realization that the absence of employment isn’t always the golden age they had anticipated. We often overlook the subtler aspects that our jobs provide: a sense of purpose, daily routine, unique social relationships with co-workers, and time away from our significant others, yet after entering retirement, the absence of these factors can contribute to a negative experience for retirees. By planning ahead for your retirement wellness you can improve your retirement satisfaction. Tips for a positive transition to retirement, from The Cedars: How do you plan to...
In addition to The Cedars Pet Therapy program, The Skilled Care Center at The Cedars has partnered with another wonderful animal assisted therapy group. Silent Sidekicks is a nonprofit organization located in Lincoln, Maine that provides animal assisted therapy/activities under the services of trained volunteers to communities throughout the State of Maine and the Canadian Province of New Brunswick. Their mission is to enrich people’s lives and promote health and happiness through positive experiences with animals. Silent Sidekicks accomplishes this by providing comfort, support, and companionship through animal assisted therapy and activities as well as by increasing public awareness of the benefits of the human-animal bond. While at The Cedars, the program will include the use of service dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. All of the volunteers with Silent Sidekicks consist of fully trained human and animal teams. As always the presence of animals enhances well-being and provides a very therapeutic relationship...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Atrium, Featured.
One of the biggest decisions we face as we age is where we are going to live. Whether we remain at home in our familiar surroundings or move to a community among people with similar interests, we want to find joy and thrive at every stage. The fact is that our health and social situations can change as we age and settings that were once comfortable can become challenging and often lonely. Because of this, we need to periodically evaluate how satisfied we are with our living situation and with that, consider whether community living is right for us. The reasons for moving to a retirement community are as countless as the people living in them. Many choose to transition to another state in order to be nearer their families while others move within their own communities to ease the burdens of home ownership. And still others tire of...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under News and Events.
Tom Bell and Carl Walsh of the Portland Press Herald joined us at yesterday’s service, here is what they had to say …. Forgiveness, atonement mark the Jewish calendar With the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah beginning Wednesday, Rabbi Carolyn Braun plays a Shofar, (a horn-like instrument made from a bovine horn) part of a 30-minute ceremony at The Cedars retirement community in Portland on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013 But like any new year celebration, Rosh Hashanah is also a time for rejoicing, feasting and festivities Jews after sundown on Wednesday filled synagogues to observe the start of Rosh Hashanah, a holiday that marks the Jewish new year and commemorates the creation of Adam and Eve 5,774 years ago. While the Hebrew calendar may not be scientifically accurate, the concept is a powerful one, said Rabbi Carolyn Braun of Temple Beth El in Portland. “We have the idea we are...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Atrium, Featured.
We recently did a workshop with our residents on the basic principles of Progressive Relaxation, with the main benefits of that practice being improved comfort and stress relief. Another complementary exercise is Guided Imagery. Guided Imagery offers similar benefits, but can be more widely used and requires less physical skill; it is one of the more attainable adjunct therapies. Guided Imagery is essentially an elaborate name for directed daydreaming, with the vast possibility for changing one’s mood and sense of wellness. All types of people, from star athletes to patients with significant illness, have successfully used Guided Imagery to focus their thoughts in a positive, healthful direction. Guided Imagery in the healthcare setting can be used as a means of encouraging relaxation, reducing anxiety, and as a method of distraction from discomfort. It is important to remember that the use of Guided Imagery, like other supplemental practices, cannot and...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Latest News.
How to Serve a Quarter-Million Meals a Year and Savor Every Moment “A full plate tells me someone who needed nutrition didn’t get it and will have to make it up with supplements. That’s unacceptable to me. An empty plate tells me someone enjoyed a real meal, made from natural local ingredients with real care.” – David Kessler When Wendy Bush was admitted to The Cedars senior living community, she worried about maintaining her weight while recovering from a broken leg. “The food at The Cedars is wonderful!” she declares. “When I started looking forward to the next meal, I knew I might be in trouble. Thank goodness for the portion control.” She really means thank goodness for David Kessler, Director of Dining Services, and his team. When David arrived at The Cedars in 1994, he served 102 residents with a staff of 18. Today, David oversees the preparation, production...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
“My therapists helped me create a plan and achieve my goals. When I was discharged, I knew I was ready to go home. – Wendy Bush LAST AUGUST, Wendy Bush stepped off the front porch of her son’s Long Island vacation home and missed the bottom step. Her leg was broken. Her son was able to drive her back to Maine for treatment, but the journey back to her own home would take much longer. As the Vice President of Marketing at F.L. Putnam and a member of the Mercy Hospital board of directors, Wendy knows how to assess a difficult situation and make a sure decision. “I was in a cast and under doctor’s orders not to put any weight on my leg,” she recalls. “I knew I would recover much faster with round-the-clock help. My doctor and several friends recommended The Cedars Rehabilitation Center.” The...
If you’re fortunate enough to live into your 90’s – life is looking better and better. Earlier today the Associated Press released a summary of findings from a Denmark study indicating that 95 year olds today are more mentally acute than those of ten years ago. Although they are not sure why, scientists are chalking it up to better nutrition earlier on in life, as well as more intellectual stimulation. At The Cedars Retirement Community, we’re strong believers in offering multiple opportunities for mental challenge and stimulation – both for ourselves and our residents. Members living in our independent living at The Atrium choose which types of programs they want to see. What’s on our recent calendars? Historical lectures by members and guest speakers Current Event Discussion Groups (this group often contacts local representatives) Blackjack, Mahjong Story writing and telling, “Legacy Letters” Trips to OLLI and SAGE classes,...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Latest News.
