While the weather may make you feel otherwise, it’s just about time for Thanksgiving. For many, this is a particularly special time because it is a holiday framed around the togetherness of family and friends, not to mention a large spread of delicious food! It’s also a time to give thanks for the many blessings in our life, whether that is the people we meet, the pets that we love, experiences that we have, and all of memories and fun made along the way.

This year at the end of February, SeniorCare Homes announced the opening of our fifth residential home, the Vineyard House. Since that time, our residents have taken part in a number of events that have been a catalyst for good times and memory making for the SeniorCare Homes staff as well as its residents. In recognition of Thanksgiving, we’d like to take a look back and give thanks for some of our incredible experiences throughout the year.

Alzheimer’s Association’s Memories in the Making art auction

Jean Decheff, a resident at Hanover House, was honored at the Alzheimer’s Association’s Memories in the Making art auction. One of Jean’s beautiful botanical paintings was displayed and made available for auction. The creation process of painting allows our residents to find an element of expression as well as tap into memories and reduce isolation. SeniorCare Homes is an official site for the Memories in the Making program directed by Karen Clond.

Visits from Aspiring Musicians

Beginning this summer, the residents of the SeniorCare Memory Homes were blessed to have some musical entertainment from young local musicians. The students bring their violin, guitar and music stand and set up in the living rooms of the Memory Homes to play music for the residents and care staff. We have our fingers crossed that they will be back to share some holiday music with us very soon!

Trips to the Local Farmer’s Market and Ice Cream Store

Throughout the summer, the residents of the Memory Care homes made trips to the local farmers markets to pick up fresh produce. Peaches, strawberries and cantaloupe were some of the repeat favorites this year. We also made some spontaneous outings to the ice cream shop, too, because nothing says summer like ice cream enjoyed with friends.

Cheering the Local Team on to Victory

What a summer it was to celebrate the Royals clinching the American League championship! Our residents loved being in the mix, proudly wearing their blue and rooting on the hometown team. These games were also great opportunities to create social connections between the residents and caregiver staff, not to mention a great excuse to partake in some ballpark food!

Looking back there were so many fun times including participating in the 2014 Alzheimer’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Corporate Woods as well as visits to the Memory Homes by our favorite Cockapoo dog, Lilly. Thanks to all who played a role in our memory-making. We’re looking forward to more fun next month and beyond.

SeniorCare Homes in Overland Park and Leawood, Kansas, offer the most comfortable and stable assisted living environment to seniors with dementia, memory loss, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Phone (913) 236-0036 to learn more about neighborhood living for the memory impaired.