April is upon us, and you know that we’ve got loads of fun things planned. Of course, we are excited about Easter and all our hopping fun activities. But as always, we had quite a wonderful time in March, observing all sorts of holidays and just having a fantastic time.

St. Patty’s Day is always a bit of a party and gives us something to look forward to every March. Our community had a wonderful celebration of this holiday, and it was made even better by the Wright Service Corp. bringing by some delightful goodie bags for us to enjoy.

We may have another tradition here at Arbor Springs as well. This March, we celebrated National Sock Monkey Day. It was an absolute blast making our very own sock dolls! They look amazing, so be sure to check out the rest of the newsletter to see some of them.

Last month we also received our Bronze Certification in Montessori Inspired Team Communication. This is a new certification process where we are applying Montessori Principles within our staff and culture and not just residents. Great work everyone!

Happy Birthday to Our Residents

Maxine L. – April 8th Darlene L. – April 27th
Jerilyn – April 12th Pat – April 30th
Peg – April 26th

Staff Birthdays

Meg – April 3rd Facia – April 17th
Sabine – April 4th Sejla – April 17th
Keira – April 5th Gabriel – April 24th
Vicky – April 8th  Roseline – April 26th
Marie Therese – April 16th Koisay – April 27th 

Work Anniversaries

Edwin  – April 11th (1 year) Tina – April 23rd (3 years)
Meg – April 12th (11 years) Carrie – April 25th (1 year)
Rachel – April 12th (1 year) Rose – April 27th (1 year)
Samara – April 16th (1 year) Yoobo – April 28th (8 years) 

“I must have flowers, always and always.”
– Claude Monet

Adopt A New Friend

We foster cats through the Hope Animal Rescue.

Please visit the Hope Animal Rescue website for more info.

Montessori Thought of the Month

Cognitive mapping is our ability to visualize where we are in a certain space. It allows us to park our car, go into a store and find our car again, or find the bathroom at night without turning on the lights.

People living with dementia have impaired cognitive mapping skills, so they look for cues in the environment to help them find their way. A cue is something that tells us what to expect. It gives us information that triggers the right pattern of behavior.

For example, a table set with a placemat, utensils, and a napkin is a cue that lets us know a meal is about to happen. Signs can also be cues.

Something to Ponder

  • What cues can you think of that you may use in your everyday life?
  • What cues could you use with your loved one with dementia?

Check out the Toolbox Sort instruction sheet at the back of the newsletter for an activity to try with your loved one!

What We’re Doing

Be sure to check out our Family Forum with Dr. Angel on Thursday April 20th ­from 5:00pm – 6:30pm. The discussion topic will be Big Transitions, and snacks and drinks will be provided.

Resident Engagement Highlights:

  • Bunny Garlands in Evergreen
  • Egg Decorating in Café
  • Pool Noodle Hockey in Café
  • CNA’s: Famous Duos
  • Meditation in Neighborhoods
  • Lowe’s Outing
  • Spring Cleaning in Courtyards
  • Spring Door Decor in Birch
  • Seasonal Sing-along in Café
  • Spring Center Pieces in Café
  • ARBOR DAY CAMP
  • Luau Party in Café

Montessori Inspired Lifestyle© Pledge

I will work to create a place where I would want to live.
I will remember that I am a guest in the home of my residents.
I will treat everyone I meet with respect, dignity, and equality.
I will remember that I must earn the trust of my residents and that they must learn to trust me.
I will apply the Montessori principles in everything that I do.
I will treat everyone I meet the way I wish to be treated.

What We’ve Been Up To!