Discover the Support You Need to Live the Life You Love 

In North Wales, The Solana^® Horsham offers senior accommodations that truly make a difference. That’s because our people strive each and every day to not only meet but also exceed the expectations of our residents and their families.

Step inside The Solana Horsham, and from the moment you do, you’ll be captivated by the comfortable surroundings, the sense of security and the welcoming environment. More than just a place to live, The Solana offers a way of life where you can immerse yourself in the activities that interest you most, while developing and nurturing new and enduring friendships. Most of all, you and your family will appreciate the peace of mind that comes from knowing your important needs are being met.

Now open, The Solana features Assistive Senior Living and Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care for residents who require specialized service and care.

Assistive Senior Living

The Solana’s special brand of Assistive Senior Living provides a beautiful place to live with just the right amount of help with everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing and grooming. Our care plans offer an ideal blend of convenience and support, enabling us to deliver personalized care with Respect for Individual Preferences^SM.

Working in concert with family members and personal physicians, we continually assess each resident and adjust services to meet their evolving needs. The result is a dignified lifestyle that is rich and rewarding and allows residents to live as independently as possible.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care is provided in The Solana’s specialized Clare Bridge^® environment. A feature exclusive to Brookdale Senior Living^® communities, the Clare Bridge concept has evolved over more than 25 years by continually embracing the latest ideas in good Alzheimer’s care practice, coupled with the experience of caring for thousands of individuals and families touched by dementia. Each resident receives an individualized approach, depending on the progression of the disease.

The Solana offers two distinct Clare Bridge^® settings:

• Clare Bridge Crossings provides a bridge between Assistive Senior Living and more advanced care and is designed for individuals whose altered sense of time and place may result in anxiety and the need for additional support. This proactive program builds upon aging research to sustain mental functions that are often impacted in the early-to-mid stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

• As clinical and support needs increase, our Clare Bridge residence provides a specialized environment for those in mid-to-late stages of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Staff members are highly trained to understand and manage the unique challenges associated with dementia and implement a four-step plan each day to help residents achieve Daily Moments of Success^SM.

At The Solana, we know the key to aging well is living well. That’s why residents enjoy fabulous amenities, such as chef-prepared meals and housekeeping, laundry and transportation services. What’s more, our Optimum Life^® program supports residents’ pursuit of wellness through six key dimensions: purposeful, emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and intellectual. As a result, every day here is filled with opportunities and experiences to keep residents connected and engaged.

From the compassionate support of Assistive Senior Living to the comfort of specialized Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, you’ll find everything residents need to enhance their quality of life in every possible way, even as their needs evolve. Best of all, it’s backed by the strength and stability of Brookdale Senior Living, the nation’s largest provider of senior accommodations.

Come see what our exceptional blend of hospitality, service and care means for you. Call (215) 642-2701 today to learn more.

THE SOLANA^® HORSHAM

A Brookdale^® Managed Community

Assistive Senior Living

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care

1419 Horsham Road

North Wales, PA 19454

(215) 642-2701

www.brookdaleliving.com

Respect for Individual Preferences and Daily Moments of Success are Service Marks of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA. ® Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office.

During his remarkable career, Frank E. Braxton, Sr., has held positions ranging from shoemaker to political appointee.
He learned several trades, pursued a few different careers and discovered a couple of passions. Frank E. Braxton, Sr.’s, lengthy resume includes positions ranging from his early work as a shoemaker to his many political appointments.

While Frank’s job titles are impressive, they don’t reveal his incredible work ethic. His lifelong commitment to service is best reflected by the wide array of awards that adorn the walls of his apartment at Atrium Village.

Atrium Village is a Senior Lifestyle Community in Owings Mills, Md., offering independent living, assisted living and memory care. Frank made the move to Atrium’s assisted living community after a series of illnesses left him hospitalized.

During his remarkable career, Frank E. Braxton, Sr., has held positions ranging from shoemaker to political appointee.

