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*Oh, what a year we've had, let's take a look back At our remarkable 2023 rolled out on track Some danced right in as we popped champagne toasts The new place adorned, from rafters to posts *Our paint parties bloomed creativity galore While summer brought water balloons sending laughs by the score *Then Elvis stopped by with his hip-swiveling song Had us swaying and crooning right along *In April we marked one year in this space With top notch leadership setting the place *Thanks to all directing this ship to and fro! "The best is yet to come!" was the call The holidays came with concerts so bright And guests that left us glowing with delight *As we flip our calendar to a new leaf We see each day here as a gift beyond belief We'll stitch these moments into life's sweeter tapestry Building community, camaraderie, and unity *Memories abound, the best is yet ahead Together we'll write this continuing thread ~Lawrence D. Wilson, Life Enrichment Coordinator

What is your passion?  What makes you so excited and filled with joy and life that you can hardy keep your feet on the ground?  Remember the passionate interests that you had when you were young?  Find time to pursue those passions once again or develop your natural inclinations, the things that fill you with a sense of peace and satisfaction every time you put them to work.  Do you love to draw? Draw with everything you have.  Do you love to manipulate numbers? Calculate with enthusiasm.  Above all else, instill excitement into what you do. Jim

In loving memory of Christine Horn, we planted a tree as a lasting tribute to her spirit. Her legacy lives on in the roots of this tree, symbolizing growth, and strength. May the tree stand as a living reminder of the impact she had on all our lives.

Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis (pronounced prez-buh-KYOO-sis), occurs gradually for many people as they grow older. Reportedly, about one in three people in the U.S. experienced hearing loss between the ages of 65 and 74, and nearly half reported difficulty after the age of 75. The causes of hearing loss vary, including past exposure to loud noises, medications, genetics, and conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Hearing loss is frustrating for those who have it and their loved ones as well. Additionally, research has linked hearing loss with dementia. In a study by Johns Hopkins, brain scans demonstrated the more severe the hearing loss, the greater the degree of atrophy of the brain, leading to dementia. Additionally, the social isolation resulting from hearing loss can contribute to the development of dementia. Studies have concluded that those experiencing dual hearing and vision loss are at a greater risk for dementia. If the answer is yes to any of these questions, have your hearing checked. Do you consistently need help hearing what is being said on the TV or radio? Do you have trouble hearing what is being said in a group of people? Are you frustrated when talking to people because you can’t hear them clearly? Does being unable to hear what is said make you feel left out? Does your hearing loss interfere with your daily activities and social interactions? Do you pretend to hear what has been said and risk responding inappropriately? What Can Help Get a hearing evaluation, and if a hearing aid is recommended, give it a trial. They are much better than they used to be. Utilize assistive listening aids on your phones in the form of amplifying devices. Tell people about your hearing loss. Ask them to face you when they talk and to speak clearly and slowly but not shout. Eliminate distracting background noises when trying to hear. When in a restaurant, ask to be seated in a quiet area. Use the closed-captioning option on the TV for subtitles so you don’t miss any dialogue. Avoid loud noises. Use earplugs or protective earmuffs if you can’t. Resources NIH: The Science Behind Sensory Loss and Dementia Risk Johns Hopkins Medicine: The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss NIH: Age-Related Hearing Loss Johns Hopkins study relating hearing loss to dementia in older adults

“We Wish You A Merry Christmas” We had a lovely time eating, singing, and visiting with our friend, Santa, from the North Pole. Thank you to all who came and made it a joyous occasion.

The Residents enjoyed watching the Susquehanna Valley Baptist Church Children’s Class perform their Christmas program and musical presentation.

In loving memory of Christine Horn, we planted a tree as a lasting tribute to her spirit. Her legacy lives on in the roots of this tree, symbolizing growth and strength. Our thoughts are with her family, who joined us and shared in this solemn moment. May the tree stand as a living reminder of the impact she had on all our lives.

