January 2016 Events in Naples, FL: Welcome New Beginnings

Happy New Year! January is the time when we all welcome new beginnings and set resolutions to make this year better than the last. But how does one keep those resolutions throughout the year ahead? The New York Times offers four suggestions: First, make a concrete plan, something visual to embed it to memory. Second, put something you value on the line – is it your health or your pocketbook – keep that in mind when you are tempted to break your resolution. Third, bundle your temptations. For instance, you want to exercise more, but struggle getting to the gym and you also have a fondness for gossip magazines but feel they are a waste of time. Combine the two – read the magazines only at the gym! And fourth, seek social support. You can achieve more by pursuing goals with the help of a mentor.

Still haven’t made any resolutions? Resolve to join us every month for a wide variety of events and activities. This month we explore our creativity through music with outings to local musical performances, Elvis’ birthday celebrations and concerts by our Joyful Noise Choir. We invite you to Welcome New Beginnings and make regular visits to Juniper Village part of your new year’s goals!

Our fabulous January 2016 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples include our:

§  Elvis’ Birthday Bash as we will be kicking off the New Year with a tribute to the King celebrating his birthday Elvis style with some of his favorite snacks and his classic music, so “Don’t Be Cruel”, put on your “Blue Suede Shoes” and bring your “Hound Dog” to this rock and roll party on January 8^th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. (RSVP by January 3^rd to 239-598-1368.)

§  50’s Musical Family Luncheon for a wonderful taste of delightful musical cuisine as we start the New Year off with an appreciation for whimsical music and melodious food, then join us after for the musical renderings of Perry Photos on January 21^st from noon to 2:00 pm. (RSVP by January 14^th to 239-598-1368.)

§  Chakrah Balancing with Jennifer for physical, emotional, and spiritual harmony as Chakrah balancing opens and balances the body’s energy centers producing a calming effect and enhancing energy flow, so please dress comfortably, and join us for this an interactive class on January 26^th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. (RSVP by January 21^st to 239-598-1368.)

We look forward to sharing our January 2016 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as we Welcome New Beginnings.

Giving Back Because It Feels So Good!

Residents of Juniper Village at Naples volunteer at St. Mathews House thrift store in Naples. The miracle is not that we volunteer our time, but that our residents are happy to work. Knowing we cannot do much but we did something to help means more than words can say. We celebrate our little things like our volunteer accomplishments by stopping for a sweet treat.

Here Comes Santa Clause!

'Tis the Season of extra celebration from Christmas to Hanukkah joyful music and rays of sunshine fills the halls, and All the way from the North Pole Santa comes to visit with us in sunny Florida. With a reminder to all Juniper Village of Naples residents, no matter how young or old you are he’s always watching to see “Who’s been naughty and who’s been nice.” During his visit we were able to capture some magical photos of Santa celebrating with our residents and families, as well as employee’s, and even our pet visitors who stopped by for a visit.

December 2015 Events in Naples, FL: Celebrate Little Things

This month is all about celebrations! Not only will we be celebrating holidays such as Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve, but we will also celebrate the little things that make life worthwhile. Little things such as the reassuring touch of a friend’s hand, a kind word from an acquaintance and a warm smile from a stranger.

In our all too busy lives we sometimes forget to honor the simple things in life that bring us peace and joy. Most experts recommend that we allow 10-20 minutes of relaxation and stress relief each day. Making time for that can even be a stressful experience! During this busy month of baking, shopping, visitors and juggling tasks take time to remember what is really important.

Here are some tips to keep holiday stress in check: Acknowledge your feelings – you are not alone as holiday stress is not uncommon. Be realistic with expectations – you can only do so much, learn to say no. Ask for help when needed – everyone wants to be needed and may feel more included by being able to contribute. Plan ahead to minimize unplanned expenses and tasks. Take a breather – take a walk at night and do some stargazing, listen to soothing music, or get a massage. Above all enjoy all the holidays have to offer by sharing time with others.

Join us during the busy month of December for our annual cookie exchange and holiday celebrations. Take time to Celebrate Little Things with those you love.

Our fabulous December 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples include our:

§  Photo Shoot with Santa as we bring the kids, grand-kids or the neighbors, for some Holiday treats and pictures with the Jolly Old Fellow himself on December 5^th from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. (RSVP by December 1^st to 239-598-1368.)

§  Celebrate the Little Things as we celebrate the season of renewal and hope, come and have a delicious lunch and celebrate the little things with old friends and new, and delight in the celebration of the Holidays with your Juniper Village at Naples family on December 16^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP by December 9^th to 239-598-1368.)

§  Holiday Bread Exchange for a cup of cheer and delightful appetizers, to escape the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season, and take home a fresh baked Holiday Bread made just for you on December 17^th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. (RSVP by December 4^th to 239-598-1368.)

We look forward to sharing our December 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as we Celebrate Little Things.

