Our post office approved mailboxes have been installed! Starting September 1 st, residents may begin utilizing the mailboxes to pick up and send their mail. Each mailbox is labeled by room number. Karen, Managing Director, will give each resident a key to their personal mailbox. Please note that there is a fee for replacement keys.
Coming soon! A communication channel on your TV. Turn to channel 2 to receive messages about activities, current events, menus, the latest news, birthdays, and more.
“I’ll just listen” was the common response when the residents were invited to join in our Happy Hour/ Karaoke social. However, once the music started playing everyone started to sing and even suggested new songs for the next karaoke program. Our motto for karaoke: everyone can sing if they are willing to try!
When caring for individuals with dementia, caregivers must address many challenges. When is it the right time to limit someone’s independence, and how do you ease the trauma when you do? Some Indicators to Consider Independence Frequent falls Having trouble performing essential self-care like preparing meals and eating Leaving the oven on and other kitchen mishaps Unable to administer medications accurately Unable to maintain home appropriately Confiscating the Keys to the Car Getting lost driving to familiar places Having accidents or close calls Receiving tickets or other traffic violations Trouble reading or recognizing street signs Taking Financial Control Failure to pay bills timely and accurately Overdrafts of bank accounts and unsafe credit card use Impulsive, inappropriate purchases Some Approaches to Consider It takes a village. Enlist the help of family members, friends, physicians, spiritual advisers, and others for help and support. Allow as much control as possible in areas where safety is not an issue. Listen with empathy. Be respectful. Let them know you’re on their side. Remain calm and patient in the face of strong emotions and resistance. Discuss and execute living will and power of attorney documents before health issues arise.
While reminiscing about beach vacations, we decided to paint our favorite beach scene. Thank you, Emily, @ Artistry and Upcycling by Emily Seilhamer, for helping to inspire our creativity. We loved your painting class and how you turned every “happy accident” into a piece of art. We look forward to creating together on the 2 nd Thursday of each month. “Creativity is Contagious. Pass it on” ~Albert Einstein
Our residents enjoy beachball volleyball!
Residents made a lot of noise playing different kinds of drums, maracas, and tambourines. We didn’t know we had such a talented group at Columbia Cottage. Maybe we should start a band. There were lots of smiles and laughter too along with the music.
For national make your own cupcake day, Residents enjoyed making sunflower cupcakes.
Nothing beats the summer heat like a sparkling wine spritzer! Residents are enjoying Wednesday Happy Hours in the country kitchen. Everyone is enjoying trying new summertime drinks such as spritzers and peach moscato, along with freshly made snacks and dips from our amazing chefs!
Have you met our two Resident Service Coordinators? Chris became part of the Cottage team in April and Susan followed along in May. Together, this dynamic duo is keeping everyone happy and healthy! Questions about medications, appointments, procedures – just ask and they are ready to assist! Not feeling well, just ring your call bell and the nurse will come see you.
Our residents keep our cottage and our dining room tables looking beautiful with fresh flower arrangements! "A flower’s appeal is in its contradictions — so delicate in form yet strong in fragrance, so small in size yet big in beauty, so short in life yet long on effect." – Terri Guillemets
Residents are moving and grooving . . . singing along to the oldies but goodies with Mindy! Exercise can definitely be fun, especially when you are dancing in your seats!