Unsatisfied with the care he had been receiving and looking for answers, his family decided to have Frank transferred to Johns Hopkins Hospital. His mysterious symptoms, including uncontrollable shaking, began to clear up in just a few days.After a brief stay in rehabilitation, Frank moved to Atrium Village and quickly became an active member of the community.For Frank, who recently celebrated his 98th birthday, getting involved has always come naturally. A native Washingtonian, he pursued many different opportunities before delving into local politics. Shortly after graduating from Armstrong Technical School in Washington, D.C., Frank became a shoemaker.

“I found out that I wasn’t a good shoemaker pretty quickly when I started working in one of those fast shoe shops,” he recalled.

After discovering that shoemaking was not his calling, Frank struggled to get another position. “Jobs were hard to find back in the 30s,” he said. “Those of us who actually lived in D.C. had very little chance of getting a good government job.”

Determined to make his own way, Frank began shining shoes at a barbershop that served an elite clientele. “One of the lawyers who came there ended up giving me a letter of recommendation to work at the post office,” Frank remembered. “Because of his letter, I got a job. It was 66 cents an hour, but that was a good job.”

After this crucial recommendation, Frank’s career really took off. He eventually got an appointment at the Government Printing Office. However, shortly after starting his new job, Frank was drafted and joined the U.S. Army. Following a brief but distinguished military career, he returned to the States and was called back to the U.S. Postal Service.
A postal worker by day, Frank also became a watchmaker. “I did anything I could to make an honest living, and I made watches for about 15 years,” he said.

During his remarkable career, Frank E. Braxton, Sr., has held positions ranging from shoemaker to political appointee.

During his tenure at the Postal Service, Frank became involved in The National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees Union. He served as the Vice President of the local chapter and later became the Financial Secretary of the chapter. His involvement with the union continued even after his retirement. “Our local president became the national union president,” Frank recalled. “By this time, I had retired, but he appointed me to serve as chair of the retirees division.”Even while working full time, Frank amassed a significant amount of experience in local politics. Through the years, he held both elected and appointed positions in the D.C. government. He is most proud of his service on the First District Citizens’ Advisory Council. The Council was responsible for advising the commander of the D.C. Police Force about the services the community wanted and needed.“While I was on that Council, we earned the confidence of the neighborhood and also of the police officers,” explained Frank. “We were able to achieve amazing reductions in crime.”

Frank’s many political positions also included an election to the Democratic State Committee and an appointment to the Civilian Complaint Review Board, among others. The Board investigated alleged abuse of power by police officers and made recommendations for punishment.

While he is immensely proud of his work in the community, Frank readily admits that it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of his wife, Geneva. Frank and Geneva met on a streetcar in D.C. Frank had a girlfriend when they first met, but he knew that something was different about this young woman. “She just struck a nerve,” he recalled fondly. “There was something there that I just really liked.”

The couple married and had two children, Frank, Jr., and Yvonne. While Frank pursued his personal and political ambitions, Geneva provided stability for the family. “I was able to do so much because I always had the backing of my wife. I think now of the many nights that she was left alone while I was out doing something for someone else. She always supported me,” he said.After Geneva passed away nearly 20 years ago, Frank continued to live alone in their home. Last year, he started to have some health issues, including episodes of uncontrollable shaking. Frank was leaving his doctor’s office after a follow-up visit when he collapsed. It was this episode that led to his eventual transfer to Johns Hopkins Hospital. While Frank was recovering, his grandson found Atrium Village, and the family has never looked back.

“I would recommend this community to anyone because of the care we receive,” said Frank. “At home, I would miss taking my medicine or run out of medicine. Since I’ve been here, I don’t have to worry about that.”

Frank also enjoys having three delicious meals prepared for him every day. Perhaps, most importantly, he loves the genuine interactions between staff and residents. “The personnel here are very attentive to all of us,” he said. “You often see them hugging the residents and giving them attention, and the residents return the affection.”

In addition to great amenities and personal relationships, Atrium Village offers a variety of spacious apartment styles, including floor plans that residents can personalize with favorite furnishings and cherished possessions. Residents also enjoy events and programs, scheduled transportation to doctors’ appointments and local shopping.

Since moving to Atrium Village, Frank has quickly adjusted and made friends. He has become an integral part of his new community and continues to give back in any way he can.

