At Emerald Valley, the focus for September is on Harvesting Wellness, a theme that embraces holistic well-being by engaging residents in a wide array of activities. These initiatives are thoughtfully designed to nurture physical, emotional, and mental health, offering every resident, including those in our memory care community, an opportunity to connect, express, and thrive. 

For our memory care residents, Harvesting Wellness goes beyond simply providing entertainment. It encourages social interaction, creative expression, and promotes gentle exercise, all vital components of well-being. The activities are curated to foster a sense of belonging, while also stimulating cognitive and emotional health. 

“Harvesting Wellness in Memory Care is about nurturing a sense of well-being through activities that engage the mind, body, and spirit,” says Kira Brown, our Wellness Program Coordinator. “By integrating practices like creating mandalas and Tai Chi, we cultivate a vibrant environment that supports cognitive and emotional health, helping residents feel connected and valued.” 

Activities that Inspire and Engage 

Throughout the month, a series of themed activities invites residents to participate in meaningful ways. Some highlights include: 

• Apple Tastings. A sensory-rich activity that brings back memories of autumn harvests, allowing residents to explore different flavors and textures while reminiscing about their past. 

• Mindful Mandalas. Residents are encouraged to create and color mandalas, a meditative practice that taps into creative expression. These intricate designs foster focus, calm, and a sense of accomplishment, providing a therapeutic outlet for memory care residents. 

• Tai Chi. Gentle, flowing movements of Tai Chi allow residents to improve balance, reduce stress, and connect with their bodies. One memory care resident, who has been resistant to physical activity in the past, recently found a new level of comfort with Tai Chi. Kira Brown recalls, “This resident connected the movements to yoga she had done earlier in life, allowing her to fully engage with the experience.” 

• Zen Garden Making: Creating small, peaceful sand gardens encourages residents to reflect and find calm in the process. It’s a quiet activity that supports mindfulness and sensory stimulation, offering a way to relax and connect with the present moment. 

Nurturing the Mind, Body, and Spirit 

By offering this diverse range of activities, Emerald Valley’s Harvesting Wellness theme aims to create a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere where every resident feels seen, heard, and valued. The gentle exercises, creative outlets, and social interactions promote a holistic sense of well-being that aligns with our community’s commitment to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. 

September may be a time for harvesting crops, but here at Emerald Valley, we’re harvesting something even more valuable—wellness and connection.