Making Memories at Katzman Family Center for Living

Summer flew by with many outdoor activities that promoted health and well-being. We took full advantage of the warm weather with weekly BBQ’s and musical concerts, programs in our landscaped courtyard, weekly trips, restaurants outings to the coastal beaches of Maine and a tour along the Charles River. These activities were the perfect way to celebrate summer. And what makes summertime so special? Ice cream! Sundaes, in particular, were a favorite treat among residents.

Our Specialized Dementia program, led by Dementia Specialist Susan LeClaire, consisted of residents participating in gardening, planting and overseeing the vegetable garden. We grew a beautiful array of garden tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh basil, oregano and cilantro. On the spa side, residents enjoyed Specialized Aroma Therapy and Personalized Art Therapy. Soothing hand massages were quite popular. Additionally, the group held its 2nd Annual Creative Hat and T-Shirt Parade. Family members escorted their loved ones with pride while residents proudly displayed their works of art for all to admire

As we embrace fall, there are many seasonal activities that are keeping us just as busy! Massachusetts is known the world over for being one of the states that offer the best fall foliage in the country. Residents and staff embarked upon scenic trips to observe the leaves on the trees changing colors. The bright colors were beautiful!

In October we celebrate Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah. Services are performed by Cantor Sidney Zimmerman while Rabbi Baron is on hand to educate and explains he practices and meanings of the holiday’s to staff and residents.

The majority of our Catholic residents welcomed Father Hilario from St. Rose Church to our campus. He performed communion and the blessing over rosary beads, which our Catholic residents created during our Beading Craft Program.

Katzman’s 2nd Annual Staff International Food Day was held with great success. Staff members brought dishes popular in their country so residents and staff could try a variety of foods. Countries represented included Napal, Vietnam, Haiti, Ghana, Central America and Croatia, to name a few. Thirteen countries and continents were represented in all. What a delicious feast!

Chelsea’s Jewish Lifecare’s 16th Annual Walk for Living took place on October 6. The Leonard Florence Center for Living is the first urban GreenHouse state-if-the art facility designed for individuals living with ALS and MS. With the help of Activity Assistant Carmen Vargas, Chairmen of the Board Gilda Richman and family donations, the Katzman Family Center was able to raise $2,500 for the event. Thank you to all!