Pointing to the diverse plaques acknowledging his service as a politician and a community volunteer, Frank notes, “All the awards you see here are for things I did because I wanted to. I never wanted to be paid for the things I did. If I couldn’t do it out of the goodness of my heart, I didn’t want to do it.” Whether he was serving his customers, his constituents or his community, Frank’s commitment to service never wavered, and he always delivered his help with a smile. That, it turns out, is the key to an award-winning life.

Elizabeth “Liz” Quinlan is a native of Hagerstown, Md. who received her Nursing degrees from Cornell University and University of Pennsylvania.  During the Korean War she joined the Air Force as a nurse at Shepherd Air Force Base, where she met New Jersey native Jerry. Although they met in 1952, the couple did not get married until 1968.  Liz recounted the story of when the “romance got started.”

“Both my parents were very ill and, since my father was born in Greece, Jerry came up on Greek Easter with this beautiful tray of all these food specialties he’d gotten at a Greek restaurant in Washington,” she said.  “He was so kind and he said, ‘You know, Liz, I know both your parents have been ill and you’re tied down.  I’ll look after them this afternoon and you can go and visit some friends or whatever you want to do.’  Of course I didn’t go, but I was just sort of overwhelmed that anybody would be that kind. And that’s really the essence of Jerry, that he’s always been so kind to everybody.”

After they married, the couple settled down to focus on their careers, hobbies and travels.  Several years into their retirement, Liz noticed Jerry’s behavior started becoming slightly erratic.  It was particularly evident the day Jerry approached her and asked how she felt about giving up their car.  Actually grateful since it left them with unnecessary expenses, she told him that would be fine.  Then according to Liz, Jerry responded saying, “Well I think I’m going to do it because I get lost coming home.”

Similar incidents led the couple to see a physician.  When the diagnosis revealed Jerry had dementia, Liz made sure to help and care for him at home.   “I really wasn’t able to talk about it,” she said.

"The essence of Jerry is that he's always been so kind to everybody," said Elizabeth Quinlan of her husband of 43 years, who was eventually diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

During a trip to the dentist, she found a magazine article describing a drug that helps Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.  Liz then approached the receptionist asking if she could make a copy of it, revealing that Jerry had Alzheimer’s. “When I finally said it, the tears started to come and I couldn’t stop crying,” she said.

That conversation opened the door to her discovering a vast amount of resources at IONA Senior Services.  Liz learned about their renowned Adult Day Health Care Center and support groups, where Jerry thrived and eventually participated five days a week.

As his condition progressed, it was clear that he was going to need more assistance, so Liz began to look at their options.  “The Methodist Home of Washington, D.C. had the best reputation for nursing care, so that was the first place I went,” she said.

At her first meeting, she learned the Methodist Home was building a brand new community in Chevy Chase, D.C. called Forest Side that would be exclusively devoted to Alzheimer’s and memory-related disorders.  After visiting a few other options, she was excited for Jerry to become one of Forest Side’s first residents and filled out an application.

Today, Jerry is in the hands of compassionate caregivers and staff, leaving Liz much more confident about his well-being. The state-of-the-art community features four “neighborhoods” within the building. The focus of the caregiver for each neighborhood at Forest Side is to be engaged with the residents in all aspects of their day, from dining and afternoon teas to activities and neighborhood strolls.

According to Liz, Jerry has “deluxe accommodations” at Forest Side and she was able to bring many of their treasured items to decorate his spacious apartment.  She has also enjoyed spending time with him on her visits in one of the several tastefully-decorated rooms throughout the community.

Although Elizabeth initially cared for Jerry when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he eventually needed more assistance, so she moved him to the assisted living community Forest Side, where she is confident about his well-being knowing he is in the hands of compassionate caregivers.

The philosophy at Forest Side is that each resident’s interests are respected and taken into consideration regardless of their cognitive ability.  Alexis McKenzie, the community’s executive director, said, “We look at the likes and dislikes of the resident and do our best to build their life around those preferences. We interview each of the families, like the Quinlans, and we found out that Jerry had written a book.  It is through this time spent with the family and resident that we gain firsthand knowledge of the gifts and talents each individual brings to the table.”

