FAMILY UPDATE
WINTER 2024
WARMING HEARTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
We’re delighted to bring you the next installment of our Family Newsletter, filled with updates and exciting developments happening across our communities. In this edition, you’ll discover highlights from engaging activities and delightful outings that are keeping our residents active, joyful, and connected this season. We’re also proud to share updates on the innovative technologies we’re implementing to enhance the quality of life and care for our residents. From seasonal celebrations to cutting-edge advancements, this newsletter showcases our unwavering commitment to creating an enriching and memorable experience for everyone in our community. Thank you for being part of our extended family, and we hope you enjoy this glimpse into the vibrant life of our communities!
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS CULINARY SHOWDOWN
The holiday season is a time to celebrate traditions, and what better way to do so than through the joy of food? We’re thrilled to announce our Holiday Traditions Culinary Showdown, a special event happening throughout the month of December that showcases the creativity, skill, and heart of our culinary teams. Each community has selected a holiday recipe inspired by cherished traditions, whether it’s a favorite dish from a cook, a treasured family recipe shared by a resident, or a creative contribution from another department. These recipes will come to life during live Culinary Demonstrations for residents and staff, highlighting the flavors and stories behind each creation. After the demonstrations, recipes and photos of the finished dishes will be submitted to our Home Office, where a judging committee will select First and Second place winners.
We’re excited to celebrate the creativity and culinary excellence that make the holidays so special in our communities.
GRATEFUL FOR OUR DEDICATED ASSOCIATES
At Maplewood Senior Living, we believe that what truly sets us apart is our dedicated and compassionate associates. We focus on attracting and retaining the very best people at all levels within our company because we know how important it is to have a family of associates you can count on. Throughout the year, we celebrate their commitment with special recognition awards and joyful events, including holiday parties that honor their hard work and spirit. We are also deeply grateful to the residents and families who have generously contributed to our Associate Appreciation Holiday Fund. Your kindness and support mean so much to our associates and serve as a powerful reminder of the meaningful connections that make our communities so special.
CELEBRATING MILESTONES AND MEMORIES
This month, we proudly celebrated the 10th anniversary of Maplewood at Stony Hill in Bethel, Connecticut. As one of the first dedicated memory care communities in the state, Stony Hill has spent a decade as a trusted partner to families, providing specialized care and a supportive environment tailored to the unique needs of individuals living with dementia.
Earlier this year, we also celebrated significant milestones at Maplewood at Weston, Massachusetts, which marked its 10th anniversary, and Maplewood at Southport, Connecticut, which celebrated 5 years of exceptional service. These milestones reflect not only our enduring commitment to providing best-in-class care but also the trust placed in us by residents and families. We are deeply grateful for the opportunities to support older adults in our communities and proud to be part of their stories.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
A Celebration of Light and CommunityMaplewood at Princeton recently shone a little brighter as we celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights! Residents, families, and team members came together to embrace the vibrant traditions of this special holiday, enjoying colorful decorations, delicious treats, and joyful music. Diwali is a time to reflect on the light in our lives and the strength of our community, and this celebration beautifully reflected the inclusive spirit that defines our community. Events like these are a cornerstone of our social, cultural, and educational offerings, fostering connection and understanding while honoring the diverse traditions that enrich our lives.
Holiday Cheer with Local Traditions and Festive Fun - The holiday season comes alive with delightful local traditions designed to bring cheer and convenience to our residents. From the enchanting performance by local dance and theater groups to festive craft making and Holiday Sip & Shop events, we're creating opportunities for residents to enjoy festive moments and simplify their holiday shopping. These beloved events not only spread seasonal joy but also provide a unique, stress-free way for community members to support local artisans and small business owners and enjoy past traditions.
Furry Friends Spread Joy Across Communities - The holidays can be a time of joy and reflection, but they can also bring sadness for many. That’s why pet therapy is a cherished part of our offerings across communities. Few things lift the spirit like the unconditional love of a pet, and these special sessions provide residents with comfort, smiles, and a renewed sense of connection. Whether it’s a wagging tail or a warm nuzzle, the presence of a furry companion can brighten any day and create moments of pure joy during this meaningful season and beyond.
Baking Memories, One Sweet Treat at a Time - Across our Maplewood communities, residents have been getting into the holiday spirit by baking various festive treats, from spooky Halloween cookies to delicious Christmas pastries. Residents took part in the process, from mixing ingredients to decorating their creations. Once the treats are baked to perfection, everyone gathers to enjoy the sweet results, creating lasting memories and indulging in the warmth of the season.
Stepping into Oz for a Magical Movie Experience - Residents from Maplewood at Twinsburg enjoyed an outing to the movie theater to see the highly anticipated Wicked movie. With the theater buzzing with excitement, they were transported to the enchanting world of Oz, experiencing the beloved story in a whole new way on the big screen.
Ring in the Holidays with Entertainment - This holiday season, residents have experienced an array of performances designed to bring festive cheer. From talented piano players filling the air with timeless holiday classics to skilled magicians adding an element of wonder, each performance lifts spirits and brings warmth to our residents.
AI TECHNOLOGY ENHANCING SENIOR CARE: THE SAFELYYOU PARTNERSHIP
We are excited to announce our partnership with SafelyYou, a leader in AIenabled fall detection and prevention for dementia care. This innovative technology has an impressive track record, demonstrating up to a remarkable 40% reduction in falls and an astounding 80% decrease in emergency room visits resulting from falls. We have already introduced SafelyYou at several of our communities, with plans to implement it across all communities by the end of January.
Using advanced, consent-based cameras with AI technology, SafelyYou can detect falls instantly, alerting our care team. The secure system allows authorized staff to review fall events, helping us understand and prevent future incidents, ultimately providing greater peace of mind for families.
RESIDENT REFERRAL PROGRAM
Your referrals are the ultimate compliment for us. Refer a friend to one of our communities, and enjoy a $2,500 referral credit as our way of saying thank you. Simply connect with one of our Community Relations Directors, share your friend’s details, and we’ll handle the rest. Introduce someone to the Maplewood Senior Living lifestyle and reap the rewards!