![150425317_3630274033721508_5766985842862222587_n](https://www.arborsprings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/150425317_3630274033721508_5766985842862222587_n-400x512.jpg)
We Love Valentine’s Day!
We are pleased to say that vaccinations are going well! We would like to give a shout out to everyone who is getting vaccinated and helping us achieve our goal of immunity. Thank you for being a part of the team!
We also had fun celebrating Groundhog’s Day (here’s hoping those six more weeks will go by quickly). But it’s fun to celebrate either way! Along with groundhog-related activities, we also had a fabulous Valentine’s Day, filled with love, gratitude, and some excellent sweets.
It seems like we may be moving closer to our new normal. As we move toward the first day of spring, a time of renewal and rebirth, we move toward our own return and rebirth of our community. We aren’t there yet, but making some good headway.
Be sure to check the rest of the newsletter to see some tips about how to start spring off right!
“Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
– William Morris
Adopt A New Friend
We foster cats through the Hope Animal Rescue.
![117200156_3092774754138108_5146056152672948324_n](https://www.arborsprings.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/117200156_3092774754138108_5146056152672948324_n-232x300.jpg)
Please visit the Hope Animal Rescue website for more info.
Get Ready for Spring Cleaning!!
As we begin to be able to do more in the coming weeks and months, it might be good to start off on the right foot. Each spring, we like to give you some cleaning tips. Not only is this great for mindfulness, but getting up and picking up is good for the body too!
- Does it spark joy? – if something doesn’t bring you joy, then you may not need it. This is a good first question to ask when you are decluttering or cleaning.
- Do you use it anymore? – if you haven’t used something in a few weeks or months (or since last year), maybe it’s time to get rid of it.
- Everything in its place – the easiest way to declutter, is to not having clutter to begin with. How? Make sure everything has a home…and that you put it there.
- Rearrange for changes in health needs – your health needs have probably changed over the year. Reorganize your layout, be sure new equipment is available, and make other adjustments to keep everyone safe, healthy, and happy.
What We’re Doing
While we may not be returning to our usual activities just yet, we are all busy working hard toward reaching that new normal as soon and as safely as we can. Between our vaccinations, changing demands, and measures we are taking – we are all looking forward to when things are a little bit less restrictive. But for now, it’s more of the same. Check-in with us because we will add small activities as often as we can. So keep up the good work! We are getting closer!!
Some Ways We Stay Active and Engaged:
- Flower Gardening: Hanging baskets with annuals, we dead-head and water.
- 1:1 Activities
- Gardening
- Singing & Dancing
- Reading
- Music
- Margaritas on the patio
- Restorative Therapy
- Baking
- Reading & Writing Letters
- Manicures, Makeovers, & Hairstyling: The Barber / Beauty Shop is open again!
- Residents Taking Care of the Babies in Evergreen & Birch
And as always, we are having great conversations together!
Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy are also still taking place. Please ask a staff member if you have any questions regarding this.
![149142386_3630274210388157_6847926617260873780_n](https://www.arborsprings.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/149142386_3630274210388157_6847926617260873780_n-e1614114438105.jpg)
What’s Going On This Month
With the spring season also comes some grand celebrations. On top of that, it’s International Women’s Month as well! Hopefully, the good (or at least warmer) vibes from these festivities will continue all year. While we may have received six more weeks of winter…we’ve got plenty more to keep things sunny!
International Women’s Day – March 8th
We have many strong, wonderful, bright, and powerful women living and working right here at Arbor Springs. While the whole month is dedicated to celebrating and reflecting on women throughout history, you can focus on those right in front of us today. Thank you to all the women who work so hard and make our community what it is!
National Potato Chip Day – March 14th
We talk a lot about health, but you can let loose a little bit today. It’s important to remember to have a little fun and indulge every once in a while. And what better way than with a good old potato chip. Just remember it’s equally important to enjoy yourself in moderation. ☺
Saint Patrick’s Day – March 17th
Get your green food and beverage, and have a very happy St. Paddy’s Day. You may not be able to celebrate in the same way you did last year, but today is actually about more than good food and good friends. Irish and Irish-Americans have a rich cultural, deep history, and profound impact in this country. Definitely something worth celebrating.
Certified Nurses Day – March 19th
We love to celebrate our Certified Nurses. They are vital to our everyday lives, especially after this challenging year for medical professionals. It’s essential that we give them an extra-special thank you on this Certified Nurses Day!
Spring Equinox – March 20th
Spring has sprung! The spring equinox is both the first day of spring and a magical time when the night is equally as long as the day. It is a wonderful occasion that has been celebrated across the world and throughout time. It’s also important to take a moment on this occasion to think about what spring brings with it – renewal and a fresh start.
National Nutrition Month
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics created this commemoration to educate folks on making informed food choices as well as developing healthy eating and physical activity habits. Eating right is such a vital part of our everyday lives – take this month to ensure you are giving your body the right nutrition for a healthy and happy life!
National Women’s History Month
Throughout the year, we celebrate those who have played a significant role in our history but have not always received the credit they deserve. This is one such month where we celebrate and embrace women’s history, acknowledging the long road we must travel to equity, respect, and recognition.
Support For Families
While we strive every day to support our community, we know that the best thing at the moment is for everyone to be as safe and as cautious as possible. During this time, we encourage you to seek out and contribute to an active support group. Often it’s best to just give it a try, and see how it goes. Folks are often surprised by how much their ideas and their presence are beneficial to others. Helping others can be a wonderful remedy for the helplessness and loneliness we ourselves may feel.
Below is some information about how you can find the help and community you need while respecting the COVID-19 safety concerns.
- Check out some Virtual Memory Cafés at DementiaMentors.org.
- Try the Memory People on Facebook.
- ALZconnected is another great resource brought to you by the Alzheimer’s Association.
- AFA offers a free telephone-based support group on their Caregiving Resource page.
Hopefully, these tips can help your loved one and you succeed in maintaining your resolutions.
Reengaging after COVID-19…
Spring is a time of new beginnings. As we work toward some new beginnings of our own with the COVID-19 vaccine, there are some things that you should keep in mind. This is going to be a time of significant transitions. With that comes both exciting opportunities and challenges that we will need to face together.
So in the spirit of togetherness and new starts, here is a list of some things to do when creating your new normal. While we are not quite ready for this, it is a good time to start thinking about it.
But do remember to stick to our restrictions and precautions as long as they are in place. You’ll be the first to know when we can begin making some tangible changes. And when we do….
- Make up for lost time – you may have missed out on a lot of things over the last year. When you are able, put those things on the top of your list. No time like the present to get back those activities and past times you love most.
- Take it easy – don’t overexert yourself. This is going to be a transition period, and it is easy to get overexcited or overwhelmed. Take it one step at a time and be patient. There is plenty to do and time enough to take it slow.
- Stay safe – while some of our precautions will be lifted, that doesn’t mean everything will go back to how it was. We must keep certain restrictions for a while, and others may be permanent.
Hopefully, these suggestions can help you be safe when we do start having some changes around here.
What We’ve Been Up To!
The Arbor Bulletin Board
COVID – 19: REMEMBER TO STAY SAFE
We know this time is difficult.
We are all in this together…and we are here for you!
Please call the facility directly at 515-223-1135 with questions or concerns.
WASH YOUR HANDS AND LIMIT CONTACT PLEASE!
Happy Birthday! Let’s Celebrate Together!
Jenny – March 2nd
Blaine – March 4th
Bill E. – March 11th
Donald H.- March 12th
Ann L. – March 14th
Evelyn D. – March 18th
Kay C. – March 26th