January 2016 Events in Pittsburgh, PA: Welcome New Beginnings

Happy New Year! January is the time when we all welcome new beginnings and set resolutions to make this year better than the last. But how does one keep those resolutions throughout the year ahead? The New York Times offers four suggestions: First, make a concrete plan, something visual to embed it to memory. Second, put something you value on the line – is it your health or your pocketbook – keep that in mind when you are tempted to break your resolution. Third, bundle your temptations. For instance, you want to exercise more, but struggle getting to the gym and you also have a fondness for gossip magazines but feel they are a waste of time. Combine the two – read the magazines only at the gym! And fourth, seek social support. You can achieve more by pursuing goals with the help of a mentor.

Still haven’t made any resolutions? Resolve to join us every month for a wide variety of events and activities. This month we explore our creativity through music with outings to local musical performances, Elvis’ birthday celebrations and concerts by our Joyful Noise Choir. We invite you to Welcome New Beginnings and make regular visits to Juniper Village part of your new year’s goals!

Our fabulous January 2016 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  New Year’s Day Lunch to join your friends at Juniper Village for a traditional New Year’s Day lunch featuring pork, sauerkraut, kielbasa, pierogis and all of the traditional ethnic New Year’s Day favorites on January 1^st at noon. (Free for residents and just $5.00 for guests.)

§  Caregiver Support Group Meeting approved by the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and are affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association and this month we will discuss how changing your approach can help you welcome new behaviors and achieve your desired results from a loved one with memory loss on January 13^th at 1:30 pm.

§  Back To The 50’s Again Sock Hop with dinner and a musical performance by local Elvis Presley impersonator Randy Galioto in “Elvis: A Tribute To The King,” so dress in your favorite 50’s style clothing and join us on January 21^st at 5:00 pm. (Dinner is free for residents and just $5.00 for guests with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. RSVP by January 18^th at 412-244-9901.)

§  Benefits of Music Therapy as we’ve all heard the saying that music soothes the savage beast, but did you know that it can also help people unwind, relax and even promote physical healing, so join us as board certified music therapist Jessica Mull from Mull Music Therapy demonstrates how music can address the physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of seniors on January 29^th at 3:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our January 2016 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as we Welcome New Beginnings.

Trinity Children’s Choirs

On Monday, December 21^st, the second and third grade students from Trinity Christian School in Forest Hills visited Juniper Village.  Over 20 students performed a variety of religious and holiday songs. The students then invited the residents to sing with them, and moved into the audience, selecting a new friend to join in song.  Our thanks go out to the students, their families, the teachers, and of course the students for spreading their holiday cheer and bringing a smile to all of our residents faces.

Forest Hills Holiday Celebration

On Thursday, December 17^th, family members of all ages gathered for Juniper Village at Forest Hills Family Holiday Celebration.  Over 85 residents, family members and guests attended this year’s event. The evening included a nice array of delicious desserts along with plenty of singing and dancing to the holiday sounds of the Mikey D Band.  “What a great way to bring our families together for the holiday season!” states Janet Wangler, Juniper Village’s Executive Director.  As you can see…a wonderful evening was had by all.  Happy Holidays!!

Juniper Village at Forest Hills Announces Their Celebration of Trees Holiday Display Winners!

Juniper Village at Forest Hills is pleased to announce the winners of their 7^th Annual Celebration of Trees Holiday Display. This year over 27 local businesses and non-profit community organizations decorated Christmas trees and competed for prizes for their favorite charities.

“Participants are encouraged to decorate a tree in a theme related to their business or organization and compete against other trees for prizes. This is our 7^th year for the display and it just keeps getting better and better."  States Bonnie Caripolti, Director of Community Relations for Juniper Village at Forest Hills.  “This year was especially fun because the vendors were very creative with their decorations and designs.  We had a spinning tree, a gofers tree, fireman’s tree, a dog tree, 3 ladies dress trees, Santa on a bicycle as well as numerous others.  Juniper Village is a personal care community and a lot of our residents cannot get out for the holidays.  So the Celebration of Trees is a great way for us to bring the beauty of the season to them.”  

Juniper Village is pleased to announce the 2015 First Place winner and recipient of a $250.00 donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital was Senior Lifestyle Connections, LLC.  A local senior placement agency.

The Second Place award and $50.00 prize was presented to Denise Jobe’s Hair Salon, and the Third Place winner of a $25.00 prize was awarded to Genesis Therapy, a Physical Speech and Occupational Therapy provider.

The Celebration of Trees Holiday Display will run until January 4 and is open to the public for tours.  

Juniper Village at Forest Hills Named “Caring Star of 2016” for Personal Care and Memory Care

Honored as Top Senior Living Community in the Nation

Juniper Village at Forest Hills is pleased to announce that it has been selected as a “Caring Star of 2016” for service excellence as a personal care and memory care community. The positive consumer ratings and reviews from older adults and their family members led to Juniper Village at Forest Hills to receive a 5-star consumer rating. This is the highest possible score; and it also met other qualifying criteria for this national honor.

