Pinecones!! Pinecones!! Oh what fun!

Decorating your home with your family and friends is one of the most exciting things to do during the holiday season. Nature is one of the best places to look for craft inspirations. Incorporating nature into your home decoration is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday.  What better way to use a pinecones to give a natural touch to your home decors. Today we crafted a simple pinecone into a holiday tree. Oh, what fun we had with joyful holiday music and sipping cocoa with friends.

December 2016 Events in Naples, FL: Cherish the Journey

Juniper Village nurtures wellbeing by encouraging an active body, an engaged mind and a fulfilled spirit. This month this custom is more evident than ever as we share our celebratory spirit - mind, body and soul. December is a month filled with holidays and celebrations, but at Juniper we like to kick it up a notch! All around the community all of your senses will be stimulated as you see traditional holiday décor, hear joyous laughter and singing, smell heavenly treats baking and taste them as well. We will celebrate all the joyous little things that make this time of year so special. Traditions both old and new will be honored. And through sharing our numerous cultures and traditions with each other we will learn more about each other, opening the door to deeper understanding.

This month take a moment to reflect on the little things that bring joy to your life. Reminisce about the traditions from your past and the new traditions you have started with your family. Celebrate the holiday season with us as we share a bit of ourselves with our annual cookie exchange and ethnic holiday celebrations. December is always an eventful month and we look forward to sharing it with you.

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

§  Holiday Sweets Exchange because with the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season, why not join us for a cup of cheer and delightful appetizers, then take home a fresh baked Holiday Sweet as our Thank you to you for all you do all year on December 8th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. (RSVP by December 7th to 239-598-1368.)

§  Celebrate the Little Things Family Luncheon 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 family on December 21st from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP by December 14th to 239-598-1368.)

We look forward to sharing our December 2016 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as you Cherish the Journey.

Honoring and Remembering our Veterans

November 11^th- a day set aside to Honor and Remember those men and women who have bravely fought for our Freedom. Juniper Village at Naples was privileged to honor 17 Veteran residents this November – with 6 residents serving in WWII. A proud moment as one of our own family members Veteran Ray O’Keefe respectfully honored his elder Veterans with a very heartfelt speech. At Juniper Village at Naples, we honor our Veterans not only on Veteran’s Day, but every day of the year, nurturing their Spirit of Life in all Seasons.  

Juniper Giraffes enjoy Elephant Fest at the Naples Zoo

Residents, staff and families of Juniper Village at Naples took a trip to the Naples Zoo hosted by the Alzheimer’s Support Network at the annual Elephant Fest. Lions, tigers and of course giraffe’s were just some of the wonderful animals that were seen along the beautiful walking paths within the zoo. What a wonderful sight to see so many Memory Care communities coming together to support such a worthy group and cause.  Juniper Village at Naples is proud to partner with the Alzheimer’s Support Network in support of our residents and families.

November 2016 Events in Naples, FL: Cherish the Journey

Each November we turn our attention to Family with our Alive In All Seasons Theme: Cherish the Journey. We have always enjoyed helping our residents chronical their individual life journeys through journaling. In addition to keeping track of the daily happenings in our lives, journaling has surprising health benefits as well. University of Texas at Austin psychologist and researcher James Pennebaker contends that regular journaling strengthens immune cells, called T-lymphocytes. He also believes that writing about stressful events helps you come to terms with them, thus reducing the impact of stress on your health. Other research indicates that journaling decreases the symptoms of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Scientific evidence also shows that writing your thoughts down can help clarify your thoughts and feelings, help you to know yourself better, reduce stress, and problem solve more effectively. An additional benefit of journaling is that you are leaving a legacy for future generations. Review your journal together! Reminiscing about the events in one’s life is a way to affirm who they are, what they’ve accomplished in life and relive happy times. So, pick up a pen and Cherish the Journey, the benefits are endless!

Join our journey through November as we honor and celebrate family and the journey of life with our autobiographical journaling. Help us support our greater community with our annual Food Drive and our on-site support groups. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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

§  Veteran’s Day Ceremony as we honor all who fought for our freedom and our rights, so please join us and Vitas Healthcare for this very special celebration to honor our brave and bold Juniper Village Veterans on November 10^th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. (RSVP by November 7^th to 239-598-1368.)

§  Navigate the Memories Family Luncheon as we celebrate our Families from our family to yours, and cherish the journey that brought us together, so join us for a Thanksgiving feast, and please bring in a non-perishable food item to donate to our annual food drive on November 16^th from noon to 2:00 pm. (RSVP early and no later than November 9^th to 239-598-1368.)

