Juniper Village at Mount Joy Winner 2015 Best of Personal Care Award

Juniper Village at Mount Joy was presented with a 2015 Best of Personal Care* Award for receiving consistently high ratings from residents and their families in the past year on SeniorAdvisor.com, a premier ratings and reviews site for senior care and services nationwide.

Now in its second year, the SeniorAdvisor.com Best of 2015 Awards celebrate the best of the best in senior living and home care across the United States. The award is only given to communities that have received outstanding online feedback from their families through the SeniorAdvisor.com website. Of the nearly 100,000 providers currently listed on the site, only 879 were recognized. This exclusive designation places the winners in the top one percent of senior care providers nationwide according to those who matter most – their families.

“Receiving this type of award is of great pride to the staff at Juniper Village. It is based on unsolicited, confidential survey findings from residents and their families,” said Debra Miller, Executive Director of Juniper Village at Mount Joy. “It shows that all of our hard work in providing outstanding care in an exceptional environment is noticed and appreciated by those who mean the most, our residents.”

Selection criteria for the award winners included having an average overall rating of at least 4.5 out of 5 stars and a minimum number of reviews.

“SeniorAdvisor.com aims to help families research and locate reliable, first-hand feedback on senior care options from other families that have gone through the same experience,” said Eric Seifert, President of SeniorAdvisor.com. “We are proud to celebrate the exceptional businesses who care for our greatest generation and older loved ones, and provide these organizations with the recognition they deserve. These businesses are committed to providing the best care possible to their residents, and they’ve set a high bar of quality for other senior care providers to follow.”

* In most other states personal care is referred to as assisted living.

Drum Circles and Baked Goods

Tuesday we took a trip to Western Africa, despite the chilly weather outside. Jeff Kuhn lead our residents in an Intro to the Djembe & Drumming Circles program, infusing our living room with vibrant and lively music. Our drum circle was impressively large as our residents ventured to find their own rhythms before joining together to play to music. It was great fun and a chance for many to do something they have never done before.

Wednesday we were back in Christmas Land as we baked gingerbread cookies and spent the afternoon decorating them. Our beautiful Christmas tree beside the fireplace draws everyone in for cozy afternoons spent with friends and stories from holidays past.

Juniper Communities Appoints New Regional Director of Wellness and Wellbeing

Juniper Communities announces that Melissa “Missy” Ebner has joined Juniper as Regional Director of Wellness and Wellbeing. Missy brings a wealth of experience in nursing care, especially with seniors to her position. From a clinical perspective, her role will be to oversee the entire portfolio of clinical care and support for the residents, provide clinical oversight, and staff training. She is a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in every state where Juniper currently has communities.

“We are very excited to have Missy join the Juniper family,” expressed Lynne Katzmann, CEO of Juniper Communities. “She comes to Juniper with a wonderful background and deep experience in the clinical complainants of senior living. She will be a great resource for our community wellness teams and to the home office team in this changing healthcare environment.”

Missy’s interest in working with senior living communities is that they offer residents more freedom than skilled nursing settings. “The seniors can be taken care of in a homelike environment and you can become a friend, not seen as a nurse or caregiver,” she explained. “Juniper’s staff is wonderful at treating the residents as a parent or grandparent, this doesn’t always happen in institutional settings.”

Juniper Communities owns and operates Personal Care, Assisted Living, Memory-Care, Skilled Nursing and Independent Living communities in NJ, FL, CO and PA.

“Nobody is as forward thinking as Juniper. They are far ahead of the curve in the industry and where healthcare is going. The staff I’ve observed go above and beyond, always doing more even though no one is looking,” Missy described of her building level observations.

Missy Ebner has worked in the healthcare industry since 1987. She received her LPN from the James Martin School of Nursing in 1987 and her RN from Excelsior College in 2005. She is a resident of Willow Grove, PA and born and raised in Pennsylvania. She has been married to Henry Ebner for 26 years and has three children, Corey, Shane and Cassidy.  Something her family and friends know about her is that she loves to shop the Outlets, and loves a good bargain!

Jazzy November

There might be nothing that goes so well with cool, crisp November weather like live jazz music. It was cool, smooth, and had our residents enchanted Sunday afternoon. The young ensemble, Temple Avenue, turned our living room into as close to a beatnik coffee house as it was ever going to get. They played a variety of arrangements of classic pieces from jazz's finest composers, such as Miles Davis and Clifford Brown. The group, featuring saxophonist Seth Ebersole, bassist Jack Synoski, drummer Austin Wagner, and pianist Colin Mekeel filled our living room with energy, warmth, and full-bodied music that we stick with us all winter long.

