“Peaceful Art”

Caught in the act on this day… Sal was living with challenging behaviors ~ restlessness and anxiety. When presented with the opportunity to express his feelings, he creatively transitioned to the photo that we now interpret as peaceful art.

Let this be a reminder that in every moment is an opportunity for hidden therapy.

March 2017 Events in Naples, FL: Your Treasure is Within

Theatrical readings, colorful costumed dancers and spectacular vocal performances bring to a close our creative expression quarterly theme with a focus on performance and honoring our inner treasure – our self-worth. With so many demands on our time these days, it’s easy to always put others first and forget to care of ourselves. Also as we get older, retire from work and in some cases caretaking, we may forget our sense of value – our self-worth. A large part of nurturing the spirit of life is providing opportunities for purpose.

This month we will put an even greater focus on identifying our continued purpose and self-worth by performing purposeful activities, reminiscing and creating opportunities to treasure ourselves. Motivational speaker Anne Naylor offers these tips to help you treasure yourself: Treasure your thoughts with kindness – nurture your thoughts of gratitude and appreciation. Treasure your feelings and emotions – observe and use them as your guide. Treasure your body – treat it well with exercise, nourishment, rest, joy and laughter. Treasure your spirit – breathe, meditate and enjoy the goodness in your life. We hope you all enjoy the treasure of your wonderful self.

Please join us as we dramatically embrace performance throughout March with our weekly drama club, outings to live theatrical performances and our Oscar-themed party. Celebrate the Irish culture in grand style with our Saint Patrick’s Day event filled with food, fun and, of course, dancing! Honor yourself and recognize Your Treasure is Within this month at Juniper Village!

Our fabulous March 2017 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples include our:

§  Leprechaun Shenanigans Family Luncheon because when Irish eyes are smiling, the Leprechauns are playing tricks, so catch them if you can for a delightfully delicious “pot of gold” lunch on March 8^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (Please RSVP by March 2^nd to Dinelle at 239-598-1368.)

§  Second Wind Dreams’ Virtual Dementia Simulation by Oasis Senior Advisors that recreates the most realistic scenario utilizing a home-like environment to depict what it is like for someone living day to day with Dementia in a mobile, hands on experience that you won’t want to miss on March 23^rd from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. (Please RSVP by March 18^th to schedule your tour time with Dinelle at 239-598-1368.)

§  Concert on the Green at the 4th hole for the delightful renditions of Bob Shea, so sit back and enjoy the whimsical music and sing-a-long to your favorite tunes with family and friends on March 30^th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. (Please RSVP by March 23^rd to Dinelle at 239-598-1368.)

We look forward to sharing our March 2017 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as Your Treasure is Within.

Art Without Boundaries

Wendi Smith, a certified Mneme Therapist, brings Art Without Boundaries to the Naples community. It's an enjoyable, multi-modality process that engages the whole brain and stimulates its natural ability to rebuild lost or undeveloped functions, using a unique combination of singing, movement, directed painting, story-telling and praise. In one-on-one sessions the goal is to help individuals feel good about themselves and what they are able to do to improve their ability to communicate with others.

In this story telling session you can see our 87-year-old resident Pat enjoying her painting session she calls “HAPPINESS”. Pat talks about the memories of setting flowers on the table at home and the beautiful aroma filling the air.  

Juniper Village at Naples Earns “Excellence in Care” Distinction From Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Juniper Village at Naples has achieved the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s (AFA) “Excellence in Care” distinction, having met the AFA’s rigorous national standards for dementia care settings. This is the fourth consecutive certification for Juniper, an unparalleled feat by most. At present, only two memory care communities have the Excellence in Care designation in Florida. Communities receiving the distinction can be viewed at http://www.excellenceincare.org/care-settings.

Juniper Village’s executive director Maria Ciocca expressed, “Our dedicated team has worked very hard to provide tender loving care to our residents. I am very proud that this is the 4th time that we have received this award. The staff works diligently at ensuring that our residents' experience a pleasant day while making new memories.”