§  Dietary and Lifestyle Intervention Strategies to Address Cognitive Decline because we should all cherish a healthy body as you journey into the world of nutrition with author and dietician, John Fitzsimmons, who will guide us through the strategies of healthy eating and lifestyle choices for mind, body and soul on November 16^th at 3:00 pm. (RSVP by November 10^th to 239-598-1368.)

We look forward to sharing our November 2016 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as you Cherish the Journey.

October 2016 Events in Naples, FL: Show Your Colors

As we say good bye to Indian summer, we welcome the cooler air and slower pace of the autumn season. From warm apple cider, everything pumpkin and end of season hiking trips, there are so many reasons to enjoy autumn. William Cullen Bryant says it best, “Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.” With the seasonal changes now in full swing we see fall flowers appearing where summer blooms once stood and leaves changing into vibrant shades of yellow, orange and red. The evening air has a slight chill and carries the scent of campfires, leaves and cinnamon spice. Our activities turn from swimming and baseball to raking leaves and football. Not only is Mother Nature showing her colors, but we begin to show our team colors with a focus on sports! Join us throughout the month as we bond over sporting events while cheering on our favorite teams, complete with tailgate parties and snacks.

Throughout October we will show our colors as we sponsor and support local sports teams. We will honor our associates who show their colors by “nurturing the spirit of life” with The Juniper Spirit awards. Alas, October would not be complete without celebrating the season with our annual Halloween Costume Party, which is open to ghosts and goblins of all ages. Join us this month and Show Your Colors!

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

§  As We Enter the Holiday Season…. some very important questions may come to mind: what to give my loved one with Dementia, how to handle visiting with many out of town guests and family, et cetera, and Debbie Fulton with the Alzheimer’s Support Network will be here to answer your questions, so come and bring your questions and concerns to this very informative discussion on October 11^th at 2:30 pm. (RSVP to by October 4^th to 239-598-1368.)

§  Team Spirit Family Luncheon to wear your favorite team jersey or hat and show your colors while you enjoy all your favorite stadium foods at our Juniper Village tailgating luncheon, so get your hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jack here on October 19^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP to by October 12^th to 239-598-1368.)

§  Please Speak Up with Dr. Ann Rasmussen, Au.D.CCC-A from Doctors Hearing who is coming to Juniper Village for a house call, so if you or a loved one have ringing in the ears or maybe difficulty understanding what others are saying, Dr. Rasmussen will address these issues and the correlation between Dementia and hearing loss, you’ll want to hear this very informative information on October 25^th at 3:00 pm. (RSVP to by October 18^th to 239-598-1368.)

We look forward to sharing our October 2016 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as you Show Your Colors.

Reduce-Reuse-Recycle

During the entire month of August, Juniper Village at Naples celebrated the environment, by offering free shredding to the community, friends, family and professionals. Shredding and recycling is one thing we can do to preserve our precious environment. Juniper accepted many newspapers, old files and magazines. Basically any recyclable paper product was accepted. This is Juniper Village’s way of giving back to the community and showing our support of Going Green!

September 2016 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!

Join us this month as we celebrate friendship and staying connected with calendar events such as our annual daffodil planting and our home warming, birthday party and Best Friend initiatives.

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

§  The Benefits of Exercise and Endorphins with Jonah Frost of our onsite therapy service Genesis who will present why the endorphins that are generated during exercise make us feel happy on September 12^th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. (Please RSVP by September 5^th to Dinelle at 239-598-1368.)

§  Nurturing your Spirit with a Joyful Family Luncheon because it’s picnic time - rain or shine, so enjoy fried chicken, potato salad and baked beans with your loved ones and friends at this lovely gathering on September 14^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (Please RSVP by September 7^th to Dinelle at 239-598-1368.)

§  Breakfast at “Kittenys” as we’re getting together to help our four-legged furry friends, so join us for delicious, creative treats prepared by our own “Chef Steven” and bring in your donation to help the many homeless, rescued cats of Collier County as donations will be given to the Naples Cat Alliance on September 29^th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. (Please RSVP by September 15^th to Dinelle at 239-598-1368.)

We look forward to sharing our September 2016 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as you Spread Your Joy.

BACK TO SCHOOL ALREADY?

Reading, Writing and Arithmetic! The summer flew by and it is time for the kids to go back to school! Juniper Village at Naples sponsored a wonderful Back to School supply event to help the children of our future in Collier County. Our generous guests donated back packs, glue, pencils, and markers- just to  name a few of the items. Supplies can be quite a financial burden on many families- so every little bit can help! The supplies will be donated to Corkscrew Middle School. Of course no event would be complete without some delicious appetizers! Mini hamburgers, hot dogs and pizzas and finishing off with milk and cookies! Thank you to all families and friends that so generously donated.

