Jimmy never misses an opportunity to entertain us; whether he’s singing, dancing, or just spreading happiness to everyone.
We had the band “Rockin’ Chairs” perform for us recently ... And they had the Branches rocking on a beautiful fall night !
As Lee Ann Womack; the singer of this song would suggest : ❤️ 💃🏼
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
Here’s a few more of our pizza day ... We try to be outside on our beautiful patio whenever weather permits. #pizzatime
Every Friday is pizza 🍕 Friday at the Branches of Marlboro.
Our Residents have been trying a different pizza from a different place in the local community for the past few weeks; letting us know who their favorites are.
This is just one of the comments from a Resident ❤️🍕❤️😊 #serendipity
Did you know that September 23, 2020 was International Sign Language Day?
Bet you didn’t know that our talented dancer and associate Jimmy (seen in the video - dancing in the rain below) is also fluent in sign language.
He was kind enough to share his knowledge and taught us several words and phrases. 👏 👏 Thank you Jimmy !
Dance off 🤣👍👍
Mike the gorilla 🦍 vs Jimmy the clown 🤡
Today we had another very special celebration honoring two of our newest Residents who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary 💕
Happy Anniversary Jack & Judy 🔔 🔔
WHAT a circus (carnival) today was 😊😉 !
Ain’t no time to be feeling down ... when everyone is surrounded by clowns.
You know the phrase “I work with a bunch of clowns “? We really do ❤️ We sure know how to make the long days fun.
Today, all of our residents and associates enjoyed a full of fun carnival day including a professional magician.
We had all the favorite carnival foods; hotdogs, fried dough, popcorn, root beer floats, lemonade, and lots of sweet treats prepared by our wonderful chef Eny and her crew.
Lots of smiles, laughs, and spirit #bettertogether #branchesofmarlboro
Drawing for the Lottery Ticket Winner.
Waking To End Alzheimer’s 💜
The walk to end Alzheimer’s begins ...
Today WE tried something new ... “Wii” went bowling ... and had lots of fun.
Disclosure...The names were already preloaded from when my kids were younger so rather than create new ones, for today, everyone picked their favorite from the list. 😊
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
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
Guess who won “ Most Creative “ In the pumpkin contest ? The Branches of Marlboro Tree’m ! 🏆 🎉🍾🎈 thats who 👻 🎃!
We really do have the best tree’m ... Everyone participated, including residents.
The purple pumpkins were completed by our memory care residents.
Each department then designed a pumpkin that related to their department.

Lots of fun !!!
Can you guess the departments?
Happy National Chocolate Day from the Branches of Marlboro.
We celebrated like everyone should by playing chocolate BINGO for chocolate prizes and then had chocolate desserts.
Today we made some beautiful, fall, door decorations. I’m always impressed with the 👩🏼🎨 artistes within ❤️
Great way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Benchmark Founder and CEO Tom Grape reflected on the amazing veterans in our communities, from our residents to associates. Benchmark would like to sincerely thank all veterans for their service and wish them the very best today, Veterans Day, as well as every day. Read Tom Grape's letter below. #CalledtoCare #VeteransDay
https://bit.ly/36qLmKr
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
Getting ready to celebrate our one year grand opening. It will look different and not like we had hoped ... but still worthy of celebrating all the good ... despite the tough year its been for everyone everywhere.
We continue to focus on the positives and these ladies have a beautiful talent with flower arranging ❤️ 💐 🌸 🌹
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
We want to make you aware that the MA Executive Office of Health and Human Services has revised its guidance to families on celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones in long term care communities. State officials now “strongly discourage” families from bringing relatives home for “any in-person gatherings.” Please read the entire letter to Massachusetts families from EOHHS Secretary Marylou Sudders below #Thanksgiving:
https://bit.ly/3kW8bLe
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
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
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
More dancing ... bring on the holiday joy !
Our Residents and staff can dance !!!❤️❤️❤️
Even during an awful pandemic and challenging times, we were lucky to have managed to find a way to have some fun, and SAFELY celebrate our residents, hardworking staff, and the holidays.
Our talented chef Eny Fernandes put out a great spread. We had virtual live entertainment throughout the building ... and had a happy, well deserved afternoon. ⛄️ 🌲 🕎 🍱
We may have been quiet on Facebook lately but we are busy elves behind the scenes ...
