Benchmark Founder & CEO Tom Grape participated in a panel discussion regarding how assisted living communities navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lessons learned. Hosted by Mass-ALA, the panel was part of a two-day conference during which Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and Elder Affairs Secretary Elizabeth Chen spoke. #MassALA #GovernorBaker #SecretaryChen
Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/33hvREi
Today's glorious weather allowed for wonderful family visits, some outdoor Reiki and Compassionate Touch massage, and just some overall relaxation and joy!
Yesterday the residents were treated to an outdoor concert with crowd favorite Jeff Thomas!
Rendever's Virtual Reality goggles give older adults a window to the parts of the world that they're missing. This afternoon, residents enjoyed taking a virtual tour of Boston!
Programming Director Sharon Loveridge enjoyed speaking with the residents today about Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year that starts this evening at sundown. After talking about the holiday, Sharon took out her shofar and walked through the community, blowing it and sharing its sound
for many of the residents, Jewish or not! Residents and staff alike seemed to really enjoy the experience. Happy New Year to all those who observe!
Now that we have shared some of the great programs we have, we wanted to also share the wonderful faces of Adelaide that administer, provide and care for our wonderful residents. Thank you to all of the staff at Adelaide for always putting their best foot, and their hearts...forward. #calledtocare #bethebenchmark #bettertogether2020 #nalweek
This morning, the staff at Adelaide was treated to a special delivery from Blackbird donuts here in Newton, generously donated by one of our incredible families! Nothing lifts the spirits more than gourmet donuts on a Sunday morn!
Music brings joy. That's all there is to it! We had a great afternoon with Charlie Dawson, singing and speaking to us via Zoom.
Using our technology, several residents enjoyed an afternoon of sensory programming involving some trivia, a little dancing, lots of engagement, and a sing-a-long featuring videos of The Everly Brothers, The Beatles and Elvis!
We are getting into the Fall holiday spirit here at Adelaide! We played spooky Halloween music in the background while we made mason jar mummies and filled them with water beads and essential oils! Adorable and therapeutic!
Michelle Tristani, Benchmark’s Corporate Director of Memory Care, recently authored a column on fall prevention, offering important tips aimed at helping keep older adults safe in their homes. #CalledtoCare #FallPreventionWeek
Read the full story below:
https://bit.ly/3ok6quk
Keeping busy is what we like to do! Residents worked on button art for an area afterschool program while listening to Bing Crosby, created thinking of you/sympathy cards for a resident in another Benchmark community who recently lost his mother, got up to the gym for some much needed exercise, took in a Zoom music lecture about Doc Pomus and even had one of our residents play her harpsichord, thanks to some great inspiration by our Dining Services Director Vicky!
Guy Hemond, VP of Culinary & Dining Experience with Benchmark, was featured in a piece by Senior Dining Association about Benchmark's Memory Care Dining Program.
Guy discusses how Benchmark communities improve memory care dining for residents, including how to create a home-like dining experience, visual stimulation in food and kitchenware, and creative ways to make food easier to eat. We are proud of Guy and our dining associates who strive toward creating a positive dining experience for residents! #CalledtoCare #memorycare #seniordining
Read the full story below:
https://seniordining.org/senior-dining-news/f/ways-to-improve-food-intake-and-dining-in-memory-care
As we begin the holiday season, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services provided recommendations on how to celebrate the holidays safely with loved ones who reside in assisted living communities or other senior residential settings. Benchmark and the Commonwealth encourage everyone to be considerate and assess risk of the spread of COVID-19. #CalledtoCare #thanksgiving
Read more about the Commonwealth’s recommendations and considerations below:
https://bit.ly/32TMW6G
Planning for Thanksgiving? Benchmark is encouraging all of our residents to stay home this year, and instead connect and celebrate with family virtually – via ZOOM, Microsoft Teams, etc. Residents and families can schedule a time for a virtual gathering, to share recipes and enjoy each other’s company. #Thanksgiving
Read more about the CDC’s tips for taking part in a safe Thanksgiving below:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/thanksgiving.html
Whether your movie is It’s a Wonderful Life, Christmas Vacation or A Christmas Story, it’s just not the same watching it by yourself. This year, use an app like Teleparty (https://www.netflixparty.com/) to watch those Christmas movies apart but together!
For more virtual celebration ideas, click below. #CalledtoCare #Holidays2020
https://bit.ly/3aEi2nF
Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit more than singing some favorite seasonal songs! This year, consider scheduling a virtual caroling event with family members. Make sure that everyone is using headphones to cut down on the background noise (and to make it easier to mute tone-deaf Aunt Betty!).
