Like all forms of art, music moves each of us in distinctly individual ways.  Music is an integral accompaniment to all eras of our lives, past and present.  Hearing a song from our past carries us back to that place in time, and reminds us of the sentiments and memories that we associate with it.  And listening to a new piece of music stimulates our emotions and inspires our opinions in ways that define who we are and what we believe in.  Music is therefore not only a critical component of our history, but also has the power to affect and define our present.

• Holiday Activity! Holiday Sing-Along  – An hour full of memorable songs that are sure to get your group into a festive spirit!  Small percussion instruments are handed out so that everyone can participate.  We can do a non-denominational performance, or a combination of secular and religious music. This activity is sure to get those bells jingling and those toes tapping! (1 hour class)
• New!!! Good Vibrations – How is sound made? How does it travel through the air? What makes some sounds pleasant and other sounds unpleasant? This interactive class teaches the mechanics of sound vibrations through demonstrations of musical instruments, wind chimes, and our own voices. We will combine science with practical examples, and also have fun singing songs together.
• Musical Autobiographies – We help you make a list of all of the songs that are meaningful to you, and write down the stories and memories that make the songs so special to you.  We then create a musical chronology of your life with a special, personalized CD.  The stories and memories are printed on the CD insert to explain the significance of each song.  The CDs make wonderful heirloom gifts for family and friends.
• Music Sing-Along – A fun activity for all ages.  Our musician plays guitar and sings, while inviting you to participate.  We also have small percussion instruments available for you to try.  Sing-Alongs are available for all ages: older seniors, Baby Boomers, Gen X-ers, and kids. We also discuss the history behind each song for an interesting educational look at songwriting history. (1 hour class)
• Music Discussion – A musician performs songs, accompanied by guitar, that are specifically chosen to evoke memory, opinion, or emotion.  We then talk after each song to share the life experiences that the song reminds you of.  This is a fun way not only to share past experiences that are important to you, but to also express your current viewpoint on several relevant subjects. (1 hour class)

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Massage helps to remove toxins from the tissues in the body. It helps to move the lymphatic fluid through the lymphatic system and circulate blood back to the heart. Massage keeps the muscles, tendons and ligaments supple, which helps with range of motion in joints. Massage also reduces stress and stress-related ailments. Heart disease, high blood pressure, and compromised immune systems can all benefit from massage treatments.

Massage can be especially helpful for senior adults and those with limited mobility. Blood circulation to the heart, and circulation of the lymphatic system, is usually done by the legs.  Massage will help keep these systems working well. Massage also helps to keep your muscles exercised, when you are having difficulty exercising them yourself.

Our massage therapist will provide you with a one-hour private massage session in the privacy and comfort of your home.  We treat individual health concerns as well as provide overall relaxation and stress relief.  We can also include the use of Aromatherapy, Myofascial release, Positional Release, and Muscle Energy work as needed or desired.

The sessions are conducted in a quiet room with relaxing music. We provide a comfortable and sanitary padded massage table, or the session can also be conducted on a bed.  Our therapists have extensive experience with massage for senior adults.

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We all have stories to tell, just by virtue of just being alive.  Every day we have experiences, both large and small, that make us who we are.  They test our resolve, they make us see differently, they renew our hope, they make us believe in ourselves and others.  These experiences, when accumulated over a lifetime, combine to make each of us into unique individuals with a wealth of valuable lessons and experiences to relay to others.  Our professionals can help you record your unique life story, on paper and on video.  Computer typing experience is not necessary.

Written Legacies

• Getting Started With Legacy Writing – We teach you how to get started compiling your memoir, ethical will or family tree on your own.  You will learn how to gather information, conduct research, organize your information and get it down on paper.  You will also learn various publishing/ presentation options.  Documenting family photos and possessions will also be discussed.  (1 hour class)
• Personal Legacy Writing – We help you gather your thoughts, organize your approach, and write.  We coach you along the way, and help you organize your chapters and edit your content.  We can also help with typing if you need it.  When you are finished we help you publish your story for you to give as a valuable keepsake gift to family and friends.  There are four main types of written personal legacies:

1. Autobiographies – Chronological stories of our entire lives, beginning with our earliest memory and continuing to the present
2. Family Histories – Autobiographies of our family members (including our autobiography)
3. Memoirs – Snapshots of important life experiences we have had, such as places we have traveled or people who have impacted our lives
4. Ethical Wills – Descriptions of the lessons, values, beliefs, hopes, and dreams that we have accumulated and developed throughout our lifetime

• Researching Your Family Tree – Learn how to research and document the various branches of your family tree.  We explain the different agencies and websites available for research, and how to organize the information you uncover.  We also show  you how to incorporate stories, photos, and documents to help tell the story.  And we provide options for publishing your family tree once you are finished with your research.
• Photo/Possession Documentation – We help you organize your photographs into albums and document the names, dates, and places for each one so that your family knows who everyone is and where the pictures were taken.  We can do the same with your important possessions, documenting the stories about where they came from, and why they are an important part of your life.  This information is a very valuable gift to hand down to your family.

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  Laughter Yoga is a fun, “feel-good” activity with lots of health benefits. It combines laughing exercises, deep breathing and playful activities. These activities bring more oxygen to the body and the brain which reduces stress and makes one feel more energetic and healthy.

Laughter yoga has been shown to boost the immune system, promote relaxation, lift mild depression, improve social interaction and connections, exercise the abdomen, help to control blood pressure increase lung capacity, detox the body, and improve circulation and digestion. But most importantly it’s fun and feels good!

Laughter Yoga classes are one hour long for active seniors, and 45 minutes for those with more limited abilities. Laughter Yoga does not require any special skills, equipment or clothing; and can be done either seated or standing. * This is a participatory class and would not be suitable for people who cannot move their limbs, or those with moderate to severe dementia.

Watch the videos: The Benefits of Laughter Yoga

 

 

 

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The world around us is filled with interesting people, places and things.  Likewise, each of us has interesting experiences and knowledge that can be shared.  Journalistic Writing allows us to capture this information and share it with others in informative, inspiring ways.  Journalists help to inform, provide solutions, and inspire their readers in countless ways.  Computer experience is not necessary to take this class.

• New!!! Poetry Writing – Small groups will work together to create a beautiful poem of their own. Choose from either Haiku, Cinquain, Diamante or “I Am” poetry styles. Even if the participants don’t have experience with writing poetry, they will be able to help write this one! (1 hour class. Staff assistance is needed for groups larger than 4 people. The staff does not need to have poetry writing experience)
• New!!! Cooperative Writing – Your group will work together to create a writing piece that expresses their opinion about a certain subject. Subjects can include things like “How to Raise a Good Child”, “What I Learned From My Mother”, or “Secrets to a Happy Life.” Each participant will be interviewed and recorded, and the interviews will then be typed. The finished piece can be presented as a Word document, or as a mini-book with a cover. (Hours vary depending on number of participants. Please contact us for an estimate)
• Journalistic Writing – We teach you how to decide on subjects of interest, identify information sources, compile interview questions, conduct an interview and take notes, verify your information, and write a journalistic article.  You will learn about research articles and interview articles, how to write and edit, and proper grammar and structure.  You can then submit your articles to newspapers and magazines for publication.  (1 hour class)

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• Architecture
• Cooking
• Drama
• Fiber Arts
• Fine Arts
• Gardening
• Holiday Activities
• Interior Decorating
• Laughter Yoga
• Life Stories
• Massage Therapy
• Music
• Pet Connections
• Positive Living
• Reiki
• Writing
• Yoga and Posture

Visit our Services for Caregivers page