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.

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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.