The Beat of Our Own Drum (Circle)

It was an exciting event for our residents.  With a large circle of chairs and residents hand in hand, Drum Circle with Rick came to explore our residents' inner abilities and talents. They came with an assortment of musical instruments. Each resident participated with great enthusiasm and creativity. After choosing which instrument they wanted, the residents got to follow what I could only describe as a Native American-style chant filled with different tones and melodies. The tone would go from high to low and the manipulation of the different sounds was quite therapeutic. The care staff, med techs, and connections staff all got involved. The whole cottage was filled with a nostalgic melody.

Caring Future Nurses

This summer Juniper Village at Naples has been blessed with the assistance of Lorenzo Walkers caring future nurses. An internship helps transition students from the classroom to clinical practice, a crucial step in becoming a nurse. Juniper’s residents were truly nurtured with their attendance. Resident’s felt the love and vibrant energy the students brought to the building with them every day. The appreciation Juniper has to such a young staff to choose us for their internship is indescribable.

August 2016 Events in Naples, FL: Breathe in Life

Each August we turn our focus to the environment by offering social events and educational opportunities on living a more environmentally sustainable life. By making caring choices and creating helpful habits we can all make a difference to our planet.

Did you know that an aluminum can may remain in its current condition in a landfill for up to 500 years? That same can, when recycled, can end up back on your grocer’s shelf in as little as two months. Recycling that aluminum can also saves energy. Enough energy, in fact, to power your television for three hours! Aluminum can be recycled over, and over and over again – without limit. Americans will use about 2.5 million plastic bottles every thirty minutes. If that bottle is not recycled it can spend the next 450 years or more in a landfill. A modern glass bottle will take about 4,000 years to biodegrade. Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled again, and again and again. So, the next time you are enjoying a delicious beverage, be conscious of the packaging and make the choice to recycle.

Join us this month as we promote the environment with a focus on our recycling programs – from annual rummage sales to shredding and more; our educational offerings will help you to support our environment and Breathe in Life!

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

§  Paper Shredding Event because during the entire month of August we will celebrate the environment and what we can do to preserve it, and one thing we can easily do is to shred and recycle our old papers, and Juniper is happy to help you with that, so bring in your newspapers, old files and magazines – any recyclable paper product is accepted – and we will shred and recycle it for you FREE, so drop off anytime between August 1^st and August 10^th.

§  We’re Going Green Family Luncheon as we here at Juniper Village again take “going green” literally, and it’s not easy being green, but this luncheon will even make Kermit the frog green with envy on August 10^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP by August 3^rd to Dinelle at 239-598-1368.)

§  “SMILE” They Can See You educational discussion presented by Dr. Catherine Cruikshank of the Alzheimer’s Association on a topic that will help attendees gain the understanding of how our emotions, physical actions, and even our tone of voice, can effect someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, because we are a part of our loved one’s environment by what we say and do on August 23^rd from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. (RSVP by August 16^th to Dinelle at 239-598-1368.)

We look forward to sharing our August 2016 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as you Breathe in Life.

PB & J Fundraiser at Juniper Village is a HUGE success!

The lobby at Juniper Village at Naples was decorated in sparkling purple in anticipation of our 1^st Peanut Butter and Jelly Fundraiser!   Peanut Butter and Jelly was being collected for the children of Collier County. During the school year, many children who cannot afford  lunch receive a free lunch - but during the summer months may have to go without.

Guests arrived toting jars upon  jars of PB & J! We then gathered for some creative appetizers all with a peanut butter and jelly theme- Guests enjoyed Peanut Butter & Sriracha chicken wings with a grape jelly dipping sauce, PB&J sushi rolls- a new twist on a PBJ sandwich! And we couldn’t forget the most delicious peanut butter cookies.

The generosity of our community was shown by the over 300 pounds of Peanut Butter and Jelly that was donated to the local Harry Chapin food bank.  

Father’s Day Celebration!

We all have special memories of our fathers and the intricate role they played in each and every one of our lives. Some of the words to describe our fathers would be love, honor, strength, positive role models, and as our best friend. We often tend to think of our father as our very own Superhero. To help honor these memories and create new traditions here at Juniper Village at Naples we honored father’s day with a Superhero themed Family Luncheon. Families gathered around the beautifully decorated tables in anticipation of a delicious lunch!  Our Chef Steven whipped up a warm hearty superhero shepherds pie, which filled our bellies with delight. Then WOWED our fathers with decadent molten lava cake. Our Superhero Father’s Day luncheon will definitely be a memorable tradition for our fathers.

