Around New Market
It’s been a real pleasure to welcome our residents over the past several months. Part of that pleasure has been getting to know some of you, as well. If you’re not from the surrounding area or just haven’t had a chance to visit New Market, yet, we hope you will be able to soon.
To help you out when you plan a trip to town, we’ve included a handy list of resources below. They’re full of great information about what to do, where to eat, and what’s going on in Shenandoah Terrace’s neighborhood.
By the time we send our next newsletter in May, the town calendar will be full of spring and summer events that we’re excited to share with you. In the meantime, we hope these links are a good introduction to our wonderful area. Enjoy!
The Town of New Market’s Visitor Section:
http://www.newmarketvirginia.com/visitors/
The Town of New Market’s Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/NewMarketVA/
The Virginia Tourism Guide to New Market:
https://www.virginia.org/cities/NewMarket/
An Important Request for Flu Season
We prioritize resident health and safety at Shenandoah Terrace. Preventing the spread of illnesses is especially important this month, with flu season in full swing. You can help us with this responsibility by visiting our facility only when you are well.
If you are ill, or recently have been ill, please do not visit the Terrace. Adults over the age of 65 are more susceptible to complications from the flu; these complications can include life-threatening respiratory issues.
Thank you for considering our residents and respecting this request. We wish you good health, and hope to see you soon.
An Introduction to Our Activities Program
Our Shenandoah Terrace activities program is designed to provide more than just entertainment. While we love to see residents enjoying themselves, we also prioritize health, safety, and brain support when planning activities. With options for individual and group participation, we tailor our offerings to engage as many residents as possible.
Ambiance is an important part of our activities at the Terrace. Our staff constantly plays pleasant music that may evoke memories for some of our residents. Selections from the 1940’s and 50’s are our go-to; we play Johnny Horton, Roger Whittaker, and compilations of hit songs. The music plays while our residents pursue activities of their own choosing. For some, daily living skills like sorting and folding are relaxing. Others enjoy card games, crafting, and conversation.
More involved activities take place in our resident-adapted kitchen, where we stir up memories along with delicious treats. From preparation and aroma to taste and cleanup, many aspects of the cooking process allow residents to reminisce. We enjoy guiding their kitchen activities, too. Our staff helped residents bake festive cookies throughout the holiday season, and recently assisted with cinnamon sugar doughnuts.
These are just a few examples of how we incorporate meaningful activities at the Terrace. Every day, we do lots of small things that can add up to a big benefit for our residents. As we add to our repertoire, we’ll keep you updated about the new activities we have planned.
Thoughtful Care from our Friends at New Century Hospice
Christal Yowell from New Century Hospice
We’re fond of saying that Shenandoah Terrace feels like home for its residents. In part, that’s because of our compassionate staff, our comfortable rooms, and our community-building activities. But, we also benefit from the help of New Century Hospice, a great organization that is often on site. Their approach to care is built on five principles that we appreciate: comfort, dignity, compassion, integrity, and hope.
To improve the lives of our residents, the New Century Hospice staff treats them just as they would in-home hospice patients. Residents receive services such as spiritual counseling, medical social services, and speech and other therapies, as appropriate. Loved ones of our residents are also eligible for New Century’s assistance. They can work with hospice on everything from dietary concerns and medical equipment to support groups and counseling.
The company’s goal is to help residents and their loved ones “embrace each of life’s moments to their fullest.” Staff member Christal Yowell, who spoke with us for this newsletter, plans fun monthly activities that residents always enjoy. Another staffer, Suzanne, is known for her thought provoking conversations. New Century offers chaplain services, too. Our residents look forward to their cleric’s visits, which happen two Wednesdays each month.
The cost of most of New Century’s services is covered by the Medicare Hospice benefit. Private insurers may also cover some of their services. For more information about this important part of our community, please visit www.newcenturyhospice.com. We’re grateful for their compassionate presence.
Help Wanted: Please Share Your Springtime Stories
Our staff has enjoyed helping residents settle in at Shenandoah Terrace. We love learning more about our residents, and using that information to brighten their days. This month, we would like your help to gather information.
Do you know of springtime traditions that your family member at the Terrace has enjoyed? Whether it’s a favorite Easter hymn, a seasonal recipe, or a beloved activity, we want to hear about it! Please send us suggestions.
We will incorporate your ideas into the lives of our residents. Thank you in advance for contributing to a happy first Spring at Shenandoah Terrace.