“At Juniper, associates at our communities strive daily to deliver high-quality care coupled with an outstanding living environment for our residents. This award helps validate our delivery on that promise,” said Lynne Katzmann, CEO and Founder of Juniper Communities. “On behalf of our community staff and leadership, we thank those who took the time to share their positive experiences and satisfaction with the services we offer; and to Caring.com for recognizing these communities as a Caring Star of 2016.”

Some of the positive feedback that led to Juniper Village at Forest Hills being named a Caring Star of 2016 from Caring.com include:

“I'd really rate them a five plus. One of the things I really like about Juniper Village was the activities that they had. There were many activities and there's a very warm feeling.”

“My aunt lived here for the last 3 years of her life. She entered into assisted living, then moved to the dementia care wing after 2 years. The staff at Juniper were wonderful -- very caring and attentive. The facility was nice, and had a more intimate, hands-on feel than most of the other places we looked at.”

Americans are increasingly seeking insights provided by online reviews to help guide important senior care decisions. Having a source such as the Caring Stars list helps consumers reliably narrow senior living options for their loved ones to the most-acclaimed communities, particularly as they gather for the holidays and discover increased or urgent senior care needs.

December 2015 Events in Pittsburgh, PA: Celebrate Little Things

This month is all about celebrations! Not only will we be celebrating holidays such as Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve, but we will also celebrate the little things that make life worthwhile. Little things such as the reassuring touch of a friend’s hand, a kind word from an acquaintance and a warm smile from a stranger.

In our all too busy lives we sometimes forget to honor the simple things in life that bring us peace and joy. Most experts recommend that we allow 10-20 minutes of relaxation and stress relief each day. Making time for that can even be a stressful experience! During this busy month of baking, shopping, visitors and juggling tasks take time to remember what is really important.

Here are some tips to keep holiday stress in check: Acknowledge your feelings – you are not alone as holiday stress is not uncommon. Be realistic with expectations – you can only do so much, learn to say no. Ask for help when needed – everyone wants to be needed and may feel more included by being able to contribute. Plan ahead to minimize unplanned expenses and tasks. Take a breather – take a walk at night and do some stargazing, listen to soothing music, or get a massage. Above all enjoy all the holidays have to offer by sharing time with others.

Join us during the busy month of December for our annual cookie exchange and holiday celebrations. Take time to Celebrate Little Things with those you love.

Our fabulous December 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  7th Annual Celebration of Trees Holiday Display to tour over 30 different Christmas trees all decorated by local businesses, charities and organizations, so come and vote for your favorite, with the wining tree receiving a prize of $250.00 for their organization or charity, as the display is free and open to the public daily December 7^th to January 4^th from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

§  Caregiver Support Group Meeting approved by the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association as this month we will discuss ways to help you and your loved one enjoy the holiday season on December 9^th at 1:30 pm.

§  Victorian Christmas Traditions as we step back in time and discover how the holidays were celebrated during the Victorian era with our presenter from the Frick Museum of Pittsburgh, who will be here to share information about Victorian decorations, customs and how they celebrated the holidays on December 11^th at 3:00 pm.

§  Family Holiday Celebration as all residents, family members, and guests are invited to join us as we celebrate the joys of this holiday season with an array of delicious candies and desserts while dancing to musical entertainment by the Mickey D Band at this free holiday event on December 17^th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. (RSVP by December 15^th to 412-244-9901.)

We look forward to sharing our December 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as we Celebrate Little Things.

Veteran's Day at Juniper Village at Forest Hills

Veteran’s Day is a very special day for all of us here at Juniper Village at Forest Hills.  Our community boasts over 25 Veterans from all different branches of the military.  And, although we are all very proud of their service and the sacrifices they made for our freedoms daily….Veteran’s Day is the one time each year that we take the time to  gather together to thank those who have served and to honor those who are no longer with us.  This year at Veteran’s Day was celebrated with a delicious dinner and a patriotic musical presentation by Dennis Smalley.  Above are a few photos of our proud Veterans.

Juniper Village at Forest Hills Hosts A Spook-Tacular Halloween Party!

Ghosts and goblins of all ages turned out for Juniper Village at Forest Hills 5th Annual Halloween Spook-Tacular Party, this past Friday.  Over 30 Staff members, residents and guests donned costumes and competed for four different "Best Costume" prizes.  After an extensive scrutiny from the Judges, and a Halloween Parade; prize for the Best Resident Costume went to Princess Pauline and Best Guest costume went to 5 year old Tony the Power Ranger.  First place for the Best Home Made Costume went to Hope the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, and fellow staff members Tweedel Dee and Tweedel Dum came in second.  Residents who didn't dress were invited to participate by putting on a variety of themed hats.  Those attending enjoyed delicious Halloween cookies, mounds of chocolate candy, a green witch’s brew and the "Carousel of Costumes" variety show.