Along with this individualized support, the trained staff understands the challenges of memory loss and has great sensitivity for their residents and families. They encourage and understand each resident, assisting them to make every opportunity as successful as possible.  This care and attention at Forest Side extends beyond just the residents’ needs as Liz has learned during particularly emotional visits.  “When the tears come, the staff will be right there to help and comfort me. They could not be kinder to us,” she said.

Although the challenges they face can be frustrating, Liz shared some words of wisdom for others in this situation.  “When you look around the world, you see the poverty and the problems so many people have. I look at the wonderful care Jerry gets at Forest Side and I think that I’m blessed.”

A first-prize winner for quilting at the Bucks County Grange Fair, Janet Richardson uses her talent to teach her peers at Spring Village at Floral Vale, an assisted living/Memory care community.

If there is one thing especially evident about Janet Richardson based on her past careers and current daily regimen, it is that she thrives on helping others.  Therefore it is not surprising that she is viewed as an ambassador for her new home, Spring Village at Floral Vale, a Memory Care community in Yardley, Pa. that values the personal enrichment of its residents.

Janet raised two children with her husband of 51 years in Long Island, NY.  At that time, she proceeded to work part-time jobs that included real estate and driving buses for handicapped children.  She eventually started working full-time managing the front desk at a police station.

As the years passed, it became clear that Janet’s husband needed additional care, so the family moved him to a nursing home.  Not soon after, however, Janet found herself in a similar position.

“The doctors felt I shouldn’t be home alone, so when it came time for my own care, my daughter looked into several facilities before deciding on Spring Village,” she said.

Since making the move in January 2011, Janet is very grateful having trusted her daughter’s opinion.  Not only has she quickly immersed herself in the many social opportunities Spring Village offers, but she has found an outlet for sharing her creativity.

“I work on my quilting and arrange flowers for the tables.  I help and encourage other people in the process; it always makes me feel better,” she said.

While expressing her creativity by designing the floral displays seen throughout the senior living community, Janet enjoys reading and taking daytrips to restaurants and the movies.

In addition to perfecting her inviting floral displays and receiving first prize at the Bucks County Grange Fair, Janet can be seen reading and enjoying the different musical entertainment that comes to perform at Spring Village.  “We also go on outings to restaurants, movies and the opera,” she said.  “We even visited the 9/11 Memorial at The Garden of Reflections in Lower Makefield, Pa.”

While Janet also appreciates having the flexibility to see her two granddaughters living nearby, she is particularly happy to have found a community that embraces her personal interests and needs, such as her desire to learn the computer.

“We were teaching Janet and other residents how to use Google to email their families,” said Chris Korn, personal enrichment manager.  “We sit down with each resident to find out what their interests are as opposed to the routine activities.  It really adds to our community.”

According to Chris, this has resulted in activities ranging from a farm visit for the resident horse lovers to a ceremony honoring the community’s veterans, along with specially-designed Tai Chi and line dancing classes.

This is all part of Spring Village’s Personal Enrichment Programs that center around each resident’s past, hobbies and wishes.  With their years of experience and continual education in memory care, the staff works with individuals and their families providing support and adjusting care plans as a resident’s needs change.

“Our thought is that we should not expect residents to be in our world; we must be in theirs,” said Admissions Director Callista Oberholtzer.

It is this philosophy that has allowed Janet to not only have a feeling of security, but that the staff is like family.  “I feel very safe here.  If a resident has needs, everyone comes together to help out,” said Janet.

With this deep appreciation for her home and a knack for helping others, Janet has gladly taken on her role as an ambassador welcoming new residents and making them feel comfortable.

“As a resident, Janet truly is a positive force at Spring Village,” said Callista.

Regardless of age, the joy a pet can bring to one’s life is undeniable.  While research over the years has shown that pets can provide certain health benefits, such as reducing anxiety, their most important gift is that of companionship.