July 2016 Events in Naples, FL: Stand in Integrity

Ah...the good old summer time filled with lazy, sunny days, ice cold treats, Independence Day celebrations, and get-togethers at the beach. Another sure indication of summer is our Alive in All Seasons theme of Volunteerism.

July is the perfect month to honor all of the many volunteers who contribute thousands of hours of time in service to our communities. From our four-legged volunteers to those of the two legged variety we are proud to say we receive more than 10,000 hours of precious time each year. We simply could not do it without all of your help, and this month we honor you. We will also be promoting the spirit of volunteerism by volunteering our time to help others. If you have some spare time on your hands consider joining us for a volunteer activity or better yet volunteer your time with us, we’d love to have you. What qualities make a good volunteer? Energy, passion, flexibility, creativity, reliability, commitment and perhaps most important of all – integrity.

Volunteerism benefits all parties involved. In addition to making new friends, volunteering also helps increase your self-confidence, provides a sense of purpose, combats depression and helps you stay physically healthy. Helping others also kindles happiness, as the London School of Economics found the more people volunteered, the happier they were.

In addition to volunteering opportunities, plan to join us during July for our summer celebrations and share our thanks as we honor those who Stand In Integrity with us.

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

§  Patriotic Family Luncheon because Uncle Sam wants you to volunteer your time to come out and celebrate our country’s Independence, so wear your red, white and blue and bring your appetite too; we’ll have BBQ chicken, baked potatoes and other yummy picnic foods on July 6^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by July 1^st.)

§  Back to School Fundraiser to help the children of our future by donating school supplies please bring pencils, notebook paper, glue, pens, et cetera, and enjoy some light refreshments as all donations will be given to the local schools in Collier County on July 21^st from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by July 14^th.)

§  Debbie and Friends Family Council “Compassionate Deception” Your Loved One’s Reality– it’s their world with Debbie Fulton of the Alzheimer Support Network will lead the discussion on how you can respond to your loved one, when their reality is not the present day on July 28^th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. (RSVP to 239-598-1368 by July 21^st.)

We look forward to sharing our July 2016 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as you Stand in Integrity.

Flowering Ceramics

Get ready for summer…….A therapeutic day with Tonya from Creating with Clay. Our summer creation of flowers helps with tactile touch, reduces stress, and is a great social event for our residents here at Juniper Village of Naples!! 

June 2016 Events in Naples, FL: Live in Wellness

What is wellness? The National Wellness Institute defines wellness as "a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential." At Juniper we believe in fostering this definition of wellness everyday by offering programs and services that help our residents achieve their full potential. As we wind down our Healthy Aging series, this month we focus on Food by highlighting our H’Art and Soul of Dining Signature Program.

Throughout our lives the most important discussions, revelations, decisions and announcements have transpired around the dinner table. When company came over we caught up on the latest gossip over coffee and fresh baked goods. If you needed advice from your parents, it was often given while enjoying Mom’s delicious pot roast on a Sunday evening. Why should that be any different when you enter your retirement years in one of our communities?

With the kitchen often being the heart of the home, we have developed H’Art and Soul of Dining with this in mind. This program strives to impart spirited service, companionship and nourishment through sharing the joy of good food – just like home! Our dining program is designed to not only meet resident’s physical needs, but their emotional and social needs as well. We believe this program provides a perfect balance of nutritious and delicious food choices, comfortable atmosphere and ambiance, social interaction, cleanliness and a spirit of service.

Indulge with us this month as we focus on the “heart” of the home with program offerings centered on food and nutrition such as our hydration program with healthy snacks and juices and educational presentations by a dietitian. Join us in June as we Live in Wellness.

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

§  Celebrating Dad Family Luncheon because in the sky- it’s a bird, it’s a plane– it’s Super Dad, so join us for a Super Hero lunch as we celebrate all of our “Super Hero Dads” on June 13th from noon to 1:00 pm. (Please RSVP by June 6th to Dinelle at 239-598-1368.)

§  Food and Wellness to learn the effects of food, comfort food and vitamins on our well-being with Terese Rizzi, RN,MSN,CNS-BC as our guest speaker for this wonderfully tasty presentation as light refreshments will be served on June 15th at 10:00 am. (Please RSVP by June 8th to Dinelle at 239-598-1368.)