Celebrate Little Things: December Events

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.

Our fabulous activity offerings this month include our Santa Claus is Coming to Town event as Santa along with Mrs. Claus and his trusty elves will be making a special appearance during our annual Family Christmas Party for a festive meal and delectable goodies as each resident may have up to 6 complimentary guests to join in the magic of the season on December 7^th from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm; or our 2nd Annual “Professional Jingle Mingle” a fun and festive spin on the traditional networking meeting in a social event will give you an opportunity to meet and have fun with members of Lancaster County’s Senior Outreach Services, local Chamber of Commerce members and other professionals all while sampling local wines, brews and specially selected pairings with fabulous door prizes offered and fun guaranteed on December 16^th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm!

Look through our calendar and 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!

Music and Baking

We were treated to a variety of musical performances this week, each different and wonderful for our residents. On Monday, we had Gospel Music with Jim and Wendy, which one resident described as "beautiful". In the afternoon on Wednesday, we held a Sing Along in our living room. Everyone gathered together to share songbooks and sing. Saturday, Steven Wonder entertained residents, guests, and associates with his gospel and classic tunes. 

Because Thanksgiving is fast approaching, we decided to go for an early taste of the holiday by baking Sweet Potato Delight. Gentleman and ladies alike took turns mixing the ingredients and preparing the dessert.

Budding Artists

Katie Martin, an artist with a degree from the Art Institute of York, PA, visited this week to help our residents realize their artistic potential. She connected one-on-one with each budding artist to provide guidance and direction, as well as good humor and company. The results were amazing, and our residents loved painting with her.

Katie enjoys working with seniors, but also teaches children and adults with disabilities. Katie employs singing, storytelling, movement, and positive encouragement to help her students create beautiful art and memories.

Visits From Friends Young and Young-at-Heart

This week we were delightfully entertained by the husband-and-wife musical duo, The Sweet Life. Matt and Carol Frigm treated our residents to patriotic tributes to our servicemen and women, as well as some beloved favorites and requests of our residents-- such as Patsy Kline's Crazy and a medley of Elvis hits.

On Sunday, children from Trinity Lutheran Church brought pumpkins they decorated for us. We were so thrilled to be hosting children again so soon after our Safe Trick-or-Treat, and the residents loved to visit with them.

Safe Halloween

We hosted our Safe Halloween at Juniper Village at Mount Joy and thirty children came to trick-or-treat at our residents' doors. Safe and warm in our well-lit hallways, the children had a blast-- as did our residents and associates! Trick-or-Treat was followed by a costume contest, and we awarded prizes to a variety of categories. Sweetest Costume went to a little snow queen, Elsa. Best Costume was awarded to a gypsy. A little lizard won Cutest Costume. Most Original was a bucking little buckaroo of a cowboy, and the Scariest Costume was awarded to a creepy glowing pumpkin head. The Nicest Costume title was bestowed upon a pretty little pink princess. Refreshments of caramel corn and apple cider were served, and everyone had a thoroughly wonderful and spooky night!

Pink Out!

We hosted a Pink Out! in our effort to unite in the fight against breast cancer. Residents and associates both brought out their pink for the occasion. On the opening night of the World Series, Juniper Village at Mount Joy hosted a Grand Slam Dash & Dine. Guests were invited to grab boxed lunches or dine in with us, and we even had a popcorn machine to help celebrate America's Favorite Past time.

Seven Residents at Juniper Village in 90+ Club

Aging in place is a philosophy at Juniper Village at Mount Joy and the personal care and Wellspring memory care community is equipped to meet the needs of all its residents as they progress on in years. “We intend to keep our residents supported in their needs and alive in body, mind, and spirit in all seasons of life for as long as they are with us,” says Executive Director Debra Miller. “Juniper is equipped to provide additional services to each resident’s care on an individual basis as needed. It’s wonderful for our elderly to be able to stay in a familiar setting with consistent caregivers who promote the highest quality of life regardless of age.”

The seven residents of the 90+ Club are a testament to Juniper’s aging in place care. “Our eldest resident, Catherine “Kitty” Shaffer just turned 101 years old in October. All of these residents are active in the community and age does not slow them down. They are fabulous role models for their peers,” expressed Miller. Pictured are Juniper Village residents Elizabeth Lauer – 93; Catherine “Kitty” Shaffer – 101; June Smith – 98; Ruth Dorfler – 93; standing are Lloyd Swarr – 91 and Jean Rementer – 90. Not pictured is Dorothy Reese – 92.