Just ask Dolores Saynuk, Libby Anderson, Alice Cowger and Velma Keck.  As residents of Brightview Senior Living communities, they are already relishing the vibrant environments, various amenities and security of healthcare services found at their respective homes.  And thanks to their accommodating staffs, they get to enjoy the extra perk of having a furry friend.

Dolores Saynuk and Libby Anderson are two of many residents who care for Carlie like a grandchild!

Carlie
At Brightview Avondell in Bel Air, Dolores Saynuk and Libby Anderson are among the many residents in love with the community’s ‘mascot,’ Carlie the dog.

“She spends time with the residents; she’ll go up to their apartments and stay with them if they need a pick-me-up or hug,” said Community Sales Associate, Donna Panzer.

Carlie was originally bought by a resident named Linda, who suddenly became sick and had asked the executive director, Eileen to ensure the dog would have a good home. Since stepping in to care for Carlie, Eileen has brought her to the community every day.

“I love that Carlie brings me lots of love and fun.  She lies on my bed, snuggled up in my blankets and comes to me for treats,” said Dolores.

Libby, who often takes Carlie on walks, could not be happier that Avondell allows pets, knowing the impact they have had on her.  “I find that having a pet to love and talk to can bring me out of an anxiety attack or being down in the dumps,” she said.  “Carlie can make me smile and get over that real quick.”

Libby’s smile is not the only one seen throughout Avondell, as she and Dolores agree that pets aside, their community provides a warm and welcoming environment. Offering independent and assisted living services, the community boasts a range of activities and events, from happy hours to fitness classes.

“I love everybody here and we have so much to do,” said Libby.  “When I go out, I look forward to coming back here.  I always have a good time with friends and the staff and it’s just a fabulous place to be, really and truly.”

Maggie
When

Alice Cowger loves the companionship of her beloved cat Maggie.

moved to Baltimore in 1945, she immediately felt at home.  Now, she has that same feeling living at Brightview Mays Chapel Ridge, an independent and assisted living community in Timonium that also offers award-winning Alzheimer’s care.

“I came here quite by accident.  I was driving by one day with a girlfriend and wanted to see what it was all about,” she said.  After meeting with the director, Alice revisited the community with her son who fully supported the idea knowing she would be free of the worries of maintaining her apartment and able to stay in the immediate area.

A year after moving to Mays Chapel Ridge, the great-grandmother of seven inquired about bringing a cat to the community.  Delighted to find out she could, she adopted Maggie from the SPCA.

“They were so nice about letting me have her here,” said Alice.  “Now, residents look at Maggie and talk about how they would like to have a pet.”

With her companion who is always there to greet her, Alice never feels alone, but she would have to say the camaraderie among residents and staff has also contributed to the feeling of ‘home’ at Mays Chapel Ridge.  If she needs to leave for a few days, she knows the residents or staff will gladly feed and take care of Maggie.

“I never looked back or was sorry I moved.  This is a great place to live, all the people are so congenial and I would recommend it to anybody,” she said.  “I can’t think of a place that would be better for me and Maggie.”

Ben (“Benny”)
While Libby, Dolores and Alice had pets come into their lives after moving to their communities, it was the fact that she could bring her dog, Benny, to Brightview Westminster Ridge that strongly appealed to

Velma Keck knew there was no way she would move without her beloved dog.

when she had been researching options.

Having lived in Maryland most of her life, the mother of three moved with her husband to Rehoboth for a few years.  When he passed away, Velma’s daughter convinced her to move back.  While living in a condo, however, she had a couple of falling incidents and knew it was time to look into a community that could offer her security for the future.

It was extremely important for Velma, however, to find a home that would welcome her dog, Benny, who she had adopted from the SPCA when he was just four months.  “I love him dearly and I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to him,” she said.  “He’s my little buddy.”

Fortunately, Westminster Ridge, a community that provides independent, assisted and Alzheimer’s care is well-known for welcoming pets.

“We were actually one of the first communities in Carroll County to have a dog park,” said Karen Holstein, community sales director. “Our residents that have pets absolutely love the fact that the entire community, even those that do not have pets, embrace the concept of their choice.”