November 2015 Events in Pittsburgh, PA: Cherish The Journey

Family is a simple word, with complex meaning. To some family is the people you are related to by blood, but to some family is the people you choose to hold in high regard, and to others family isn’t people at all, but animals – our beloved pets.

Regardless of the definition, family plays an important role in our personal journey. As the saying goes, “Family is what you make it.” Whether made of blood relatives, friends, colleagues or pets, your family can offer you the support you need to thrive.

This month we celebrate family and reflect on our personal journeys while creating new memories for the future. Join us as we reminisce about these journeys through autobiographical journaling. Plan to share with those less fortunate through our annual food drive from November 1-30 with all non-perishable food items being donated to a local food bank. Also interact and share with others through our community support groups, and know that you are not alone. Throughout the month we will also be hosting several family events as we celebrate family and give thanks. We encourage you to review our calendar and join us for any or all of our events and Cherish The Journey!

Our fabulous November 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  Veteran’s Aid & Attendance Workshop to celebrate Veteran’s Day by learning about the Veteran’s Aid & Attendance program with Veterans’ Specialist, Kim Leve from Congressman Doyle’s Office, who will be on hand to share information about the Veteran’s Aid & Attendance Benefit program, answer any benefit questions you may have, and discuss how the Veteran’s Aid & Attendance program can help you or a loved one pay for your long term care on November 7^th at 10:30 am. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

§  Caregiver Support Group Meeting approved by the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and are affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association to gain support and education as this month we will discuss the importance of families and how everyone in the family needs to help when it comes to caring for a loved one on November 11^th at 1:30 pm. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

§  Veteran’s Patriotic Presentation as we honor local area Veterans and Resident Veterans for their military service with a delicious meal and patriotic musical performance by local entertainer, Dennis Smalley; free for all Veterans and just $5.00 for guests with all proceeds benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project on November 11^th at 5:30 pm. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.)

§  National Memory Screening Day as free private memory screenings with confidential results will be conducted at Juniper Village at Forest Hills to test your memory skills, learn about services available, and discover whether you or a loved one might have a memory problem on November 17^th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. (RSVP to 412-244-9901.) 

We look forward to sharing our November 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as we Cherish The Journey.

Can You Figure Out Who Done It??

Were you a fan of Criminal Minds or Law & Order?   Do you remember Murder, She Wrote?   Solving the crime was half the fun!  On Friday, October 16th, residents and family members at Juniper Village at Forest Hills got to test their sleuthing skills with a unique presentation called Gum Shoe Science.  Gum Shoe Science is a hands-on demonstration by Science Instructors from the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh about ways to solve a crime.  With Gum Shoe Science the residents became crime scene investigators.  They learned how to gather clues, analyze data, uncover fingerprints, and figure out 'whodunit' through the use of science and technology.  Look out Angela Lansbury!!

Steeler's Pep Rally

On Thursday, October 1st the family members, staff and residents at Juniper Village at Forest Hills were invited to dress in their black and gold and show their team spirit by joining us for an old fashioned Steeler's Pep Rally. Here to lead the pep rally and perform some cheers were members of the Woodland Hills High School Cheerleading Department. Those attending enjoyed Steeler's Smiley Cookies brought by the Cheerleading Team along with a delicious dinner in the dining room featuring stadium style foods and Pittsburgh area favorites.

Go Steelers!!!

Teach an Old Cat New Tricks?!

You may not be able to teach an old dog new tricks...but what about a cat?? On Friday, September 27 the residents had a chance to see just how talented cats really are when two cats from the Kitty Kat Theatre performed. Their unique combination of music, costumes and amazing talent delighted the crowd!!

October 2015 Events in Pittsburgh, PA: Show Your Colors

Every October we turn our Alive in All Seasons focus to holidays and sports as we “Keep the Spirit” during this last celebratory quarter of the year. Sporting events are inevitably part of that celebration for many families.

According to Dr. Renee Clauselle, founder of Child and Family Psychology, “Bonding over sports — the highs and lows of the game — strengthens ties, helps us feel supported, and makes it easier for you to open up about personal things.” Think of sports as an opportunity to connect with others over a favorite – or even rival – team and learn more about each other. Even strangers can learn more about where they grew up, which teams they support, which sports they played and how those sports are different today. You may even learn something about your loved ones that you never knew. Perhaps great-grandma played softball in a women’s league during college. That would be something to pass along to future generations! Watching a sporting event can become so much more than plays and scores; it can become an opportunity to learn the history of someone you love.

Join us this month and “Show Your Colors” as we sponsor a local sports team, get into the spirit of the season with our Halloween Costume Party and honor those associates who go above and beyond with our annual Juniper Spirit Awards.