§  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 that doesn’t happen during the summer months, so bring in a jar of peanut butter and jelly to help those children in need, and enjoy delicious PBJ inspired appetizers and desserts while visiting with friends on June 23rd from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. (Please RSVP by June 18th to Dinelle at 239-598-1368.)

We look forward to sharing our June 2016 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as you Live in Wellness.

Fitness “Grow Strong Daily”

Here in sunny Florida our Juniper Village at Naples community we have taken part of an amazing fitness program Tai Chi by Mark Franzblau. Compared to the pumping intensity of spin or Zumba, a tai chi class looks like it’s being performed in slow motion. Watching the gentle, graceful movements of this ancient Chinese practice, it’s hard to imagine that tai chi can burn off a single calorie or strengthen muscles. But this exercise program is far more dynamic than it looks.

With its integrative approach that strengthens the body while focusing the mind, tai chi addresses a range of physical and mental health issues—including bone strength, joint stability, cardiovascular health, immunity, and emotional well-being. Tai chi is especially useful for improving balance and preventing falls—a major concern for older adults. All of these benefits fall in-line with our focus here at Juniper Village of Naples on health and well-being for our residents throughout all stages of their lives. If you are interested in furthering your own health, check out our monthly events calendar and join us for one of our innovative programs.

Mother's Day Luncheon

Juniper Village at Naples had a very special Mother's Day Luncheon to celebrate our resident  Moms. Families gathered around the beautifully decorated tables in anticipation of a delicious lunch!  Everyone enjoyed the mixed greens salad with grilled chicken and shrimp and a sparkling raspberry lemonade spritzer! Each Mom was presented with a beautiful rose with a Happy Mother's Day message. Special and few are the moments we can share with our loved ones. Celebrate Mom every chance that you can. 

Juniper Village at Naples presents: Cookies and Corks!

Move over milk! Juniper Village at Naples is getting ready for their wine and cookie tasting. Every year we all look forward to the delectable taste of our favorite Girl Scout Cookie- this year Juniper Village at Naples took it up a notch and paired them with our favorite wines! To name a few- the Thin Mint with a Shiraz- is  amazing! And the Tag-a-long with a Cabernet Sauvignon is incredibly delicious! The coconut and the chocolate of a Samoa paired with a Prosecco – well there are just not enough words to describe the flavor! And let’s not forget the other delicious appetizers that were prepared by our own Steven Moyer- who always adds a special flair to every event- Greek chicken salad on a toasted baguette, cucumber tea sandwiches on cocktail rye with fresh dill and assorted imported cheeses. Juniper Village at Naples always puts out a very creative array of delicious food- please join us for our next event! You won’t be disappointed!

May 2016 Events in Naples, FL: Grow Strong Daily

We all know that regular physical activity is great for overall health. But do we all understand the dangers in being inactive? Studies indicate that sedentary lifestyles are risky. For the most part, when older people lose their ability to do things on their own, it doesn't happen just because they've aged. It's usually because they're not active. Lack of physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses. In recognition of those facts, Juniper nurtures wellbeing by encouraging an active body, an engaged mind and a fulfilled spirit through our innovative Signature Programs such as Connect4Life, Connections and H’Art and Soul of Dining.

We continue our Healthy Aging Series with a focus on Fitness. In the wise words of J.R.R., Tolkien, "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost." This month we will Grow Strong Daily so as to not wither, but to thrive as we develop strength in bodies, minds and spirits.

This month we invite you to join us as we Grow Strong Daily with activities such as our Daily Brain Builders, Wii, and our Brain Healthy Luncheon. We also invite you to expand your knowledge in our Healthy Aging Library.

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

§  Celebrating Mom Family Luncheon to enjoy a delightful luncheon prepared by Chef Steven because special and few are the moments we can share on May 11^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP by May 5^th to 239-598-1368.)

§  20 Tips for a Longer and Happier Life with lifestyle tips on changing our behaviors, eating habits, healthcare, attitudes, and physical activity to extend our lifespan by Mark Franzblau with Right at Home on May 13^th at 1:00 pm. (RSVP by May 6^th to 239-598-1368.)

§  Serenity Stretch with Val an interactive class that will lend an opportunity to allow quiet, uplifting and healing time for oneself with gentle Tai Chi–esque movements combined with calming breaths and muscle relaxation, so please wear comfortable attire on May 17^th at 4:00 pm. (RSVP by May 12^th to 239-598-1368.)

We look forward to sharing our May 2016 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as you Grow Strong Daily.

Family Letter of Thanks

A letter from a family member:

My name is Rose and my mom has been at Juniper Village at Naples for about 3 months.  She was previously at another facility, which did not sufficiently meet our needs. 