With the amenities at Westminster Ridge and other Brightview communities, including housekeeping, laundry services and chef-prepared meals, Velma enjoys having the time to take Benny to the park and introducing him to fellow residents.

“I love everybody I’ve met here,” said Velma.  “It’s great being around people my age and in the same boat.”

An Added Bonus
With an abundance of fun activities, supportive staffs and freedom from home maintenance, it is clear these four women could not be happier with the communities they have chosen, and that the ability to have the companionship of a pet is just the ‘cherry on top.’

As Donna from Avondell said with a smile, “Pets in general are wonderful.  They give compassion, unconditional love and they don’t talk back.”

Alan’s story is all too common; in 2009 he was downsized from his job in the information technology field. After spending considerable time and energy looking for similar work, he started to think about changing his career path and other entrepreneurial ideas and business opportunities.

One of the paths Alan followed was an idea of creating a concierge service designed to specifically assist seniors and family caregivers. Steve Gurney, publisher of Guide to Retirement Living SourceBook reviewed Alan’s business plan and asked him one simple question, “What do you REALLY like to do?” Alan responded with passion that he has played the drums for over 30 years, which sparked the idea to organize drum circles in senior living communities.

In less than a month Alan secured his first “gig” at a senior living community and launched his company, The Beat Goes On.

One of the first communities to take a chance on Alan’s innovative concept was Sunrise at Bluemont Park. Activity Director Danielle Nelson says, “It was a huge hit with all of our residents, from independent living to those with memory impairment.”

The staff is equally enthusiastic about the unique activity. When the drum circle is in full swing it is common to see several staff members joining in, dancing in the hallways or sharing a drum with the residents. “Seeing the success of the drum circles inspires you to think outside the box when planning activities,” says Danielle Nelson.

Alan is signing up new communities every week and has been enthusiastically asked to return by nearly every community at which he has conducted a drum circle. Although his new venture has not replaced his previous income, he says, “It’s a dream come true to be sharing my passion for drumming and music with others in such a positive manner.”

“My mother is so much happier with her new best friend. It’s made all the difference,” said Juliette Lloyd, Fedora’s daughter.

According to Juliette, Fedora was a “War bride” and was living in Florence, Italy when she met her future husband. After the war, with the eventual blessing from Fedora’s father, they wed and had two children before moving to the U.S.

Continuing to visit relatives in Italy each summer, their family resided in Johnston, Pa. After selling the family home, Fedora and her husband moved to the Florida apartment where they had spent winters. Juliette, however, saw that maintaining their lifestyle was becoming difficult and hired in-home help for them. When her father passed away, Juliette and her mother agreed it would be best to move Fedora closer to her in Washington, D.C.

After a tremendous amount of research on senior living communities, Juliette felt that Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue, which offers assisted living and Alzheimer’s care, was the best. Instead of moving in permanently, Fedora did a respite stay for two years, spending summers at Sunrise and the remainder of the year in Florida.

“That gave her a chance to adjust so she didn’t have such a stark change,” said Juliette. “When we finally decided to make her full-time move up here, it was a lot easier. She knew the staff and felt comfortable.”

Fabrizio Moriconi, Jocelyne’s son, grew up in Tenleytown after his parents came to the U.S. in the 60s to pursue a dream of starting a wine business. While helping with their business, Jocelyne worked at the Belgian Embassy and enjoyed taking long trips to see her sister in her native country Belgium as well as her daughter who had moved to Italy.

When Fabrizio returned home after graduating, he noticed some changes in his mother who was soon diagnosed with dementia. He continued to live in their basement to care for her, but it was becoming harder and as a newlywed, he knew he eventually needed to move out. “We were never trained to take care of a person with this illness,” he said. “She wasn’t going out anymore; she was just watching TV all day.”

The doctor’s recommendation for an assisted living community was a challenging concept for Fabrizio. “It’s unheard of; in Italy, people take care of their parents at home,” he said. Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue, however, offered a perfect location right down the street from where she had lived many years. The family scheduled a lunch appointment, which is when Jocelyne met Fedora. Afterwards, she was filled with excitement after not only finding a friend but a future home she felt was very elegant.