Honoring and Remembering our Veterans

Juniper Village at Naples celebrates Veteran's day with a special ceremony - a re-dedication of our Veteran's wall which includes 4 WWII Veteran's. We honor them on this 70th anniversary of WWII. We had a very special Veteran, pin our residents, our family member Ray O'Keefe. Juniper Village at Naples would like to thank our partner in caring- Vitas Healthcare for their participation and providing a beautiful cake in honor of Veteran's day.

November 2015 Events in Naples, FL: Cherish The Journey

Family is a simple word, with complex meaning. To some family is the people you are related to by blood, but to some family is the people you choose to hold in high regard, and to others family isn’t people at all, but animals – our beloved pets.

Regardless of the definition, family plays an important role in our personal journey. As the saying goes, “Family is what you make it.” Whether made of blood relatives, friends, colleagues or pets, your family can offer you the support you need to thrive.

This month we celebrate family and reflect on our personal journeys while creating new memories for the future. Join us as we reminisce about these journeys through autobiographical journaling. Plan to share with those less fortunate through our annual food drive from November 1-30 with all non-perishable food items being donated to a local food bank. Also interact and share with others through our community support groups, and know that you are not alone. Throughout the month we will also be hosting several family events as we celebrate family and give thanks. We encourage you to review our calendar and join us for any or all of our events and Cherish The Journey!

Our fabulous November 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples include our:

§  Cherishing our Veteran’s as on this Veteran’s day we honor all that fought for our freedom and our rights, so please join us for this very special celebration to honor our brave and bold Juniper Village Veterans on November 11^th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by November 6^th.)

§  Cherish the Journey Family Luncheon as we celebrate our families with a traditional Thanksgiving feast featuring roast turkey complete with all the fixings and hearty sides plus decadent desserts on November 18^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by November 11^th.)

§  Candle Light Vigil a very special ceremony to remember those that we have loved and lost this past year as we light a candle in memory of friends, family and those that we cherish most on November 30^th at 7:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our November 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as we Cherish The Journey.

Juniper Village at Naples Receives Perfect Rating!

Juniper Village at Naples received a perfect, deficiency-free rating on their annual Limited Nursing Services (LNS) license care survey.  This survey measures the community’s performance on multiple care, service, and quality measures against the regulations and benchmarks established by the state of Florida. 

Essentially, the LNS license allows senior living communities to provide some degree of nursing care and service above and beyond a standard assisted living license.  “It means that we typically are more able to take somewhat higher acuity residents and better able to allow residents to age in place,” said Maria Ciocca, Executive Director of Juniper Village at Naples.

“We are incredibly proud that Juniper Village at Naples achieved a perfect, deficiency-free survey result.  This speaks volumes about the high level of training and competence of the entire team at this community.  What it means to residents and families is that they can expect nothing less than exemplary care at our Naples community,” expressed Jennifer Harris, Regional Director of Operations.

Sharon Grund, Director of Wellness at Juniper Village explained that the process includes the state coming in to the community and scrutinizing resident care records, making sure the community is compliant with state care regulations, that the highest level of care is being provided, touring the facility and interviewing every resident on LNS care.

In Florida, a Limited Nursing Services (LNS) license allows an assisted living facility with a LNS license to provide the basic services of an assisted living facility as well as specific nursing services. Some of the limited nursing services are:
Nursing assessments
Care and application of routine dressings
Care of casts, braces, and splints
Administration and regulation of portable oxygen
Catheter, colostomy, and ileostomy care and maintenance
Application of cold or heat treatments, passive range of motion exercises, ear and eye irrigations, and other services as defined in law
                                                                    
“We are so proud of the staff here in Naples, and they are so proud to have received such high marks for the care they provide,” said Maria Ciocca.

Benefits of the Small House Model: the Gold Standard for Memory Care

At Juniper Communities we have long subscribed to the belief that the keys to healthy aging include staying physically active and socially connected. For some of us, doing one or both can be more difficult over time.  This is particularly true of some individuals who are living with memory loss. Our job as caregivers and partners in caring is to facilitate new ways of helping residents to be connected to the community - their home - while at the same time fostering a sense of independence.

Environmental features are key in both keeping people physically active and connected with others. A 2011 study by Dr. Margaret Calkins, Ph.D., an internationally recognized leader in the field of environments for the elderly, especially those with Alzheimer’s or dementia,  found that people who lived in small group or cottage settings had less disruptive behaviors and greater socialization.  They (and their families and the staff who cared for them) were also more satisfied—happy.

Another study done in 2011 in the Netherlands by Hilde Verbeek titled Redesigning Dementia Care concurred.  Her research indicated that residents in small-scale living communities were significantly more socially engaged and displayed fewer physically non-aggressive behaviors, such as wandering, than residents in larger, traditional settings.  They experienced greater wellbeing and less stress—they were happier. The study also found that residents in this “person-environment model” developed an individually meaningful experience of choice, mastery and relationship.  They developed a feeling of “at-homeness” or happiness!

Understanding the Small House Model

Caroline Cantley in her 2002 book Put Yourself in My Place stated that there is broad agreement that desirable dementia care homes be small scale, which she defined as 6-14 residents.  Getting much larger, she and her colleagues said, is a distinct move away from a “family feel” towards something more institutional.  Different research provides other specific numbers, Dr. Calkins suggests between 9 and 24 residents, but they all are within this general range.  Larger communities may mitigate their size with their layout, such as linking several smaller houses together to achieve economies of scale.