Our fabulous October 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  Show Your Colors – Steeler’s Pep Rally to express your team spirit dress in your favorite black and gold to join us for an old fashioned Pep Rally with the Woodland Hills High School Cheerleaders, then stay and enjoy dinner featuring stadium style foods on October 1^st at 3:00 pm. (RSVP for dinner free for residents and guests to 412-224-9901.)

§  Alive Inside / Music & Memory Presentation as Bonnie Caripolti,Juniper Village’s Alzheimer’s Support Group facilitator and Stephen Haberberger from Amedisys Hospice Care share information on the benefits of music for dementia patients and how our new Music & Memory program will work, then visitors are invited to stay after the presentation for a private viewing of the award winning movie, Alive Inside, on October 13^th at 6:00 pm.

§  Caregiver Support Group Meeting approved by the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and are affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association as this month we will discuss ways to keep your loved one moving and more active on October 14^th at 1:30 pm.

§  Benefits of Therapy For Seniors as the Physical Therapists from Genesis Therapy share information on the benefits of exercise and physical therapy for seniors to discover why therapy is so important, how to do it properly and tips on what you can do at home to keep you going strong on October 21^st at 1:30 pm.

§  Alzheimer’s Memory Walk - North Shore Trail at Heinz Field on the North Shore because the walk to end Alzheimer’s starts here, so join us for the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Alzheimer’s Foundation’s Annual Memory Walk on October 24^th at 8:00 am.  (Sign up at the front desk to walk as part of the Juniper Village Team, or form your own team.)

§  Spooktacular Halloween Celebration as all ghosts and goblins are invited to join us for an afternoon of hauntingly delicious treats, a costume parade and contest, along with entertainment by Beth Steinberg and her Carousel of Costumes with costumes encouraged and prizes being awarded for the best costume on October 30^th at 3:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our October 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as we Show Your Colors.

Grandparent’s Day with Juniper Village at Forest Hills

Family members of all ages came together on Sunday, September 13 for Juniper Village at Forest Hills' 5th Annual Grandparents Day Social.  The event featured musical entertainment by Liz & Duke as well as an array of delicious homemade desserts.

September 13 – 19 is National Assisted Living Week

Understand the senior living options available

This year, National Assisted Living Week’s theme is Nourishing Life: Mind, Body and Spirit and celebrates the countless ways assisted living caregivers nurture the whole resident. This has been the basis of Juniper Village at Forest Hills’ mission since we began and is certainly a goal of the industry.

With the percentage of the U.S. population over age 65 steadily increasing, it is important to understand the many options available in specialized residences and the level of care they provide for the growing and varied needs of seniors.

In addition to the type of community, it is equally important to find one that offers compassionate care, unparalleled access to healthcare – preferably onsite, programming that will stimulate you such as Music & Memory, and a commitment to continued improvement.

Personal Care/Assisted Living residences are for seniors who require the least amount of care. Meals are provided along with assistance in medication management, bathing, and dressing, if needed. Housekeeping and laundry services may also be available. Community social activities or outings may be offered, and depending on their preferences and budgets, residents may have the option of choosing a private room or a shared apartment.

Although some Assisted Living residences may provide services for seniors with cognitive impairment, a Memory Care residence is a specialized community for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Providing 24-hour supervision and security, the Memory Care environment is designed to meet the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s patients.

A Skilled Nursing Care residence, sometimes known as a nursing home, provides the highest level of care for its residents as well as round-the-clock availability of medical care. Seniors in these communities may be incontinent or require assistance with eating, walking, and moving about the bed.  Skilled Nursing Care residences usually provide long-term care for seniors who are too sick or frail for other types of residences.

In recognition of National Assisted Living Week, remember, when independent living becomes too difficult, moving into a senior living community that offers appropriate levels of care based on an individual’s need can often be the best solution.

Outdoor Concert and Down-Home BBQ

What better way to celebrate summer than with an old fashioned outdoor concert!!   This year over 150 residents, families, and community members attended Juniper Village at Forest Hills 4th Annual Outdoor Summer concert on Thursday, August 20th.  Guests enjoyed a down-home BBQ, as prepared by Juniper's award winning Dietary Department, and musical entertainment by one of the area's premier country bands, Stampede.  Stampede is a 5 piece high energy country rock band that has been playing at venues and concerts in the Pittsburgh area since 2005. Visitors, staff and residents were also encouraged to dress in their favorite western style clothing. As you can see...we all enjoyed a little bit of country!!

September 2015 Events in Pittsburgh, PA: Spread Your Joy

As the air begins to cool and summer wanes, Juniper Village ends our “Stay Connected” series by recognizing Friendship and Joy. What is it that brings you joy? Is it the wet nose of a newborn pup? The smile of your first grandchild? The taste of a triple chocolate ice cream cone? Whatever it is we invite you to share that joy with others at Juniper Village this month.