Now the best friends are enjoying one another’s company in the active environment Sunrise provides. The staff at the community works with the families and residents to incorporate their backgrounds and passions into the daily activities. Fabrizio said, “A lot of times my mom’s not here and I have to look at the schedule because she’s on a boat to Baltimore, or a scenic trip to Rock Creek Park or the Art Gallery.”

Most importantly, Fabrizio and Juliette have peace of mind knowing their mothers have one another and an incredible support network. “It’s an enormous relief,” said Fabrizio. “It’s been a wonderful experience – the people here are great with my mother. You can tell when something is genuine.”

What makes their story even more special is the fact that Kay and Joe have each been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. After being placed in a local assisted living community where they were in separate living quarters, the Ariettas refused to remain apart.

Now living at Sunrise at Floral Vale, which specializes in Memory Care, the couple is not only attached at the hip, but they receive the assistance they need through individualized service plans. While they are cued and programmed with the staff throughout the day, the Ariettas continue to remain as active as possible.

According to Activities Director Ruth Scherr, the couple can often be seen looking over the calendar of activities and helping set up chairs for the weekly entertainment. They enjoy venturing out to church, lunch or the movies with staff as well as bowling and playing horseshoes. Kay even participated in a special Valentine’s Day activity where she wrote the following prose about Joe:

“Our hearts fell in love a long time ago…I knew in a moment I was falling for Joe. Kindness, gentleness and special care…Were just a few of the traits he shared.”

“It just goes to show that they continue their love affair here,” said Callista Oberholtzer, director of Community Relations. “They’re still able to be together with their challenges, surrounded by others who care about them.”

The Ariettas prove just how love and support can help individuals withstand any obstacles as the staff has even taken note that Kay and Joe have figured out how to utilize one another’s remaining abilities to function as a pair.

“Even though folks have Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia, their human needs are always there regardless,” said Callista. “Kay and Joe are an example of that; you can see them holding hands and wanting to be connected. The human need of having contact with someone is very much still alive for them and will always be.”

Since his move five years ago, Barbara quit her part-time job at a boutique in Bethesda to become his caregiver. “Dad was quite functional when he moved up here,” she said. “After seven months, I became aware that he needed to do something else…he needed some involvement and stimulation.”

Barbara learned about a program called Arts for the Aging where artists interact with aging services programs. Although the program was not completely appropriate for her father, they connected Barbara to Friends Club, a program that brings together active gentlemen in the early-to-mid stages of Alzheimer’s disease in a caring, safe and secure environment.

“My dad was never someone that was involved with group activities, but he loves going to Friends Club,” said Barbara. “They make each and every gentleman think that the program was created just for them, and we are letting the other guys in. They love it.”

While she said her father’s memory is not too good, he has been involved with the program for three years and is very functional in its setting. For Barbara, the program is great and a perfect match for Jerry who attends three days a week and is able to contribute to the group.

“Seeing my dad having something to look forward to has been an amazing experience,” she said.

And Barbara has even benefited from connecting with the wives and families of other participants. “We have a support group that meets twice a month, which has been amazing,” she said.

She continued, “The difference between Friends Club and other programs that I have observed is how much dignity they treat the men with. They are not treated as though they are ‘ill.’ The stories of these men are incredible; this is an amazing place for all of us.”

For others in the same situation, Barbara offered the advice of lowering expectations and raising one’s acceptance levels. Most importantly, she said, “Find a support group; there are others just like you out there and it helps to have someone else to talk to.”

Over the years, the community has prided itself on being an avid supporter of the annual Memory Walks coordinated by the Alzheimer’s Association and has even hosted its own Memory Walks for the local community and residents. From an exceptional Memory Support unit, The Gardens, to its support groups, it is the caring nature and sense of camaraderie at this community that has attracted its residents.

Just ask Rosemary and William Lee, Elizabeth and Richard Stoeckel, Marie Beary, and Beverly Richards who are among those residents that can be seen donning their purple Memory Walk shirts in support of their loved ones and peers.

“I felt restored and like my old self when I moved here,” said Rosemary Lee. “It’s been very comfortable, caring and lovely, like a little health spa put in your life.”