Juniper has been well ahead of the trend as we have owned and operated two types of small house models for more than a decade.  Two of our small house models, Aurora and Louisville, both in Colorado, were purpose built by Juniper in 1999 and 2000 respectively, as part of our initiative to provide leading-edge care to residents living with memory impairments. These two communities include four small houses, each with 12 or 13 rooms, virtually all private, surrounding a town hall area. Each town hall provides destination locations consisting of multiple familiar spaces such as an office suite, game room, library, country store, and gymnasium, where residents from all houses can go for additional services or programs. In this model, where the houses are linked, all staff are readily available to assist if needed.

Juniper’s other three memory communities although not purpose built by Juniper, were acquired between 2006 and 2014, in part based on their similar design.  All three are based on a small house or cottage model.  For instance our community in Naples, Florida is a campus with six small cottages, each home to 15 residents in a combination of private and semi-private rooms, spread across lovely grounds connected by walking paths and gardens.  Another, acquired around the same time, has three neighborhoods of 12 residents each in a combination of private and semi-private rooms, which open onto a central common area.

In both models, residents at Juniper’s communities live within a short walk to the living room, kitchen and dining areas.  The environment is homelike; there are no nurses’ stations and no medication carts that block the hallways.  Staff wear polo shirts, not scrubs, and are trained to engage residents in activities of daily living, as well as social and recreational activities.  In both models, there are large, accessible and safe outdoor spaces surrounding the community.

Download the full white paper.

October 2015 Events in Naples, FL: Show Your Colors

Every October we turn our Alive in All Seasons focus to holidays and sports as we “Keep the Spirit” during this last celebratory quarter of the year. Sporting events are inevitably part of that celebration for many families.

According to Dr. Renee Clauselle, founder of Child and Family Psychology, “Bonding over sports — the highs and lows of the game — strengthens ties, helps us feel supported, and makes it easier for you to open up about personal things.” Think of sports as an opportunity to connect with others over a favorite – or even rival – team and learn more about each other. Even strangers can learn more about where they grew up, which teams they support, which sports they played and how those sports are different today. You may even learn something about your loved ones that you never knew. Perhaps great-grandma played softball in a women’s league during college. That would be something to pass along to future generations! Watching a sporting event can become so much more than plays and scores; it can become an opportunity to learn the history of someone you love.

Join us this month and “Show Your Colors” as we sponsor a local sports team, get into the spirit of the season with our Halloween Costume Party and honor those associates who go above and beyond with our annual Juniper Spirit Awards.

Our fabulous October 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples include our:

§  “Show your Colors” Family Luncheon to enjoy all your favorite stadium foods, hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn and cracker jacks, at our Juniper Village tailgating luncheon so wear your favorite team jersey or hat and show your colors on October 20^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by October 13^th.)

§  Savoring Life’s Memories event with Lenore Farkas as our guest speaker for an afternoon full of storytelling and music, who is considered a “laughter leader” in a celebration to savor life’s most precious moments on October 22^nd from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by October 15^th.)

§  Trick or Treat our Haunted Village as walking through the courtyard path, I spy a yummy treat and Halloween is here again, so bring the kids, grand kids, or just come yourself to the Haunted Juniper Village and fill your bag with treats on October 30^th at 1:30 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by October 23^rd.)

We look forward to sharing our October 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as we Show Your Colors.

September 13 – 19 is National Assisted Living Week

Understand the senior living options available

This year, National Assisted Living Week’s theme is Nourishing Life: Mind, Body and Spirit and celebrates the countless ways assisted living caregivers nurture the whole resident. This has been the basis of Juniper Village at Naples’ mission since we began and is certainly a goal of the industry.

With the percentage of the U.S. population over age 65 steadily increasing, it is important to understand the many options available in specialized residences and the level of care they provide for the growing and varied needs of seniors.

In addition to the type of community, it is equally important to find one that offers compassionate care, unparalleled access to healthcare – preferably onsite, programming that will stimulate you such as Music & Memory, and a commitment to continued improvement.

Personal Care/Assisted Living residences are for seniors who require the least amount of care. Meals are provided along with assistance in medication management, bathing, and dressing, if needed. Housekeeping and laundry services may also be available. Community social activities or outings may be offered, and depending on their preferences and budgets, residents may have the option of choosing a private room or a shared apartment.

Although some Assisted Living residences may provide services for seniors with cognitive impairment, a Memory Care residence is a specialized community for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Providing 24-hour supervision and security, the Memory Care environment is designed to meet the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s patients.

A Skilled Nursing Care residence, sometimes known as a nursing home, provides the highest level of care for its residents as well as round-the-clock availability of medical care. Seniors in these communities may be incontinent or require assistance with eating, walking, and moving about the bed.  Skilled Nursing Care residences usually provide long-term care for seniors who are too sick or frail for other types of residences.