Much attention has been paid to studies regarding the effects of stress on your health, but what about the effects of joy? The landmark “Nun Study,” as it's often known, revealed that positive emotion is correlated with longevity: 90% of the most cheerful quarter of nuns was alive at the age of eighty-five, whereas only 34% of the least cheerful quarter lived to that age. Similarly, 54% of the most cheerful fourth was alive at age ninety-four, versus 11% of the least cheerful. Of the 678 sisters in the original study about four dozen are still living. So go ahead, grab that triple chocolate cone it might just extend your life!

This month we invite you to “Spread Your Joy” as we honor our friendships in our Red Hat and Villager clubs and our Best Friends events; get our hands dirty at our Friendship Daffodil Project; and celebrate with our Birthday Party and House Warming Initiatives.

Our fabulous September 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  Caregiver Support Group Meeting to gain support and education as this month we will discuss the benefits of socialization at our monthly support group meeting approved by the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association on September 10^th at 1:30 pm.

§  Grandparents’ Day Social with a variety of delicious treats and musical entertainment by fan favorites, Liz and Duke, everyone is welcome to join us for this free event on September 13^th at 3:00 pm.

§  Seniors for Safe Driving Course seminar designed for drivers over the age of 55 who want to improve their driver’s safety and receive a 5% discount on their automobile insurance premium for 3 years after taking the course on September 29^th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. (RSVP to 1.800.559.4880; cost is $16.00 and pre-registration is required.)

§  Benefits of Laughter workshop to discover the many healthy benefits of laughter with local laughter coach, David Russell, and learn how laughter can reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure and help lift your spirits on September 29^th at 2:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our September 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as we Spread Your Joy.

Juniper Village at Forest Hills' Barnyard Petting Zoo

Juniper Village at Forest Hills has gone to the dogs, the pigs and the baby goats!! On Friday, August 14^th, Juniper Village at Forest Hills hosted a Barnyard Petting Zoo for our wonderful residents, deserving staff, and all their families.  As you can see, everyone had fun feeding the baby animals, and the residents particularly enjoyed reminiscing about the farms and animals they had when they were growing up.

Juniper Village at Forest Hills: Your Partner for Successful Outcomes

We want to be your partner of choice in the new shared savings environment. At Juniper Village at Forest Hills, we have been collecting critical data for nearly 10 years. For example, we closely monitor residents to assure successful returns from either the hospital or rehabilitation setting.

Another contributing factor to acute re-admissions is infections, in particular Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). The senior population can be extremely susceptible to infections and proper care and monitoring is paramount. Our wellness response team is skilled in recognizing symptoms of UTI in order to provide proactive interventions that reduce the need for hospitalization.

Another common cause of both initial hospitalizations and rehospitalizations is medication errors. Changes to medication regime whether after a scheduled physician appointment or emergency hospitalization can leave patients confused about what medications are most current. Our wellness team is responsible for medication reconciliation and management, a process which virtually eliminates medication errors.

Communication is key and Juniper Village at Forest Hills takes communication to the next level through:
• Use of Electronic Health Records (Point Click Care)
• Optimized care transitions protocols
• Full implementation of INTERACT (Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers)
• Use of a highly recognizable and consistent transfer information packet
• Focus on resident and care giver education and engagement
• Individualized care and service

August 2015 Events in Pittsburgh, PA: Breathe in Life

As we continue our summer focus on Staying Connected, we devote our August 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village in Forest Hills to connecting to the Environment. One of our Signature Programs is the Green Canopy Program. This program is designed to support healthier living for our residents and staff through environmentally conscious communities and events. This program directly supports this month’s focus on the environment and our vision to make the world a better place, a place where each of us can live fully throughout all seasons of life.

Margaret Mead reminds us that “We won't have a society if we destroy the environment.” To that end, Juniper Village has created Green Teams in each of our communities to support our environmental initiatives by assisting with our recycling and energy efficiency programs – such as using CFL light bulbs and Energy Star rated appliances, while making suggestions for additional programs to increase quality of life and promote sustainability in our communities. Have you met your Juniper Village Green Team? This month during our August 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills our Green Teams will share their mission with the greater community by heading up initiatives to help others learn how to live a more sustainable life through our Wide-Scale Recycling Programs, our Environmental Stability Program and the Implantation of our Green Teams. Stop in for one of our educational programs, recycling and upcycling events or anything else that strikes your fancy this month with our August 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills as we Breathe in Life!

Our fabulous August 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  Caregiver Support Group Meeting approved by the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and are affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association as This month we will discuss how the environment can affect dementia patients, and ways to create a more calming environment for your loved one on August 12^th at 1:30 pm.

§  Baby Animal Petting Zoo with a visit from our friends at The Barnyard Petting Zoo to hold and feed baby rabbits, goats, lambs and pigs, and learn about the animals, how they are raised, and how best to care for them on August 14^th at 3:00 pm.

§  4th Annual Outdoor Summer Concert as this year we kick up our heels and dance to the sounds of Stampede, one of Pittsburg’s premier country/rock bands while residents and guests can also enjoy an outdoor BBQ and plenty of down home treats on August 20^th at 6:00 pm.