Rosemary and William had been living on the Eastern Shore when they started researching the options for their future. After looking at several communities, the Lees felt discouraged until their niece contacted them about Kensington Park.

After two years in their new home, they enjoy an active lifestyle and pursuing different interests. Bill can often be seen on an exercise bike or the computer while Rosemary participates in the Creative Writing class and attends daytrips and music programs. They have also participated in the community’s Memory Walks and other related events having had friends who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

“Randy East, from Kensington Park, has held wonderful classes that give us a greater understanding of the disease,” said Rosemary. “Awareness is important and there is a great deal of it here. His heart is really in it.”

This dedication in supporting those with cognitive impairment is also certainly evident in the gentle warmth and respect with which specialized programs are offered in The Gardens. Along with the nurturing therapeutic activities, residents here enjoy spectacular park views, a lively aquarium and a stimulating memory garden. They also participate in various activities with the rest of the community such as the popular St. Patrick’s Day Bingo Bash.

And among those players, one might have seen Pennsylvania natives Elizabeth and Richard Stoeckel, who, like the Lees, have appreciated the supportive nature and activism of the staff and their peers.

“We were approached last year about the walk and decided to join,” said Richard. “We made a donation because we think it’s a very wonderful cause.”

Married for 66 years, the Stoeckels are no strangers to making contributions since Richard has been active with the Rotary Club and its involvement with the Salvation Army.

“I always participated quite proudly,” he said. “My wife and I have tried to be as generous as we could be through our church and clubs and we feel the same way about the Memory Walk.”

Introduced to Kensington Park by their family that has grown to six great-grandchildren, the couple could not be happier to be near their loved ones and be part of a vibrant community. “We are thankful to be here and feel very much at home,” said Richard. “We think it’s beautiful and they really do a great job for everyone.”

That great job of the staff extends beyond the specialized memory support to the other levels of care offered by the community. In The Highlands Independent Living and The Woodlands and Groves Premier Assisted Living, residents can enjoy maintenance-free lifestyles knowing services are available to meet their potential health needs. With this sense of security, they can take advantage of the various activities and amenities including a movie theater, library and cozy sitting areas.

After hearing several positive comments about Kensington Park, Marie Beary’s daughter recommended she move into this community conveniently located near her home.

A former assistant attorney general from New York, Marie has lived at the community since last October and is known to sign up for just about every activity possible. Among some of her favorite events have been the community’s holiday festivities and a recent trip to see the Cherry Blossoms. “They really take great care of you and we have lots of activities and trips you can sign up for and the transportation is provided,” she said.

Marie and her husband had been very active in the Red Cross, and she now carries that volunteerism with her today to support the fight against Alzheimer’s since her cousin suffers from the disease along with Parkinson’s.

“Everybody has a relative or knows someone who does with Alzheimer’s,” she said. “You really have to work at it and get a lot of people interested to make a difference.”

Marie is pretty close to the truth as over five million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and someone will join them every 70 seconds. The individuals at Kensington Park are no strangers to these facts as the staff keeps everyone informed on the disease and hosts a support group for caregivers and families every third Thursday a month with volunteer moderators from the Alzheimer’s Association.

Beverly Richards is one resident who has had this statistic hit close to home. Originally from Utah, the avid traveler and singer moved to the area through her husband’s career with the Public Health Service.

It was the inevitable end of his battle with dementia that brought Beverly to the community four years ago. “I was interested in Alzheimer’s before, but when this happened, I became so aware of how it affects not just one person, but a whole family intensely,” she said.

With his passing in 2005, she has been highly involved in the community’s walks as a Resident Speaker sharing her story. Though she originally came to Kensington Park for the continuum it offers, she has been busy pursuing her favorite activities, such as bird watching, while enjoying the perks of a tight-knit community.

“There’s an atmosphere here of family with upbeat attitudes and lots of opportunities,” she said. “But this is just a very warm and caring community.”

There is no question that it is the people that make a home. And as these six individuals, their peers, and the staff of Kensington Park display their purple shirts at the National Mall on October 17th, others will know what a truly exceptional home it is.