In recognition of National Assisted Living Week, remember, when independent living becomes too difficult, moving into a senior living community that offers appropriate levels of care based on an individual’s need can often be the best solution.

Glowing Endorsement from Resident's Family Member

Yesterday, we received this letter from one of our resident’s family members with a glowing endorsement of and sincere gratitude for the excellent level of care and compassion we provide. 

(The image below was edited only to remove their last name for privacy.)

September 2015 Events in Naples, FL: Spread Your Joy

As the air begins to cool and summer wanes, Juniper Village ends our “Stay Connected” series by recognizing Friendship and Joy. What is it that brings you joy? Is it the wet nose of a newborn pup? The smile of your first grandchild? The taste of a triple chocolate ice cream cone? Whatever it is we invite you to share that joy with others at Juniper Village this month.

Much attention has been paid to studies regarding the effects of stress on your health, but what about the effects of joy? The landmark “Nun Study,” as it's often known, revealed that positive emotion is correlated with longevity: 90% of the most cheerful quarter of nuns was alive at the age of eighty-five, whereas only 34% of the least cheerful quarter lived to that age. Similarly, 54% of the most cheerful fourth was alive at age ninety-four, versus 11% of the least cheerful. Of the 678 sisters in the original study about four dozen are still living. So go ahead, grab that triple chocolate cone it might just extend your life!

This month we invite you to “Spread Your Joy” as we honor our friendships in our Red Hat and Villager clubs and our Best Friends events; get our hands dirty at our Friendship Daffodil Project; and celebrate with our Birthday Party and House Warming Initiatives.

Our fabulous September 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples include our:

§  Creating with Clay pottery program as we create our own unique pieces of artwork working with self-drying clay and incorporate exercise with creative fun adding outstanding dimension to our lives on September 11^th from 10:30 am to noon. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by September 4^th.)

§  Friendship Family Luncheon as we join our loved ones and friends for a wonderful picnic lunch and enjoy BBQ chicken, a baked potato, and yummy fruit salad on September 17^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by September 10^th.)

§  Wine and Whiskers as we get together and help our four legged friends with donations to the Humane Society of Naples while we enjoy a glass of wine and sample delicious treats prepared by our own Chef Steven on September 29^th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by September 22^nd.)

We look forward to sharing our September 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as we Spread Your Joy.

August 2015 Events in Naples, FL: Breathe in Life

As we continue our summer focus on Staying Connected, we devote our August 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village in Naples to connecting to the Environment. One of our Signature Programs is the Green Canopy Program. This program is designed to support healthier living for our residents and staff through environmentally conscious communities and events. This program directly supports this month’s focus on the environment and our vision to make the world a better place, a place where each of us can live fully throughout all seasons of life.

Margaret Mead reminds us that “We won't have a society if we destroy the environment.” To that end, Juniper Village has created Green Teams in each of our communities to support our environmental initiatives by assisting with our recycling and energy efficiency programs – such as using CFL light bulbs and Energy Star rated appliances, while making suggestions for additional programs to increase quality of life and promote sustainability in our communities. Have you met your Juniper Village Green Team? This month during our August 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples our Green Teams will share their mission with the greater community by heading up initiatives to help others learn how to live a more sustainable life through our Wide-Scale Recycling Programs, our Environmental Stability Program and the Implantation of our Green Teams. Stop in for one of our educational programs, recycling and upcycling events or anything else that strikes your fancy this month with our August 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples as we Breathe in Life!

Our fabulous August 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples include our:

§  Free Document Shredding Event to bring in your old documents, newspapers, magazines and files to have them shredded so you don’t throw them in the trash to keep your identity safe and our environment clean on August 18^th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by August 11^th.)

§  Go Green Family Luncheon as we take “going green” literally from lime-aide to key-lime pie, this luncheon will make Kermit the frog green with envy on August 25^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by August 18^th.)

§  “Out and About Travel Series” Mt. Rainier National Park presented by Steven Valdespino, M.A. for a beautiful tour of this spectacular national treasure complete with music and sounds from nature to get a feel for the flora, fauna, trails, and even night sky of this amazing park on August 31^st from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by August 25^th.)

We look forward to sharing our August 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as we Breathe in Life.

Caring for an American Hero: Juniper Village at Naples' CPL Jack Skeels

Corporal Jack R. Skeels is an American hero.  He served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. He is one of a rapidly dwindling number of living WWII veterans.   As a Radio Defense Medic, he served in the Atlantic-Pacific Theaters and earned numerous service medals.

Mr. Skeels was a humble man and rarely spoke about his experience, but his awards and medals tell the story:  Victory Medal, Atlantic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, two Overseas Stripes, and Exceptional Conduct Medal.  Mr. Skeels married his wife Lois in 1943 and she followed him to most of his postings during the war.  After the war, Mr. Skeels first job was as a salesman with the Fuller Brush Company.  He worked in sales for his entire adult life and ultimately became VP of Sales for Rapistan Conveyor Company.

When this American hero developed dementia late in life, Lois continued to care for him at home as long as possible.  When the time came to move him into a memory care setting, they chose Juniper Village at Naples.