For more virtual celebration ideas, click below. #CalledtoCare #Holidays2020
https://bit.ly/3aEi2nF
When gathering and opening presents during the holidays, families can use Microsoft Teams, Facetime, or Zoom to capture these scenes. From the chaos of kids opening presents to heartfelt reactions to the most personal gifts, this is a great way to share holiday moments and memories with loved ones. For more virtual celebration ideas, click below. #CalledtoCare #Holidays2020
https://bit.ly/3aEi2nF
Some of our residents enjoy weekly visits to the gym. The unmasked couple have been married 60 years this fall .
Just because you can’t be there in person doesn’t mean you can’t decorate the tree together this year! If your loved one isn’t able to join you this year, consider buying them a small artificial tree and send them a few treasured family ornaments with it. Then, schedule some time for a virtual meeting to decorate your trees together. For more virtual celebration ideas, click below. #CalledtoCare #Holidays2020
https://bit.ly/3aEi2nF
Decorating gingerbread cookies on the snow day with the help of our talented chef Vicky, and activity aids Sara and Edie
Floral arranging on Christmas Day
Merry merry and happy happy from some of our residents and staff on Christmas Eve, and a classic movie; Charade with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn
Family holiday dinner isn’t canceled, it will just be a little different this year! Consider making a to-go plate for your loved one and dropping it off at his or her community. Then set up a computer at the head of the table so that they can eat the same food while still having a seat at your family dinner. For more virtual celebration ideas, click below. #CalledtoCare #Holidays2020
https://bit.ly/3aEi2nF
Another activity that’s easy to involve family members via video chat is building gingerbread houses. Put the camera at the end of the table and let the kids build their gingerbread houses while your loved one watches! For more virtual celebration ideas, click below. #CalledtoCare #Holidays2020
https://bit.ly/3aEi2nF
December 21 is the darkest day of the year—- but the Alzheimer’s Association is bringing light to the night .
Today at Adelaide we celebrated 2 residents’ birthdays, continued holiday festivities and lit tea lights in every room to outshine the darkness of Alzheimer’s.
This year, you can make baking a virtual intergenerational activity. Set up your computer right on the kitchen counter and let your loved one walk you through baking cookies, pie and other family recipes. Make sure your speaker is loud enough so you can hear over the mixer! For more virtual celebration ideas, click below. #CalledtoCare #Holidays2020
https://bit.ly/3aEi2nF
Happy New Year with bubbles and a sparkling toast from the family at Adelaide 🥂
Upcoming Support Group Information. Everyone is welcome to attend, RSVP to hstickney@benchmarkquality.com
Dancing our way into 2021 ...
New Years Resolutions and goals by some of our residents and staff for 2021
After a morning of beach ball volleyball we enjoyed fresh lobster rolls. And yes a few chose homemade Mac and cheese. Homemade Kit Kat brownies for dessert. Kudos to chef Vicki .
It may be freezing outside, but inside at Adelaide we’re enjoying ice cream sundaes with chocolate chip cookies, thanks to our chef Victoria.
We’re never too old and it’s never too late to make new friendships
Our residents and staff commemorating MLK Day .... I Have a Dream
Pet therapy provides emotional benefits to all ages including the increased ability to show gentleness and caring, lessens anxiety and improves social skills , to name a few . Thanks to Edie and Samantha in our activity department we will have regular visits with their 4 legged family members .
When hugs aren’t allowed ..... yet.
This evening after dinner Samantha and Sylviana took all of our residents on a quick adventure ... sky diving , swimming with dolphins , hot air balloons . Where will we go next week ?
Using our SMARTfit technology, our Residents improve their brain health, balance, strength, and stability with cognitive-motor training. Go get ‘em Jack!
This afternoon our residents attended a live saxophone concert on Zoom
More photos of our successful path to beating this virus
100% of the residents received the 1st Pfizer vaccine today, as well as the majority of our staff.
We celebrated all day playing a variety of games ranging from horseshoes to ring toss to BINGO, Wheel of Fortune and music. We finished with ice cream sundaes with cookies and cake , thanks to our beloved chef Vicki.
Pre Covid we had live in person monthly music lectures. This afternoon we enjoyed our new temporary norm music lecture by Frank King with today’s focus on Dean Martin!