If first impressions at Juniper can begin a story, then I can’t wait to read the rest of the book!  From the first moment we walked into this facility, there was such a peaceful and pleasant feeling.  The simplicity of Juniper is its’ charm.  We met with Maria, the director, and can honestly say that -an angel has led us to her path.  Her warmth, personality and kindness made this process simple and exciting, for both mom and our family.  She carefully explained all concerns and went over everything in detail.  She is always quick and reliable to follow up and go over any issues at any time. This type of leadership is commendable, and it is reflected in the staff. 

Mom settled nicely in her new room, and is enjoying her surroundings. For someone who speaks mostly Italian, mom has become quite social and made many friends. She enjoys the food and the activities, and most of all-the freedom to be outdoors.  The staff is wonderful, always ready to assist in any way possible.  They greet everyone with a pleasant smile and positive attitude! 

Thru this journey with my mom, I watched her struggle dealing with her onset of memory loss; losing her independence; trying to fit in; and making sense of things around her.  Now when I come to visit mom, I stop and watch, and think how far she has come in this short time. I see a peace and tranquility in her that I have not seen in awhile. In my heart, I know that mom did not find just another facility.   Mom found her HOME.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Rose

Vets Visiting Vets “The VVV Program”

It all started late January Juniper Village at Naples Leadership Team Maria and Dinelle met with Vitas Associate MJ and volunteer Veterans Chris and Jim. They told us about a wonderful new program “Vets Visiting Vets” also known as VVV. The VVV is made up of Volunteer Veterans who out of the kindness of the hearts choose to dedicate their free time visiting other Veterans. They have friendly one on one chats of their life stories. 

From this one little meeting a list of our resident Vets was drafted up for visitation to start. By the middle of February we had a group of volunteer Veterans and Juniper residents meet for a one time group social to pair up friendships. It is the goal of Chris and Jim’s of the VVV to pair just the right personality between the volunteer and residents. Here it is shortlyone month later and we have 3 residents who have visitors coming weekly. The joy we see on our residents face after their visit is priceless.

2015 Successful Outcomes

April 2016 Events in Naples, FL: Believe in Yourself

Do you know that embracing a healthy lifestyle promotes brain health as well? This month we embark on our quarterly Alive in All Season theme of Healthy Aging: Let Wellbeing Thrive. Throughout April we will focus on brain health and encouraging you to Believe in Yourself. We will learn more about how physical health and exercise, diet and nutrition, cognitive activity, and social engagement can help keep both your body and brain healthy and potentially reduce your risk of cognitive decline. At the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, results of a two-year clinical trial of older adults at risk for cognitive impairment showed that a combination of physical activity, nutritional guidance, cognitive training, social activities and management of heart health risk factors slowed cognitive decline. It’s never too late to make changes to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Join us this month as we expand our knowledge of brain health and take steps to boost our brain health through our Healthy Brain series featuring our Daily Brain Builders and Wii Games designed to promote cognitive activity. Continue your research by perusing our Healthy Aging Resource Library, filled with volumes of information to help you and your loved ones age well. And, don’t forget to join us for our Brain Healthy Luncheon where we will nourish mind, body and soul. We look forward to sharing this month of healthful thinking and encouragement to Believe in Yourself – you can do this!

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

§  Healthy Family Luncheon because our human brains have so much potential and we need more than essential nutrients to truly foster brain health; assorted berries provide a memory boost, apples protect us from cancer, cherries fight inflammation, dark chocolate boosts our circulation, eggs and fish build our brains; there is a clear link between nutrition, aging, and healing, so join us to learn how to use nutrition to boost your brain on April 13^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP by April 6^th to 239-598-1336.)

§  Laughter the Best Medicine with Mark Franzblau, from Right at Home Care, who will explain the physical benefits of laughter and the top ten reasons laughter is good for us, and share where to find more resources and how to add more laughter to your life; this will be a feel good class, so please join us on April 15^th at 1:00 pm. (RSVP by April 8^th to 239-598-1336.)

§  Cookies & Corks so move over milk because we are going to pair wine with our favorite Girl Scout cookies; a Shiraz with a Thin Mint, Champagne with a Trefoil-shortbread; join us for a delicious tasting of both on April 27^th from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. (RSVP by April 20^th to 239-598-1336.)

§  Family Discussion Group with Debbie Fulton from the Alzheimer’s Support Network as we discuss the value of care versus aesthetics on April 28^th from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. (RSVP by April 20^th to 239-598-1336.)