“One of my dear friends and neighbors had her husband at Juniper Village at Naples.  She told me that the care he received was wonderful and that I should check it out.  I visited Juniper Village at Naples and was impressed with what I saw and realized that I could let him go and know was he was safe and well cared for”, stated Lois Skeels.

One of the Juniper Village at Naples team members stated that Mr. Skeels is her best friend.  To this day, he dazzles with his sparkling blue eyes and charming smile.

We are honored to be caring for this American hero.  

Juniper Village at Naples gets New Leadership to Implement Integrated Model of Assisted Living Care and Service

Juniper Communities is pleased to announce the appointment of veteran leadership in the position of Executive Director for Juniper Village at Naples. Maria Ciocca, who has worked in the senior living industry for 25 years, and with Juniper for the past five, will be implementing Juniper’s Connect 4 Life model of integrated care locally.

For nearly two decades, Juniper Communities has been a thought leader in senior living care, developing innovative service and delivery programs to enhance aging, lifestyle and resident health.  Embracing the current changing landscape of healthcare and how it is delivered, Juniper has pioneered its Connect 4 Life model which reduces hospital admissions and readmissions; improves medication reconciliation which results in fewer medication errors; and increases functional ability.

With more than 20 communities across the country, including Juniper Village at Naples and Juniper Village at Cape Coral, the company is receiving industry accolades for its C4L model.

The model has three key components and offers a unique alternative to more traditional senior living providers. The opportunities that the model capitalizes on include:

• Intentional use of data and outcomes to drive quality, define performance and guide operations.
• Integrating primary care physicians directly into senior living settings via a patient-centered medical home model.
• Cultivating wellbeing through therapy-driven physical wellness programming and seamless access to other services through strategic partnerships and alliances.

“Achieving better health for older adults will depend heavily on a multi-pronged approach to wellness – one that encompasses physical health, mental and spiritual wellness, social interaction and much more,” explains Lynne Katzmann, CEO and Founder of Juniper Communities. “Our integrated Connect 4 Life model does just that, it emphasizes a richly active and engaged approach to healthy aging and ultimately decreasing costs. We are extremely pleased to have Maria Ciocca spearhead our effort in Naples.”

The Power of Music and Art on Those with Dementia: Featured Programs at Juniper Village at Naples

The term dementia describes the symptoms of memory loss and cognitive decline associated with many different conditions/diagnoses. Some of these diagnoses include:

• Destruction of brain cells such as with Alzheimer’s (the most common) and some other neurological diseases

• Vascular dementia which results from disruption of blood flow such as occurs with strokes

• Traumatic brain injury, which can include repeated mild to moderate concussions (as in some professional football players who have developed dementia) or a single very significant head injury

• Frontal-temporal dementia, affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain — the areas generally associated with personality, behavior and language.

• Long-term, chronic drug and alcohol abuse

With the various types of dementia, this process of information connection and retrieval is disrupted.

Recognize the value of some very new research and programs that seek to improve the lives of people living with dementia. Much of the current research focuses on the value of music, art, dance, and social connections in treatment of dementia.

Two of those incredibly valuable initiatives are featured here: Memories in the Making which is a program developed by the Alzheimer’s Association and Music & Memory a program developed by Dan Cohen and his organization of the same name.

Art Without Boundaries is an innovative program that enables persons with Alzheimer’s, stroke, brain injury and related disorders who are experiencing losses in their ability to verbally communicate their thoughts and feelings, to express themselves through art.  Certified facilitators help people with dementia – many of whom often have no art background – create drawings and paintings. These sessions provide participants social interaction and boost their self-confidence while opening the channels of communication with loved ones.

Art Without Boundaries has been part of our Juniper Village at Naples community for five years.   Each year we celebrate with an annual art show featuring the resident artists.

Research shows that persons with dementia, Parkinson’s and other diseases that damage brain chemistry can reconnect to the world and gain improved quality of life from listening to personal music favorites.

The power of music can spark compelling outcomes even in the very late stages of the disease. Research also concludes that music can shift mood, manage stress-induced agitation, stimulate positive interactions, facilitate cognitive function, and coordinate motor movements. This is due to the fact that rhythmic and other well-rehearsed responses are influenced by the motor center of the brain and require little to no cognitive or mental processing. A person’s ability to engage in music remains intact late into the disease.

In selecting music for a Music & Memory program, music from the individual’s young adult years (18 to 25) typically have the strongest responses and the most potential for engagement. As individuals with dementia progress into the later stages of the disease, music from their childhood, such as folk songs and nursery rhymes, work well.

Juniper Communities is proud to be part of both the Memories in the Making program through the Alzheimer’s Association and the Music & Memory program started by Dan Cohen. To learn more about these programs visit our website and download the full version of this white paper.