§  Diabetes Support Group Meeting each month for a variety of Diabetes related topics, speakers and tips, to discover how knowledge, education and understanding of the illness can make living with Diabetes a little easier on August 26^th at 1:30 pm.

§  The Bird Man Presentation as we experience the thrills and laughter of exotic birds when John Lege, better known as the Bird Man, brings us his unique bird show on August 28^th at 3:00 pm.

We look forward to sharing our August 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as we Breathe in Life.

We Love Volunteers!

On Thursday, July 16^th, Juniper Village at Forest Hills hosted a special Volunteer Appreciation Lunch. Residents, family members and guests gathered together to thank and acknowledge the many resident family members, community members and professionals this past year who have volunteered their time and energy to make Juniper Village a special place to live. "Volunteers help with all areas of the community including: activities, gardening, musical entertainment, and prayer services," stated Hope McDonough our Connections Director, "and we are grateful for their service."  More than a dozen volunteers attended, each receiving a beautiful certificate and gift of appreciation from the community.

4th of July at Juniper Village at Forest Hills

Here at Juniper Village at Forest Hills we celebrated the 4th of July a little early, on July 3rd. The fun started at noon with Juniper Village's dietary staff preparing a delicious summer seafood boil featuring shrimp, crab and corn on the cob. After lunch, local historian, Jeff Flohr provided us with a presentation on the history of the American Flag. Then later that afternoon our residents and guests were treated to a musical presentation by Dennis Smalley honoring all of the armed forces.  What a wonderful day for celebrating our country's history and honoring those who served!!

July 2015 Events in Pittsburgh, PA: Stand in Integrity

With our July 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills this month we kick off our summer quarter Alive In All Seasons theme “Stay Connected” where we will strive to stay connected to the community and the environment. Throughout July we will focus on staying connected to our community through Volunteerism, where we Stand In Integrity. The biggest and most visible benefit of volunteering is the impact on the community. Unpaid volunteers work magic in unifying communities. Through volunteer work you are able to connect with your community on a deeper level and help to make it a better place to live and grow. But what we don’t always realize is that volunteering is a two-way street. Volunteers benefit as much as the causes they support. Through volunteering you make new friends, expand your professional, social and support networks and boost your social skills. So, give it a try and experience the benefits of giving of yourself.

If you are looking for opportunities to share your time, check with our Connections Directors to see what opportunities we have, or join us in one of our volunteer projects. Also plan to join us during our July 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills as we recognize our Ambassador Program, focus on our Resident Computer Center and training or any other calendar item that catches your eye.

Our fabulous July 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  American Independence BBQ because it just wouldn’t be Independence Day without an old fashioned cook out so bring some family or friends and join us as we celebrate the holiday with a traditional BBQ that costs just $5.00 for guests and is free for residents with a limit of 2 guests per resident and tickets are required for attendance on July 3^rd at noon.

§  History of the Flag Presentation as local Flag collector and historian, Jeff Flohr shares some surprising facts and information about our American Flag at an event that is free for residents and guests on July 3^rd at 1:30 pm.

§  Independence Day Celebration as we commemorate our great nation’s Independence with a patriotic and therapeutic musical presentation by local entertainer, Dennis Smalley, which is free for residents and guests although RSVPs are encouraged on July 3^rd at 3:30 pm.

§  Caregiver Support Group Meeting approved by the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and are affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association as this month we will discuss ways to connect with your loved one on July 8^th at 1:30 pm.

§  Diabetes Support Group Meeting as all Borderline, Pre, Type I and Type II Diabetics and their families are welcome to attend for a variety of Diabetes related topics, speakers and tips to learn how knowledge, education and understanding of the illness can make living with Diabetes a little easier on July 28^th at 1:30 pm.

We look forward to sharing our July 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with you as we Stand in Integrity.

Summertime!

Summertime is the perfect time for entertaining and what better way to adorn your summer picnics and parties than with beautifully carved fruit!  On June 11 and June 18, Juniper Village at Forest Hill's Dietary Manager, Ken Miller shared his knowledge, skills and expertise on how to turn ordinary pieces of fruit into artistic masterpieces!!  As you can see, all of those attending learned how to create their own beautiful works of art.

Father's Day

This year Juniper Village at Forest Hills celebrated Father's Day all day long!!  The fun started early with an All You Can Eat Breakfast at 9 am in the morning where our Dietary Department filled everyone's bellies with delicious pancakes, waffles, eggs and a variety of breakfast treats; just like dad used to make.  The fun continued into the afternoon with desserts and a special summertime musical performance by one of our favorite performers and entertainers, Trina.  Dads are special at Juniper Village at Forest Hills!!

Juniper Village Welcomes Genesis Therapy & OmniCare Pharmacy Services

This spring Juniper Village at Forest Hills welcomed two new partners in care: Genesis Therapy Services and Omnicare Pharmacy.  Although the residents and family members were aware of these changes since January, an official meet & greet was held to answer questions and introduce everyone to the new staff. As you can see everyone was happy to welcome these new providers to our community!!