Taking Control Many of us seek out the opportunity to step in and take control of a particular situation or event.  Whether it is leading a sports team to the World Series, running a fast-food restaurant, or even caring for an elder family member, when things are going smoothly, it’s easy to feel as if you’re in charge.  The more you perceive yourself as your own master, and the more comfortable you become in this role, the harder you will fall as it is said that storms will come, and uncertainties will loom on the horizon.  If you cling to control and feel entitled to having things go your way, you are likely to sink when difficulties surface.  I believe that we are encouraged to enjoy times of smooth sailing and to be thankful for them, but we need to be equally warned not to become addicted to this sense of mastery over your life as we are being trained to always trust in Him – for He is your Refuge.  He uses adversity to set you free from the illusion of being in control.  When your circumstances and your future are full of uncertainties, look to Him.  Therefore, we are encouraged to find your security in knowing Him, the Master who is sovereign over the storms of your life – over everything.

by Brooke DeNisco If you’re visiting a close friend or family member with memory loss, the holidays can be poignant, awkward, funny, and everything else. Hopefully, these tips will be helpful. Asking the staff in your loved one’s community for assistance and ideas is always a great idea. Bring Familiar Items Photographs, jewelry, sports memorabilia, yearbooks, or other personal items can spark memories or at least break the ice. When visiting someone with memory loss, using a “prop” can help get the conversation going. Even if the person doesn’t remember the item, they will likely enjoy seeing it. Converse, Don’t Quiz It can be hard not to try to jog the memory of someone with dementia. (For example, “Remember when you taught me how to fish? We went out on your boat every summer…”) Speak in general terms instead of posing direct questions or asking people to recall specific facts. You might tell them you recently went on a fishing trip and caught a trout. You could describe the weather and sights and smells of the boat. Short and Sweet Having a large group of unexpected visitors might be overstimulating to someone with memory loss. At least at first, have a few people visit at a time. Stay calm and low-key so your excitement doesn’t produce anxiety. Give the person you’re visiting some time to get used to your presence, and gradually become more animated or invite others to join you. Keep visits to about half an hour unless it’s clear the person is having a good time. You might leave for a little while, let the person have time to rest or use the restroom privately, and then come back for another short visit. Avoid visiting when the person gets medical treatment or takes a shower. If you ask a staff member, they can tell you the best arrival time. They will also appreciate that you’re showing respect for the schedules and routines that are in place. Show Affection Sometimes, simple gestures mean the most. Hugs, smiles, or a friendly handshake can offer comfort and familiarity, even when words fail. Nonverbal cues like a warm smile and calm tone of voice may make a larger impact than your words. Even if your loved one doesn’t know your name or can’t place who you are, they will likely connect with your warmth. Just your presence can offer a meaningful connection to someone with memory loss. Even if they don’t remember the visit perfectly, they will carry the feeling it gave them in their heart. Try an Activity There are likely games, movies, puzzles, coloring materials, etc., at the community you’re visiting. Activity staff are a great resource because they will know what activities your loved one enjoys. You can color, knit, or work on a crossword puzzle. Even if the person doesn’t join you, it may put you both at ease, and people derive satisfaction from observing you enjoying yourself. Be Inclusive People who don’t have visitors may be drawn to join you. Including others is a way of getting to know your loved one in a new way and enhances the lives of others in the community. Consider bringing a treat that can be shared or a plant everyone can enjoy. Children are universally welcomed. Many memory care communities collaborate with schools or Montessori centers for intergenerational programs.

Sis Boom Bah is how we started off October. Celebrating our schools has been a delightful time in October. Among other activities this month, Columbia Cottage-Linglestown did a cheer for our schools. Graduation from our grade schools, high schools, colleges, military academies, nursing schools, just to name a few places. We “put on our top hats, tied up our white tie, brushed off our tails “sort of speak for our “Prom.” Our residents gathered under the title “The Best is yet to Come.” Thanks to some of our families, Hospice for all Seasons, and the state Ombudsman we had a night to remember. ~ Lawrence

Residents enjoyed a fun and creative craft time – cat painting! We are thankful these Caring Hearts Pet Therapy Cats allowed us to use their paws for art!

For our “All Things Italian” themed day, the residents enjoyed Andrea Bocelli music, an Italian wine themed art class, and a delicious Italian Delights Luncheon: Fresh Caprese Salad, Handmade Fresh Pappardelle w/ Classic Bolognese, Homemade Rosemary Focaccia, and Chef’s Special Tiramisu with wine service available during the luncheon.