We celebrated Shavuot this week and had a great time being together for the holiday.  On Thursday afternoon, residents and staff gathered to have a study session together, followed by an ice cream social.  We had a "make your own sundae" set up and everyone had a great time deciding how to "dress" their ice cream.  We had choices that included chocolate sauce, fresh strawberries, sprinkles and even whipped cream!  What fun we all had!

We started the week off in great fashion as well.  We took a group of folks to see the Reds play on Sunday.  It was a beautiful day, the seats were perfect and everyone had a fabulous time.  There is nothing like baseball on a summer day and it is a great way to have some fun, bring back some memories and create some new ones as well.

It was also a week of learning and growth for our staff.  Teepa Snow, a nationally known educator and expert on caring for folks with dementia, was here for three days. Teepa visits us once each quarter.  She works with staff and residents, helping us to improve our techniques and expand our knowledge.  We've been involved, with Teepa, in training staff to become Dementia Care Specialists.  It's a 4-level training program, with each level taking folks to a much higher skill level, requiring both education and practice.  We have trained 100% of our staff on Level I, and by that we mean all staff not just those who provide direct care.  All Cedar Village staff are now certified as Level I Dementia Care Specialists.  The Dementia Care Specialist core leadership group, just over 30 staff members representing staff and management from all disciplines, have received Level II training and are in the process of becoming certified.  They will then cascade this training to the rest of the staff.  This week's program introduced that leadership group to Level III and that training and practice is just beginning.  It is a big effort but very important and we are excited to be moving it forward.

We're getting close to opening our new rehabilitation center and look forward to that happening early in July.  Watch for details!  And don't forget to save the date for the annual Cedar Village Golf Classic.  That's August 22^nd at Wetherington Country Club.  Invitations will soon be heading your way!

 

All the best,

  

Carol Silver Elliott

CEO/President, Cedar Village

carol@cedarvillage.org