With the beautiful summer weather upon us, many members at The Cedars Retirement Community are spending more time outside – taking walks, golfing, dining in our courtyard. During these special months, seniors need to take extra care to avoid sunburn and dehydration. The following are some tips from our Wellness Expert, Sharon Leddy-Smart to stay safe and healthy. Watch the Weather: when the temperatures soar, stay in the air conditioning and if you need to venture outdoors, do so in the early morning of late afternoon hours. Drink Plenty of Water: adults should drink 8-10 glasses of water daily, and in the warmer weather, drink more. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to start sipping, and try to avoid alcohol, sugary drinks and caffeine when out in the sun. Dress for the Heat: wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes and be sure to don a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Wear Sunscreen: be...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Featured.
Each year at The Cedars Retirement Community, we have the difficult task of choosing one person to represent The Cedars as the volunteer of the year. It presents a challenge, because everyone here has remarkable talents and gifts that they share with our residents. This year we recognized Mary Goff a volunteer whom is originally from Green Bay Wisconsin and has followed us throughout history, volunteering for many years at the Jewish home and now present day here at The Cedars. Currently she visits daily with multiple residents, assists the Life Enrichment department with activities and transport, assists residents from the Osher Inn on Regional Transportation Program (RTP) trips and even accompanies residents to their medical appointments. Her overall volunteer experience spans 30 years and includes, Big Brother Big Sister, Habitat for Humanity, Ingraham Volunteers and she has even helped to establish the Portland Chapter of Pine Tree Epilepsy. She is compassionate, enthusiastic...
So, you’re thinking about retiring. You’ve likely considered the financial implications and planned accordingly to allow for a comfortable retirement experience. But have you planned beyond the dollar sign and considered how you’ll actually spend your time in retirement? Research shows that many retirees, and perhaps men more than women, underestimate the complex nature of the retirement transition and face the unpleasant realization that the absence of employment isn’t always the golden age they had anticipated. We often overlook the subtler aspects that our jobs provide: a sense of purpose, daily routine, unique social relationships with co-workers, and time away from our significant others, yet after entering retirement, the absence of these factors can contribute to a negative experience for retirees. By planning ahead for your retirement wellness you can improve your retirement satisfaction. Tips for a positive transition to retirement, from The Cedars: How do you plan to...
In addition to The Cedars Pet Therapy program, The Skilled Care Center at The Cedars has partnered with another wonderful animal assisted therapy group. Silent Sidekicks is a nonprofit organization located in Lincoln, Maine that provides animal assisted therapy/activities under the services of trained volunteers to communities throughout the State of Maine and the Canadian Province of New Brunswick. Their mission is to enrich people’s lives and promote health and happiness through positive experiences with animals. Silent Sidekicks accomplishes this by providing comfort, support, and companionship through animal assisted therapy and activities as well as by increasing public awareness of the benefits of the human-animal bond. While at The Cedars, the program will include the use of service dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. All of the volunteers with Silent Sidekicks consist of fully trained human and animal teams. As always the presence of animals enhances well-being and provides a very therapeutic relationship...
One of the biggest decisions we face as we age is where we are going to live. Whether we remain at home in our familiar surroundings or move to a community among people with similar interests, we want to find joy and thrive at every stage. The fact is that our health and social situations can change as we age and settings that were once comfortable can become challenging and often lonely. Because of this, we need to periodically evaluate how satisfied we are with our living situation and with that, consider whether community living is right for us. The reasons for moving to a retirement community are as countless as the people living in them. Many choose to transition to another state in order to be nearer their families while others move within their own communities to ease the burdens of home ownership. And still others tire of...
We recently did a workshop with our residents on the basic principles of Progressive Relaxation, with the main benefits of that practice being improved comfort and stress relief. Another complementary exercise is Guided Imagery. Guided Imagery offers similar benefits, but can be more widely used and requires less physical skill; it is one of the more attainable adjunct therapies. Guided Imagery is essentially an elaborate name for directed daydreaming, with the vast possibility for changing one’s mood and sense of wellness. All types of people, from star athletes to patients with significant illness, have successfully used Guided Imagery to focus their thoughts in a positive, healthful direction. Guided Imagery in the healthcare setting can be used as a means of encouraging relaxation, reducing anxiety, and as a method of distraction from discomfort. It is important to remember that the use of Guided Imagery, like other supplemental practices, cannot and...
If you’re fortunate enough to live into your 90’s – life is looking better and better. Earlier today the Associated Press released a summary of findings from a Denmark study indicating that 95 year olds today are more mentally acute than those of ten years ago. Although they are not sure why, scientists are chalking it up to better nutrition earlier on in life, as well as more intellectual stimulation. At The Cedars Retirement Community, we’re strong believers in offering multiple opportunities for mental challenge and stimulation – both for ourselves and our residents. Members living in our independent living at The Atrium choose which types of programs they want to see. What’s on our recent calendars? Historical lectures by members and guest speakers Current Event Discussion Groups (this group often contacts local representatives) Blackjack, Mahjong Story writing and telling, “Legacy Letters” Trips to OLLI and SAGE classes,...