Our residents participated in a live Rendever art heist activity this afternoon. Our guide took us on a tour which spotlights various museums like Isabella Stewart Gardiner and tells the stories of various heists throughout history, with live question and answer interaction. All of our participants began communicating as they felt they were physically in the museums!
As part of Benchmark Senior Living’s commitment to improve and personalize the resident experience, we are thrilled to be the first senior living provider in the Northeast to implement a digital platform that pinpoints residents’ interests to better match them to community programs and activities, and build relationships with neighbors.
The “Something in Common” program, developed using TSOLife technology, is being launched across all of Benchmark’s 63 communities.
“Creating and enhancing human connections in our communities is at the heart of Benchmark’s mission and something each of our staff members strive to achieve each day. ‘Something in Common’ is a tremendous resource that helps forge cherished relationships between new and longtime residents, as well as staff,” said Tom Grape, Benchmark's founder, Chairman and CEO.
Read more about the program below! #CalledtoCare #TSOLife
https://bit.ly/3t7XpXt
The residents of Adelaide celebrated 2 famous birthdays today .
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1756-1791. A prolific and influential composer of the classical period, composing more than 600 works.
Mikhail Baryshnikov, dancer, choreographer and actor born in 1948.
This afternoon our residents played familiar face BINGO which created much conversation and scandals ....
The Wall Street Journal today put a spotlight on Benchmark Senior Living’s innovative and creative efforts to educate and encourage our associates to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Benchmark Founder, CEO and Chairman Tom Grape was asked for his insights on how to inspire employees to get vaccinated. Read the story below. #CalledtoCare #WSJ
https://bit.ly/2Yev1os
Additional photos of our Rendever visit to the Nairobi Gallery in 🇰🇪 Kenya
Today, Benchmark CEO Tom Grape received his first COVID-19 vaccine at Cabot Park Village, an Independent Living community in Newton, Mass. Tom waited until all residents and associates throughout Benchmark’s 63 communities had a chance to receive their initial dose before rolling up his own sleeve. Tom and the entire Benchmark team are working hard to promote the importance of getting vaccinated.
Through Town Halls with medical experts, associate and resident videos and daily myth-buster emails, Benchmark is ramping up associate vaccine promotion as the second round of clinics begin. Read more below about our efforts to put an end to this terrible virus. #CalledtoCare
https://bit.ly/2Mu48uj
To begin our celebration of Black History Month our staff and residents used our Rendever glasses and toured the Nairobi Gallery in Kenya.
This East African gallery located in Nairobi, Kenya is a cultural delight showcasing African textiles, art stamps and historic artifacts. We learned about ancient crafts and pioneer artisans who emerged after Kenya’s independence and transformed the art world with their creations.
Enjoying the pizzas we made!
We are 100% doing this again! Everyone loved it, said Chef Vicki!
Our residents asked to make their own pizzas, and our chef Vicki and staff obliged
Additional loves
At Adelaide we’re getting ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day and our 2nd vaccine from Pfizer
An engaging activity, one granddaughter made several activity boards for her grandmother. Grandma uses them and shares with other residents!
Celebrating national pancake day on Fat Tuesday ..... and no, we aren’t planning to fast tomorrow!
Some of our residents celebrating Mardi Gras today and visiting Bourbon Street!
Additional lovelies. Happy Valentine’s Day to all!
Cupid visited Adelaide on Valentine's Day!
Enjoying the pizzas we made!
We are 100% doing this again! Everyone loved it, said Chef Vicki!
Our Monday morning horseshoes team
Carnival Adelaide, the ladies celebrating each other!
In the Center of Newton lies a gem of a Memory Care community. Learn more about life at Adelaide of Newton Centre in the video below! #CalledtoCare
Celebrating national pancake day on Fat Tuesday ..... and no, we aren’t planning to fast tomorrow!
Some of our residents celebrating Mardi Gras today and visiting Bourbon Street!
Additional lovelies. Happy Valentine’s Day to all!
Saturday morning beach volleyball at Adelaide!
Speaking of babies.... newly hired RCA Henry had his first this week, a 7 pound baby boy, Declan! Henry usually works the night shifts with our residents.
This afternoon the residents of Adelaide went down memory lane with the Movie Stars. We saw silent stars, leading men , leading ladies, cops ‘n’ robbers, comedians, war heroes, the wild Wild West, child stars, musicals and frightful films.
Just seeing photos of the classics and listening to music resulted in much conversation and engagement!