July 2015 Events in Naples, FL: Stand in Integrity

With our July 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples this month we kick off our summer quarter Alive In All Seasons theme “Stay Connected” where we will strive to stay connected to the community and the environment. Throughout July we will focus on staying connected to our community through Volunteerism, where we Stand In Integrity. The biggest and most visible benefit of volunteering is the impact on the community. Unpaid volunteers work magic in unifying communities. Through volunteer work you are able to connect with your community on a deeper level and help to make it a better place to live and grow. But what we don’t always realize is that volunteering is a two-way street. Volunteers benefit as much as the causes they support. Through volunteering you make new friends, expand your professional, social and support networks and boost your social skills. So, give it a try and experience the benefits of giving of yourself.

If you are looking for opportunities to share your time, check with our Connections Directors to see what opportunities we have, or join us in one of our volunteer projects. Also plan to join us during our July 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples as we recognize our Ambassador Program, focus on our Resident Computer Center and training or any other calendar item that catches your eye.

Our fabulous July 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples include our:

§  Back to School Fundraiser for a wonderful cause to help the children of our future by donating school supplies, such as pencils, notebook paper, glue, etc, while joining us for light refreshments and all donations will be given to our local schools in Collier county on July 14^th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by July 7^th)

§  Debbie and Friends Family Council with Debbie Fulton of the Alzheimer’s Support Network who will touch on many subjects that caregivers and loved ones face on a daily basis, so join us and bring your questions for discussion on July 23^rd from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by July 16^th)

We look forward to sharing our July 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as we Stand in Integrity.

A Day in the Life of Juniper Village at Naples

At Juniper Village at Naples, we believe in the value of nurturing an active body, engaged mind, and fulfilled spirit.  Every day we incorporate these values into our activities throughout the community.  For instance, we may do a group activity such as resident basketball for our more social folks or we may do a one on one activity such as Music & Memory for those who prefer less interaction.  We tailor all of our programs to each individual through our My Life Story resident profile.  Even our daily routines foster these values, as an example every meal provides an opportunity to share good food and spirited interaction. 

Many of you know Juniper Village at Naples through our fabulous celebratory highlighted events, but for our residents it is our regular daily events and activities that truly nurture the spirit of life!

Happy Father's Day Western Style!

The Dads at Juniper Village at Naples celebrated Father's Day with some good ole fashioned cowboy grub! They enjoyed barbecued ribs, baked beans, coleslaw and a corn muffin. They washed it down with some homemade Meyers lemonade!  They finished off this cowboy meal with some Brown Apple Betty with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream! Cowboy hats were optional- but everyone joined in on the fun! Happy Father's Day!

Come on a Safari with me!

The Kowiachobee Animal Preserve came to Juniper Village at Naples! We saw a skunk, a Cockatoo, and some even held a snake! Residents and families enjoyed this educational hands-on experience. We had plenty of Jungle food on hand, including a delicious animal cracker snack mix! Of course, we also enjoyed healthy vegetable sticks with fresh fruit and cheese. A wild time was had by all!

June 2015 Events in Naples, FL: Live in Wellness

We close this quarter’s theme of Healthy Aging: “Let Wellbeing Thrive” with a focus on Food, as we Live in Wellness through our June 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples. Hippocrates advises, “Let food be thy medicine”. Research shows that eating a well-planned, balanced mix of foods every day has many health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, bone loss, some kinds of cancer, and anemia. But, food has other benefits. There are also emotional needs that are satisfied by food. Most of us have fond memories of food from days gone by. Whether it was our mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies, a hotdog from a street vendor or our wedding cake, food has a way of transporting us back to the past. It is in that spirit that Juniper’s dining program is called the H’art and Soul of Dining. The philosophy is that we impart spirited service, companionship and nourishment through the sharing of good food. In addition to meeting our resident’s unique nutritional needs, we also meet their emotional and social needs as well.

Join us for our June 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples to share in our hydration program, complete with healthy snacks and learn more about healthy food and wellness with our dietitian presentations as we continue to Live in Wellness.

Our fabulous June 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples include our:

§  Celebrating Dad Family Luncheon with Juniper Village at Naples’ Father’s Day Western BBQ to enjoy some good ol’ BBQ including baked beans, corn bread and coleslaw, so put on your cowboy hat and ride over on June 17^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by June 11^th.)

§  Peanut Butter and Jelly Happy Hour because during the school year, Collier county school district makes sure that every child receives a lunch and doesn’t go hungry, even if they can’t afford it, but during the summer months that doesn’t happen, so bring in jars of peanut butter and jelly to help those in need on June 25^th from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

We hope to see you at one or more of our June 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples!

2015 Juniper Leadership Conference Awards

Juniper celebrated its 27^th anniversary this year.  Each year communities are honored for their achievements in critical operational and financial areas.

Awards were presented at the 2015 Juniper Leadership Conference, held this year in Baltimore’s historic inner harbor.  Awards were presented by Lynne Katzmann, founder and CEO of Juniper Communities, and Diane Byrne, Vice President of Program, Development, Training & Operational Oversight.

At the recent Juniper leadership conference, Juniper Village at Naples was presented the Juniper Referral Outreach Award in recognition of achieving the highest number of Assisted Living referrals in 2014.