Our residents have been making salt dough ornaments and decorating them, visiting Lancaster lights, dropping toys off for children in need, celebrating each night of Hanukkah, making door decorations, and working on our holiday spirit just to name a few.
Take a vote on your favorite door. 🚪 ✔️😊
There’s more door decorations postings to come so stand by 😊
Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas Eve! Our special visitor, Kobe, helped spread the holiday joy today to all our residents and staff!
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
Today has been filled with Christmas spirit! Our wonderful Dining Service Director, Eny, and her fabulous team took on an amazing and thoughtful challenge of providing, not only associates but family and friends, with two delicious meals. Thankfully, Santa was able to come and give a helping hand with our Holiday meals and gifts!
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
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
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
Happy (almost) New Years! Thank you to all, the support we have had to help us get through this year together has been heart warming!
Today our Branches family came together and took the next step towards a new and improved year. #bettertogether
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 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
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
Congratulations to all of the 2020 Service Champions of the months! And a big congratulations to Jimmy Kelley for Service Champion of the year! Thank you to all the staff that helped make this day memorable!
👏🏻Stephanie, Honemi, Jay, Maria S., Caitlin, Jimmy, Gabriel, Meaghan, Glenda, Pauline L., Mark, And Bailey!
HAPPY NATIONAL PIZZA DAY!
Today we made our own pizza’s to celebrate! Yummy🍕
Had our own Super Bowl Party with a guest appearance by Tom Brady! #bettertogether
Second round for Vaccinations! Thank you to everyone who helped! #BEATCOVID
Happy Valentine’s Day. We enjoyed ourselves with some music, appetizers, chocolate and drinks❤️
Happy National Make a Friend Day!
We enjoyed a nice lunch out in the Bistro, thanks to our lovely Dining staff! Thank you for all your hard work today!
Do you love chocolate? Come support Benchmark by donating to the One Company Fund and entering into our raffle!
Winner will be called Friday the 19th!
Best of luck to all who enter!
Today’s lunch in the Bistro and some fun afternoon activities!
Father Issac came to smudge ashes for Ash Wednesday today, the residents were thrilled!
Don’t forget to buy some raffle tickets for a chance to win out box of chocolates! The raffle will be pick this Friday.
Had a small celebration for Mardi Gras! The food was fantastic thanks to our wonderful kitchen staff!
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
Don’t forget to buy some raffle tickets for a chance to win out box of chocolates! The raffle will be pick this Friday.
Had a small celebration for Mardi Gras! The food was fantastic thanks to our wonderful kitchen staff!
Happy birthday Dr. Seuss! We celebrated with Green Eggs and Ham, and Thing One and Thing Two! Give a hand to our twins!
THU, MAR 11 AT 6:00 PM EST
The Effects of Social Isolation on Those Living with Dementia
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
Don’t forget to buy some raffle tickets for a chance to win out box of chocolates! The raffle will be pick this Friday.
Join in our raffle to help support our local K-9 unit!
Happy birthday Dr. Seuss! We celebrated with Green Eggs and Ham, and Thing One and Thing Two! Give a hand to our twins!
THU, MAR 11
The Effects of Social Isolation on Those Living with Dementia
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
Had a fun day with a therapy dog and making Irish bread!
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
A big congratulations and happy birthday to Donna! She won the Beacon award for all of benchmark! We are so lucky to have her as apart of our team.
Join in our raffle to help support our local K-9 unit!
Happy birthday Dr. Seuss! We celebrated with Green Eggs and Ham, and Thing One and Thing Two! Give a hand to our twins!
THU, MAR 11
The Effects of Social Isolation on Those Living with Dementia
Some more photos from yesterday’s fun!
Don’t forget to purchase your raffle tickets! We will be picking the winner at the end of the month!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Had a fun day with morning exercises then hydrated with a green drink!
Come join our amazing team of compassionate care givers! Give us a call for more information.
Had a fun day with a therapy dog and making Irish bread!
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
Only three days left! Don’t forget to buy your tickets and support Marlboro K9 until!
Had a fun day bowling!
What an amazing performer we had! Here’s a bit from his performance.
Some more photos from yesterday’s fun!
Don’t forget to purchase your raffle tickets! We will be picking the winner at the end of the month!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Had a fun day with morning exercises then hydrated with a green drink!