How dedicated is our staff? This morning at 2am lead RCA Najmie had an unexpected event. She delivered her cousin’s baby right in her own house! A healthy baby boy was born and Najmie still made it in for her 7am shift.
Lionel Porter, a resident at Cabot Park Village, a Benchmark independent living community in Newtonville, MA, has dedicated his life and career to fighting racism. His story was featured last night on Boston 25 News! Learn more below. #BHM
https://bit.ly/3bGTtVZ
When our residents ask, chef Vicki listens. Today we had deli style create your own grilled sandwiches with delicious homemade chips!
Ever wonder about the origin of pound cake? Well, yesterday was national pound cake day!
The origin of pound cake began in Northern Europe in the early 18th century. The original ingredients weighed 4 pounds. In the contemporary version the ingredients of pound cake add up to 1 pound and consist of equal portions butter, flour, sugar and eggs.
Thanks to chef Vicki, we enjoyed our pound cake in the strawberry shortcake fashion!
Today is national peanut butter day. Who doesn’t like chocolate peanut butter mousse?
Saturday morning beach volleyball at Adelaide!
Speaking of babies.... newly hired RCA Henry had his first this week, a 7 pound baby boy, Declan! Henry usually works the night shifts with our residents.
This afternoon the residents of Adelaide went down memory lane with the Movie Stars. We saw silent stars, leading men , leading ladies, cops ‘n’ robbers, comedians, war heroes, the wild Wild West, child stars, musicals and frightful films.
Just seeing photos of the classics and listening to music resulted in much conversation and engagement!
How dedicated is our staff? This morning at 2am lead RCA Najmie had an unexpected event. She delivered her cousin’s baby right in her own house! A healthy baby boy was born and Najmie still made it in for her 7am shift.
It’s Women’s History Month, and we have a lot of incredible women at Adelaide! #WomensHistoryMonth
Cosmo is our volunteer therapy dog. He visits on Mondays. He’s a 5 year old lab mix born in Alabama. Cosmo lives in Newton with Edie and family!
A bird feeder gives you the opportunity to observe the wonders of nature, so we made some bird feeders for our lovely courtyards!
Ever wonder about the origin of pound cake? Well, yesterday was national pound cake day!
The origin of pound cake began in Northern Europe in the early 18th century. The original ingredients weighed 4 pounds. In the contemporary version the ingredients of pound cake add up to 1 pound and consist of equal portions butter, flour, sugar and eggs.
Thanks to chef Vicki, we enjoyed our pound cake in the strawberry shortcake fashion!
Today is national peanut butter day. Who doesn’t like chocolate peanut butter mousse?
Saturday morning beach volleyball at Adelaide!
On St. Patrick’s Day we’re all Irish at Adelaide! We made leprechaun hats and clover kids, and listened to a live opera singer perform classic Irish music.
Swing and string today with Rob Notali and the residents of Adelaide!
At Benchmark, creating meaningful moments with our mind and memory care residents is at the heart of our culture of caring. To celebrate Brain Awareness Week, Michelle Tristani, Corporate Director of Memory Care, outlines proven techniques that help foster meaningful communication with people with dementia. Click below to read more about our award-winning program, Connect First. #BrainAwarenessWeek #CalledtoCare
https://bit.ly/3eHVjsH
It’s Women’s History Month, and we have a lot of incredible women at Adelaide! #WomensHistoryMonth
Cosmo is our volunteer therapy dog. He visits on Mondays. He’s a 5 year old lab mix born in Alabama. Cosmo lives in Newton with Edie and family!
A bird feeder gives you the opportunity to observe the wonders of nature, so we made some bird feeders for our lovely courtyards!
Monday Agenda:
Gardening ✅
Cosmo dog therapy✅
Art ✅
This afternoon we watched our chef Vicki try on wedding gowns —- and toasted to her!
On St. Patrick’s Day we’re all Irish at Adelaide! We made leprechaun hats and clover kids, and listened to a live opera singer perform classic Irish music.
Swing and string today with Rob Notali and the residents of Adelaide!
At Benchmark, creating meaningful moments with our mind and memory care residents is at the heart of our culture of caring. To celebrate Brain Awareness Week, Michelle Tristani, Corporate Director of Memory Care, outlines proven techniques that help foster meaningful communication with people with dementia. Click below to read more about our award-winning program, Connect First. #BrainAwarenessWeek #CalledtoCare
https://bit.ly/3eHVjsH
It’s Women’s History Month, and we have a lot of incredible women at Adelaide! #WomensHistoryMonth