The Sandwich Woman: The Heart of the Sandwich Generation

Based on their experience as caregivers for their loved ones, two sisters (family members of residents at Juniper Village at Forest Hills in Pittsburgh, PA) have created a website and social media platforms based upon their experience as caregivers.  We support their work with other caregivers and encourage you to learn more. 

Sisters Carole Brecht and Jan Steinle, née Reisman from Pittsburgh, Pa, have been collaborating on their social media focused on the Sandwich Generation, including Instagram, a facebook community page, and their website featuring weekly blogs. The Sandwich Woman: The Heart of the Sandwich Generation is serving a Global Community of boomers.  In the USA alone, it is estimated that over 60,000,000 people now assist the loved ones in their life, both young and old, be it financially, emotionally, physically or all of the above.  Within just a few months, they’ve reached over 1,200 Likes on facebook from 20+ countries, including Spain, South Africa, Singapore, Taiwan & Switzerland.

Both Carole and Jan feature their Zentangle® Inspired Art (ZIA) on all their media.  Zentangle® is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.  The sisters both graduated from the Ivy School of Professional Art in Pittsburgh, Pa.  Jan is a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT) now teaching in the Pittsburgh area.  Carole and Jan believe this art form serves as a perfect metaphor for the complex and multi-layered Sandwich Woman of today. 

Like millions of others who begin by simply “helping out”, the sisters, who have seven children between them, found themselves in the role of Caregiver for their parents, which continues to this day.  Carole and Jan’s collaboration is a tribute to their Father & Mother.  The Sandwich Woman, The Heart Of The Sandwich Generation was created to support boomers who are going through the same emotional journey.  We need to “Nurture the Nurturers”, and remind people how important it is to take care of themselves.   Jan and Carole’s parents are residents at Juniper Village at Forest Hills personal care community. Their mother passed away this past fall and their father still resides at the community. Through the many phases of care needed for their mother, Jan and Carole have gained experience as a “Sandwich Generation” care provider, along with a tremendous amount of knowledge and compassion for families experiencing these same type of situations.

Carole and Jan see this as a Community where people can come together for support, to be inspired, find helpful resources and to learn and share. A place to visit daily while helping the loved ones in their life, where “Words Soothe and Ideas & Art Delight.”

Carole is currently writing a book about The Sandwich Woman: The Heart of the Sandwich Generation, which she hopes to publish by the end of this year. Currently the “Sandwich Woman” facebook page has received over 1200 likes and is now in 20 countries!  Family members, residents and friends are encouraged to visit the Sandwich Woman’s website and facebook page at www.thesandwichwoman.com or facebook.com/thesandwichwoman. You can also find Carole on Instagram at: carole_brecht. For more information you can contact Jan Steinle at janbee.steinle@gmail.com or Carole Brecht at cbrecht4@gmail.com.

June 2015 Events in Pittsburgh, PA: Live in Wellness

We close this quarter’s theme of Healthy Aging: “Let Wellbeing Thrive” with a focus on Food, as we Live in Wellness through our June 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills. Hippocrates advises, “Let food be thy medicine”. Research shows that eating a well-planned, balanced mix of foods every day has many health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, bone loss, some kinds of cancer, and anemia. But, food has other benefits. There are also emotional needs that are satisfied by food. Most of us have fond memories of food from days gone by. Whether it was our mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies, a hotdog from a street vendor or our wedding cake, food has a way of transporting us back to the past. It is in that spirit that Juniper’s dining program is called the H’art and Soul of Dining. The philosophy is that we impart spirited service, companionship and nourishment through the sharing of good food. In addition to meeting our resident’s unique nutritional needs, we also meet their emotional and social needs as well.

Join us for our June 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills to share in our hydration program, complete with healthy snacks and learn more about healthy food and wellness with our dietitian presentations as we continue to Live in Wellness.

Our fabulous June 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  Caregiver Support Group Meeting approved by the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and are affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association as this month we will discuss how appetites and eating abilities change as the illness progresses on June 10^th at 1:30 pm.

§  Summer Fruit Carving Class because summer is the perfect time for entertaining, and what better way to adorn your summer picnics and parties than with beautifully carved fruit, so come learn the simple techniques used by the experts as taught by Juniper Village at Forest Hill’s Dietary Manager, Ken Miller, at this event that is only $16.00 and includes your own set of carving knives on June 11^th and 18^th at 6:00 pm. (RSVP to 412-244-9901 since class size is limited.)

§  Father’s Day All You Can Eat Breakfast to enjoy a variety of breakfast favorites, just like dad used to make, free for residents and just $5.00 for guests with all proceeds benefiting the American Disabled Vets on June 14^th at 9:00 am. (RSVP to 412-244-9901 by June 10^th as tickets are required and limited.)

