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.

Elvis Birthday Bash

It was a slamming afternoon on Friday, January 8^th of sequins and Rock n Roll! Glam Rock was shining in all of its glory in Juniper Village at Naples very own Elvis Birthday Bash. Residents were wowed with an amazing performance by Take Two Entertainments Elvis impersonator Jeffrey Bradford.  

Bringing some memories to present day celebrations with some of Elvis hit songs. Not to mention the sweet savory all-time favorite snack grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Let’s just say this party will be talked about for some time. 

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.