To be able to offer an aging in place philosophy of care, Juniper Village has a nurse and caring staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Continuity of care is available through four levels of services including medical and physical care, and residents are charged by their individual needs. This includes medical management, symptom management, physical assistance in dressing and eating, assistance with mobility and memory care support.

“With elderly parents and friends who are at the onset of dementia, arriving as early on as possible is a key component to a resident’s successful adaptation to our environment,” explains Miller.

Juniper also reminds the community that it hosts three to four major events per month that are free of charge and open to the public.

Cherish the Journey: November Events

Life is a journey filled with lessons, celebrations and special moments that ultimately lead us to our destination, our purpose in life. The road will not always be smooth and we may encounter many challenges. Some of these will test our courage, strengths, weaknesses, and faith. Along the way, we may stumble upon obstacles that must be overcome. But, sometimes these obstacles are really blessings in disguise, although we may not realize it at the time. How we react to the situations we face will determine what the rest of our journey will be like.

This month Juniper Communities will honor our Families and cherish the journey we have taken together. November is all about celebrating the bonds we share and recognizing where we’ve been and where we’re going. We will do this through autobiographical journaling, reminiscing about family celebrations and breaking bread together in Thanksgiving. In order to support our families along this journey we will continue to develop our support groups and provide additional resources when needed. We will give back through our Annual Food Drive. From November 1 through November 30 all non-perishable food items collected will be donated to a local food bank.

Our fabulous activity offerings this month include our Annual Food Drive where you can drop off non-perishable food items for the Mount Joy Food Bank in Lafayette anytime all month long; our Veteran’s Appreciation Supper to thank you for your service let us serve you and a guest a delicious Italian feast on November 10^th at 5:00 pm (please RSVP to 717-492-9692); our “Jazzy” Afternoon with Temple Avenue a jazz quartet that combines young energy and creativity with respect for the compositions of jazz's finest composers, such as Miles Davis and Clifford Brown, and the vast library of jazz standards on November 23^rd from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm (please RSVP to 717-492-9692).

Look through our calendar and plan to join us for family celebrations, Thanksgiving dinners and many events and activities allowing us all to reflect and Cherish the Journey!

Autumn Noodle Bop

The weather is getting cooler, and as the leaves change around Juniper Village at Mount Joy, our residents are busy doing all sorts of autumn-themed activities. Today, we used pastels to copy leaf designs and create Harvest Centerpieces.

In the afternoon, we held a feisty game of Noodle Bop in the living room. With two balloon balls flying all over, everyone got a good whack in to keep the balls a float.

Show Your Colors: October Events

October brings forth vibrant color in our foliage as well as our sports teams. Our high school football teams will be in full swing and hockey season will prepare to fill the stands with team colors and spirit. Juniper Communities will also be honoring our colors with many sports-themed activities and events. We will be enjoying the changing colors of the season as we transition from summer to fall and the crazy costumes of our annual Halloween celebrations.

While showing our colors we not only focus on our team colors, but also showing our true colors. We recognize that working together as a team, results in better coordination of care, better quality of care and as a result better lives for our residents. This is evidenced by our excellent clinical outcomes data. We are happy to see the results of collaboration resulting in decreased re-hospitalizations and better quality of life for our residents.

Our fabulous activity offerings this month include our World Series Grand Slam Dash and Dine for opening day of the World Series as we root for the home team and the hometown you can be part of the action by dashing in to grab a complimentary boxed lunch with hotdog, chips and a soda to go or dine in with us where we’ll also have a popcorn machine and a sweet treat for after your meal on October 22^nd from noon to 1:00 pm (RSVP by Oct 20^th to 717-492-9692); or our Safe Halloween for all ghosts and goblins grades 5 and below as our residents will be ready to hand out tasty treats and costume prizes will be awarded at this inter-generational event for a spook-tacular good time on October 27^th from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm (RSVP by Oct 24^th to 717-492-9692)!

Please look through our calendar to celebrate the spirit of autumn with us and Show Your Colors!

Carnivals and Apple Crumble

With September comes the beginning of carnival season, and we've been having quite a lot of hometown fun here at Juniper Village at Mount Joy. We had a local juggler, Chris Ivey, come in on Grandparents' Day to perform for our residents and their families. He juggled bean bags and pins, told jokes, and even juggled while balancing an axe or sword.

Nothing says comfort like an apple crumble, and our residents had a good time helping us put one together. Everyone took a turn at the bowl, and the smell while it baked was incredible!