“Juniper Village at Naples truly exemplifies the intent of our Excellence in Care program, to elevate the quality of care for people with dementia,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s president and chief executive officer. “AFA is proud to recognize this organization for providing its clients with optimal care and nurturing their spirits.”

To earn the status of “Excellence in Care, Dementia Care Program of Distinction,” Juniper Village underwent a comprehensive on-site evaluation and consultation by an AFA Excellence Specialist to ensure compliance with AFA’s national standards on care quality and ability to sustain performance. This status is considered the highest hallmark of recognition by AFA for long-term care communities offering services for the memory impaired.

Music & Memory

Juniper Village at Naples implemented Music & Memory in mid-2015 and it has made a magical impact on our community.

Richard’s enjoying his personalized playlist. As you can see by his smile it has brought great joy, relaxation, and fond memories. In another photo, Richard is playing basketball and the melody of the music seems to help improve his focus and balance with the ball allowing him to make more baskets. The amazement on his face is priceless!

Another heart touching story is our resident Thomas. He came to us in 2012 with a love for listening to and creating his own play list, downloading it on to a CD and handing them out. Since then, Thomas is no longer able to create his own CDs, but we don’t let that stop him from being able to listen to his very own play list of music on a personalized iPod provided by Juniper and managed by our Connections Department.

February 2017 Events in Naples, FL: Awaken Your Passion

This month, our focus on creative expression continues with a focus on art. Art, as with beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. It is understandable that some have great artistic ability and others do not. But, at Juniper we know that everyone has a passion for creative expression, regardless of ability or age. Pablo Picasso once said, “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” He is speaking about becoming inhibited as adults. With our various art programs we encourage uninhibited creativity as a form of therapy. Creating art affords the opportunity of self-exploration and self-expression leading to both physical and mental benefits. Creating art in any of its various forms, is also about sharing a bit of ourselves with each other. Art is one way to express ourselves, and the creations are honest and true representations of our experiences. In sharing our stories through art with others we invite communication and create lasting bonds.

Art typically encompasses painting, sculpting, and drawing. But, the act of creating art can be as simple as doodling. Art is simply the creation of something outside one’s self that often mirrors what is going on within their mind, soul, and body. We use creative arts as a way to nurture the spirit of life. Join us throughout February as we focus on great varieties of art such as photography, needlework, handicrafts, painting, sculpture and more. Please join us as we share a bit of ourselves with our weekly craft classes, experience art on an outing to an art museum, and embrace our celebratory spirit with Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day parties. We look forward to helping you Awaken Your Passion this month!

Our fabulous February 2017 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples include our:

§  Art in the Park with Pam as we travel around the world and view the delightfully photographed art by a very special artist who will bring stories to life with her many photographs of adventure on February 8^th at 3:00 pm. (RSVP by February 3^rd to 239-598-1368.)

§  Sweetheart Luncheon because roses are red, violets are blue – we love our families, oh yes we do, so please join us for a delicious meal as love is in the air at Juniper Village on February 15^th from noon to 1:00 pm. (RSVP by February 8^th to 239-598-1368.)

§  Painting with a Twist to unleash your creative side and awaken your passion for Art while you join in as a professional instructor guides you step by step to create your own masterpiece with all art supplies provided, and enjoy wine and light snacks as you paint on February 16^th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. (RSVP by February 9^th to 239-598-1368.)

We look forward to sharing our February 2017 events in Naples, FL at Juniper Village at Naples with you as you Awaken Your Passion.

Fly Me to the Moon Family Luncheon

It was a musical day here in Juniper Village at Naples as we host our monthly family luncheon Fly me to the moon. In honor of our Alive in All Seasons Monthly theme music “Welcome New Beginnings.” 

To welcome new beginning we celebrate our music them with live Frank Santana music by Dante Lupi. The big hit song Fly me to the Moon filled the room while family's gathered for a delicious Italian meal. Our graceful chef Steven served a bright green Caesar salad, followed by a hearty plate of spaghetti and meatballs, and let's not forget the amazingly sensational tiramisu for dessert.