We look forward to sharing our April 2016 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as you Believe in Yourself.

Music & Memory Success

Juniper Village at Naples launched our Music & Memory Program in 2015. A little less than a year later more than half of our residents have their very own personalized music downloaded to an iPod thanks to some very generous donations. This music elicits positive memories and stimulates the brain to recognize familiar experiences. Music is the universal language and one that we can share together.

We have the opportunity to witness the individual moments of joy with our residents.  In this picture, you will see our resident Joyce enjoying a color sensory tile while indulging in some personalized music. 

Juniper Village at Naples Welcomes New Celebrity Resident Mr. Jerry Baker.

Mr. Baker is an American author, entrepreneur, public speaker, and product spokesperson who has written numerous books on gardening, home hints, and health topics. He is best known as America’s Master Gardener, and for creating his world-famous DIY tonics using common household products like beer, baby shampoo, castor oil, and mouthwash.

Mr. Baker began his career in the 1960s as an undercover cop in Detroit, Michigan, but his interest in gardening lead him to local Detroit radio and TV appearances. He eventually became a frequent guest on Dinah Shore’s daytime TV show. In the 1970’s Mr. Baker was a frequent guest on TV shows like The Mike Douglas Show, The Merv Griffin Show, and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He hosted his own TV show, Plants Are Like People, on KMOX.

Mr. Baker wrote his first best-selling book, Plants Are Like People, in 1972. The following year his second best-selling book, Talk to Your Plants, was published. In the 1990s and 2000s, Mr. Baker had his own series of gardening shows that ran on Public Television stations in the USA and Canada.

Over the years, Mr. Baker has served as a product spokesperson for Jacobsen Lawn Mowers, Hudson Sprayers, U.S. Gypsum, and Plantabs. His big break came from his affiliation with the Garden Weasel, a tool for loosening soil. Mr. Baker appeared as the Garden Weasel’s spokesperson in advertising materials, including radio and TV ads, print, and point-of-purchase displays. In 1982, Mr. Baker returned to his roots, becoming the national gardening spokesperson for Kmart Corporation’s Garden Centers, a relationship that lasted until 1996. From 1987 to 2007, Baker hosted his own national call-in radio show called On the Garden Line.

March 2016 Events in Naples, FL: Awaken Your Passion

As we bring down the curtain on our Creative Expressions series we focus this month on Drama. Juliette Binoche said, “I think acting is about forgetting yourself in order to give the best of yourself. It's passing through you more than you're creating it. You're not the flower, but the vase which holds the flower.”

Through dramatic performance we are able to forget about ourselves while becoming someone else, if only for a moment. We can be transported to another time, another place and another way of thinking. With all of our inhibitions set aside we focus this month on breaking out of our shells to share a bit of ourselves with wild abandon through our weekly drama clubs which will culminate in a fantastic performance or reading of dramatic prose. We invite you to join us in this enlightening journey of self-discovery through the magic of theater this month. We will also be attending theatrical performances around town, where we can let our inner critic loose. One last opportunity to become someone else is offered during our Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, where everyone can be Irish for the day. Join us as we feast on traditional Irish foods such as corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, shepherd’s pie and more! Lastly, March would not be complete without honoring the dramatic achievements of others with our own Oscar Party. This month we invite you to let your inner star shine at Juniper Village.

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

§  Kowiachobee Traveling Animal preserve with lions, tigers and bears, Florida style, as you are invited to express your inner animal by visiting with these furry friends on our campus during this hands-on learning experience on March 15^th at 2:00 pm. (RSVP by March 8^th to 239-598-1368.)

§  Lucky Green Family Luncheon because a light heart lives longest, as the Irish say, so we are having a party to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17^th at noon. (RSVP by March 10^th to 239-598-1368.)

§  Treasures Squandered Educational Speaker as Steven Valdespino will present a beautiful but sobering look at the natural treasure here in South West Florida in a presentation that is chock full of stunning images, so please join us on March 22^nd at 3:00 pm. (RSVP by March 15^th to 239-598-1368.)

We look forward to sharing our March 2016 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as Your Treasure is Within.

Murinda and Maria brought the chicken and they "flocked" to hear the message!

At Juniper Village at Naples- Communication is key and we take it to the next level through the use of Electronic Health records, optimized care transitions protocol, full implementation of INTERACT (Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfer), a highly recognizable transfer information packet, and a focus on resident and care giver education and engagement to provide individualized care and service. Juniper Village at Naples- your partner for successful outcomes!