May 2015 Events in Naples, FL: Grow Strong Daily

Fitness is on our mind during our May 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with our Alive In All Seasons theme “Grow Strong Daily”. As you know, physical activity is good for you both physically and mentally. Regular physical activity can help you to continue to do the things you love and stay independent as you age. Exercise can reduce the risk of developing some diseases and reduce symptoms of some chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and balance issues.

But, if exercise has not been a part of your daily routine how do you take that first step? Start by making it fun! Turn a walk around the block into a scavenger hunt – search for daffodils, birds, squirrels or lucky pennies. Instead of a dip in the pool, create an adventure as you pretend to swim with the dolphins. Rather than send your co-worker an email, walk to her office and communicate face to face, double the benefit with a smile! What’s important is to make it fun and just start – today!

 

Join us for our May 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples as we will Grow Strong Daily with Fitness Five, and walk “cross country” with our Route 66 Walking Program and learn more about keeping our hearts fit at our Healthy Heart Luncheon. We look forward to sharing these and many other activities with you this month. Peruse this month’s calendar, and we will see you soon!

Our fabulous May 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples include our:

§  Celebrating Mom Family Luncheon so come enjoy a delightful meal and delightful company with mom while you take a stroll through the “garden” and dine with us “el fresco” as we enjoy wonderful dishes from nature’s bounty on May 8^th at noon. (RSVP to 239-598-1368)

§  Friends of Debbie Family and Friends Support Group hosted by Debbie Fulton of the Alzheimer’s Support Network for this month’s topic of Communication and Levels of Dementia while light refreshments are served on May 13^th at 2:30 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368)

§  Blessing of the Veterans to show your support and honor our Veterans, as we celebrate the men and women that served our country with Chaplain Jim Fondriest of Vitas Hospice who will conduct this honorable ceremony so exercise your right to wear your Red, White and Blue, and join us for a most memorable afternoon on May 20^th at 2:30 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368)

We hope to see you at one or more of our May 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples!

April 2015 Events in Naples, FL: Believe in Yourself

Welcome to April - the name derived from the Latin word Aperire meaning “to open”; the month when everything starts to bloom and come alive. What better time to really put forth your best efforts and see the true beauty inside than the month in which everything begins anew! Diana Ross, in the Wiz, advises “believe in yourself, right from the start. You'll have brains; you’ll have a heart; you’ll have courage to last your whole life through if you believe in yourself.” So let’s put our best foot forward, believe in ourselves and we can move mountains!

Join us for our April 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples as we pull pranks on April Fool’s Day; honor Jesus Christ on Good Friday, followed by hiding Easter eggs; celebrate the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery on Passover; and celebrate mother earth on Earth Day and Arbor Day. Peruse this month’s calendar as we focus on the brain through our Daily Brain Builders, Wii tournaments and our Healthy Brain Luncheon. Plan to join us for any and all events. Also, check out our Healthy Aging Resource Library to learn more about the brain or any number of health related topics. We look forward to seeing you during this fun filled month.

Our fabulous April 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples include our:

Ø  Spring Time Healthy Luncheon for we need more than nutrients essential; our human brains, have so much potential; assorted berries, a memory boost; apples protect us, cancers reduced; cherries fight inflammation; dark chocolate boosts our circulation; oysters provide us with plenty of zinc; aging and healing, there is a link; eggs and fish, will build our brains; all these foods, have countless gains; come feast and learn on April 15^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by April 8^th)

Ø  Healthy Habits Healthy You discussion led by Dr. Catherine Cruikshank, director of education from the Florida Gulf coast chapter of the Alzheimer’s association, to show you how healthy habits can mean a healthier body and brain on April 21^st from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by April 21^st)

Ø  Kowiachobee Animal Preserve Happy Hour to enjoy refreshments and drinks while meeting the animals and getting up close with Ricky the Tortoise, Sidney the Cockatoo or Baby the Skunk as the animal keepers let you in on some interesting stories on April 23^rd from 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by April 16^th)

We hope to see you at one or more of our April 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples!

Juniper Communities Introduces Theralink for Onsite Integrated Therapy at Juniper Village at Naples

Juniper Communities, a national owner-operator of Juniper Village senior living communities, is rolling out Theralink in all its facilities, and locally at Juniper Village at Naples. Theralink is an on-site program designed to help residents regain and maintain independence, fitness and overall wellbeing. It is being implemented through a newly established partnership between Juniper Communities and Genesis Rehab Services.

“Rehabilitation, restorative services, and fitness are vital to healthy aging and whole person wellness,” explains Lynne Katzmann, CEO and Founder of Juniper Communities. “Coordinated with other clinical services permits, Juniper will be able to provide integrated post-acute care onsite at the communities through Theralink. This is especially important for Juniper’s residents who want and need more intensive rehabilitation services in their ‘home’.”

Grant Welson, Area Director for Genesis Rehab Services states, “Juniper is taking an industry lead by creating Theralink to offer onsite therapy services where they are integrated into everyday patient care. Feedback from preliminary implementation from Juniper’s residents has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The Theralink program will provide physical, occupational, speech, and when needed respiratory therapy that is integrated into the care Juniper currently delivers. Elements of Theralink include special balance and strength training, and fall prevention programs; technology and apps that facilitate and record personal fitness training; dementia management programs that integrate cognitive and occupational therapies; cardiopulmonary management; and monthly assessment reports.