§  Father’s Day Desserts and Entertainment featuring tasty treats and music by local singer, Trina, free for residents and guests on June 14^th at 3:00 pm.

§  Seniors for Safe Driving Refresher Course will improve your abilities and lower your insurance premiums through this 1/2 day seminar designed for drivers over the age of 55 who have already taken the initial Seniors For Safe Driving course that is only $16.00 on June 23^rd at 9:00 am. (For more information or to RSVP contact Seniors for Safe Driving at 1-800-559-4880.)

§  Diabetes Support Group Meeting as this month we discuss how making the right food choices can help you control and live with your illness on June 23^rd at 1:30 pm.

We hope to see you at one or more of our June 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills!

Mother's Day at Juniper Village at Forest Hills

Mothers are special at Juniper Village at Forest Hills and this year was no exception!  Whether it be through the fancy feast as prepared by our Dietary Department, the delicious desserts or the wonderful musical entertainment.....this Mother's Day, all of our Mothers were treated like a queen.

2015 Juniper Leadership Conference Awards

Juniper celebrated its 27^th anniversary this year.  Each year communities are honored for their achievements in critical operational and financial areas.

Awards were presented at the 2015 Juniper Leadership Conference, held this year in Baltimore’s historic inner harbor.  Awards were presented by Lynne Katzmann, founder and CEO of Juniper Communities, and Diane Byrne, Vice President of Program, Development, Training & Operational Oversight.

At the recent Juniper leadership conference, Juniper Village at Forest Hills was presented the Juniper Internet Lead Master Award in recognition of achieving the highest lead/move-in percentage of conversion of internet leads.

Congratulations Gallagher Home Health!

Juniper would like to congratulate our Partner in Caring, Gallagher Home Health Services, as they celebrate their 10 year Anniversary.   Iva R. Gallagher, just like our Oma,  was the inspiration that founded this family owned and operated business.   Gallagher provides home health and skilled nursing services to the residents at Juniper Village at Forest Hills. 

Pictured:  (Top)  Deb Assouline, Wound Care Nurse & Janet Wangler, Juniper Village Executive Director ~  (Bottom)  Janet Wangler & Diane Kacrz, President and Owner of Gallagher Home Health & Deb Assouline

May 2015 Events in Pittsburgh, PA: Grow Strong Daily

Fitness is on our mind during our May 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills with our Alive In All Seasons theme “Grow Strong Daily”. As you know, physical activity is good for you both physically and mentally. Regular physical activity can help you to continue to do the things you love and stay independent as you age. Exercise can reduce the risk of developing some diseases and reduce symptoms of some chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and balance issues.

But, if exercise has not been a part of your daily routine how do you take that first step? Start by making it fun! Turn a walk around the block into a scavenger hunt – search for daffodils, birds, squirrels or lucky pennies. Instead of a dip in the pool, create an adventure as you pretend to swim with the dolphins. Rather than send your co-worker an email, walk to her office and communicate face to face, double the benefit with a smile! What’s important is to make it fun and just start – today!
 

Join us for our May 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills as we will Grow Strong Daily with Fitness Five, and walk “cross country” with our Route 66 Walking Program and learn more about keeping our hearts fit at our Healthy Heart Luncheon. We look forward to sharing these and many other activities with you this month. Peruse this month’s calendar, and we will see you soon!

Our fabulous May 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills include our:

§  Mother’s Day Luncheon as our chef prepares a delicious meal fit for a queen that is free for residents and just $15.00 for guests and visitors with all proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, but guests are limited to 2 per resident on May 10^th at noon (tickets are required and must be purchased by May 6^th).

§  Mother’s Day Refreshments so those not able to make it for lunch can join us in the lobby for an assortment of fresh fruits and cheeses and musical entertainment by Thomas Arlotta on May 10^th at 3:00 pm.

§  Stay On Your Feet Seminar with Professional Therapists from Genesis Therapy here to share information and tips on how you and your loved ones can stay healthy and active while minimizing the risk of falls on May 12^th at 3:30 pm.

§  Caregiver Support Group Meeting approved by the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and are affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association as this month we will discuss the mobility changes that occur as the illness progresses on May 13^th at 1:30 pm.

§  Memorial Day BBQ as we kick off the summer with a variety of traditional summer favorites in a lunch that is free for residents and just $5.00 for visitors and guests with all proceeds benefiting the Disabled American Vets, but guests are limited to 2 per resident on May 22^nd at noon (tickets are required and must be purchased by May 21^st).

§  Memorial Day Desserts so those not able to make it for lunch can join us in the lobby for dessert and musical entertainment by Joe Marotta on May 22^nd at 3:00 pm.

§  Diabetes Support Group Meeting as this month we discuss how exercise can help you control and live with your illness on May 26^th at 1:30 pm.

We hope to see you at one or more of our May 2015 events in Pittsburgh, PA at Juniper Village at Forest Hills!