Juniper Village at Naples Giraffes

The giraffe is the symbol of excellence for Juniper Communities. We chose the giraffe for several reasons- a  long neck - Juniper employees are always willing to "stick our neck out" for someone else, going above and beyond and reaching for the highest heights. And to support that beautiful neck, the giraffe has one of the biggest hearts in the animal kingdom.   This combination of attributes is what truly symbolizes excellence and servant leadership at Juniper Village at Naples.

Naples...Sun and a Good Read...

At Juniper Village at Naples our residents experience serenity with a good book and sunshine. Life is good when our residents can enjoy their day as they choose.

Juniper Village Memory Care in Naples Florida Received Veterans Visiting Veterans Representatives

Juniper Village Memory Care in Naples received volunteers Jim Stevens and Chris Bent representing their Veterans Visiting Veterans group at a meeting with the administrative staff in January to introduce the program and offer to visit the Veteran residents one-on-one for an hour each week and presenting each veteran with a copy of the book 1-800-For-Veterans-Only on the first visit to thank each veteran individually for their service to our country.

Juniper Village is well-known and respected for our focus on paying tribute to our Veteran residents and we feature our Veterans prominently on a Veterans Wall in our community room to honor them for their service. The wall was installed by VITAS Hospice Care.

Veterans Visiting Veterans is looking forward to visiting our Veteran residents to offer conversation and companionship to these deserving individuals.

February 2016 Events in Naples, FL: Awaken Your Passion

In February we turn our Alive In All Seasons focus to art and invite you to awaken your passion with us. Leo Tolstoy defines the activity of art as “To evoke in oneself a feeling one has experienced, and... then, by means of movements, lines, colors, sounds or forms expressed in words, so to transmit that feeling.”

This month we will transmit our feelings using many different mediums to let other share in our experiences, feelings and passions. We will travel through art around the world and experience art as it is meant to be – inspirational and transformative. We will feel the cool breeze and smell the fragrant blossoms of Monet’s gardens in Giverny, France as we gaze upon In the Garden and the Water Lilies series. We will feel the angst of Vincent Van Gogh as we admire his passionate works such as Vase with Twelve Sunflowers and The Starry Night. We will also pour our passion into our own creations evoking memories of the past to share with the future.

Please join us on this journey as we visit local art museums and create our own art through weekly craft programs. Celebrate with us as we recognize Valentine’s Day with sweets for the sweet and Fat Tuesday foods and fun at our Mardi Gras party.

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

§  Heart Healthy Fun with Laughter lesson for those who are interested in learning about laughter and its positive impact on the heart with Lenore Farkas “the woman with the tickle in the middle” on February 5^th at 2:30 pm.  (Please RSVP to 239-598-1368.)

§  Mardi Gras Luncheon with your people– this includes ma and pa– and the Juniper Family for a wild Mardi Gras, featuring colorful beads and abundant luscious desserts on February 9^th at noon. (Please RSVP to 239-598-1368.)

§  Jewelry Making with Beth as you will put your fine motor skills to work as your creative side develops with beauty as an artistic expression of your inner self on February 16^th at 4:00 pm. (Please RSVP to 239-598-1368.)

We look forward to sharing our February 2016 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as we Awaken Your Passion.

Music & Memory at Juniper Village at Naples

Music & Memory, an inspirational program developed by Dan Cohen, is all about bringing joy into the lives of people suffering from Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia and a wide range of cognitive and physical impairments.  Re-connecting elders with their favorite music can vastly improve quality of life regardless of their cognitive or physical status. But it is especially powerful for those with Alzheimer’s disease, where it can restore, temporarily but repeatedly, the sense of self often lost when memory fails.  Juniper Village at Naples implemented Music & Memory in mid-2015 and the results have been remarkable.  Frances is one of our residents who has benefited from the Music & Memory program.  She enjoys many types of music. We put on her headphones, press play, and she hears the customized music that is downloaded onto her IPod.  Immediately her toes start tapping to her music from the 40’s and 50’s.  We’ve even witnessed her “swivel” when Elvis starts singing. The Music & Memory program brings great joy, relaxation and fond memories to all our residents with dementia.

Musical Diner Luncheon

Some of the most important conversations I've ever had occurred at my family's dinner table. That’s why here at Juniper Village at Naples it is important to us for our families and residents to enjoy a special celebration luncheon. This month, it was a 50’s Musical Diner themed lunch. Chef Steven served up our favorite diner meal, burgers and fries, and let us not forget about a wonderful sweet root beer float treat. After lunch, families and residents got to enjoy a classic car photo session, and then we dashed off to a concert by Perry Photos. Dancing and singing were the perfect end to a wonderful family celebration.