March 2015 Events in Naples, FL: Your Treasure Is Within

Treasure hunting has been around forever! The search for riches has evolved from archaeological digs revealing lost treasure to present day treasure hunts such as television’s “The Amazing Race”. Much has been written about the allure of treasure, but one thing that we’ve come to realize is that the treasure within is the most valuable of all. Each one of us has a treasure within and through our March 2015 events in Naples, FL we will be exploring that treasure at Juniper Village at Naples - be it your ability to sing, play a musical instrument, recite dramatic prose or balance a spoon at the end of your nose. No treasure is too small! In the immortal words of Captain Jack Sparrow, “Not all treasure’s silver and gold, mate.”

With our March 2015 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples we end our Creative Expressions Series with a focus on Performance. Please join us during our March 2015 events in Naples, FL while we recognize “Your Treasure is Within” as we provide opportunities to express yourself through our weekly drama clubs and by attending theatrical performances. If step dancing and corned beef and cabbage is more your thing, sample all that is Irish with our annual St. Patrick’s Day party or walk the red carpet and share your movie trivia skills at our Oscar Party.

Our fabulous March 2015 events in Naples, FL include our The Calendar Girls Performance by a song and dance team made up of 30 delightfully dangerous, doggie-lovin divas who will delight us with their song and dance performance on March 12^th at 3:00 pm; our St. Patrick’s Day Family Luncheon may the road rise up to meet you and may the wind always be at your back on your way here as it’s time for the wearin’ of the green at a delicious Irish lunch with family and friends on March 17^th at noon; or our Veteran Pinning Ceremony as we honor those that served our country with The Collier County Honor flight and a special performance by Curt Smythe of patriotic tunes for all to sing along on March 25^th at 3:00 pm.  Please RSVP for these events by calling 239-598-1368.

We hope to see you at one or more of our March 2015 events in Naples, FL, so check out our calendar for more!

Artful Passion

Juniper Village at Naples residents show their talents through art. Art from the Heart is one of the many wonderful programs offered in our connections department. Residents Awaken Their Passion for art through painting with an experienced artist. On February 26^th families will have the opportunity to view their loved ones paintings, and for a nominal donation, take home a beautiful memory.

Alive Inside Screening; New Memory Care Program

On January 22nd, Juniper Village at Naples showed the popular Sundance film called Alive Inside.  It portrays the power of music and memory as the film documents stories of several elderly people whether living in their own home still or a community.  There was not a dry eye in the house as everyone was moved to tears by the incredible impact of personalized music on the residents showcased in the film.  Everyone was interested in how they could best help to bring the power of music to their loved ones.  As of February, we will begin to distribute iPods to our Wellspring memory care residents and creating individualized personal playlists for them to listen with some of their favorite oldies.  This is the basis of our music and memory program that we are starting up.  

Awaken Your Passion: February Events

This month at Juniper Village we continue our Creative Expressions Series with a focus on Art.

Creating art for many of our seniors has been a lifelong passion, for others it may have been a casual hobby or serious vocation. Whatever the reason, art has substantial benefits to our bodies, minds and spirits! In Successful Aging, John W. Rowe, MD, and Robert L. Kahn, PhD, discuss key aspects of successful aging: low risk of disease, high mental and physical functioning, and being actively engaged in life. Expressive art activities promote active engagement in life in positive, healthy, and fulfilling ways - in other words, nurturing the spirit of life. Recent studies further indicate that older adults who participate in art programs have fewer doctor visits, use less medication, and experience a lower rate of depression – all resulting in lower healthcare costs.

Our fabulous activity offerings this month include our Mardi Gras Family Luncheon for a traditional Cajun feast straight out of New Orleans as we’ll be dancing in the streets with our feathers, beads and masks on February 11^th from noon to 1:00 pm (RSVP by February 4^th to 239-598-1368); our Friends of Debbie Family Council with Debbie Fulton of the Alzheimer’s Support Network who will meet with families and friends to discuss Nurturing the Spirit of Life and how your life completely changes when your loved one has dementia but you can still “nurture” your own life without the guilt on February 18^th at 2:30 pm (RSVP by February 11^th to 239-598-1368); or our 5th Annual Resident Art Exhibit a mix and mingle art sale to benefit the Alzheimer’ Support Network featuring work by our residents who have awakened their passion for art so don’t miss this opportunity to join friends and families for a worthy cause and meet Jim Rice and Sharon Kirkland our art instructors while enjoying wine and appetizers on February 28^th from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm (RSVP by February 19^th to 239-598-1368).

Look through our calendar and plan to join us this month and “Awaken Your Passion” as we explore various mediums to expression through weekly art programs and visits to local art museums. Or, if art isn’t your thing, tailgate with us during the Super Bowl, await the Ground Hog’s prediction, our join in one of our festive celebrations on Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day or Mardi Gras.