Springtime Activities on the Peabody Campus!
The past few months have been full of inspiring events and collaborative efforts on the Chelsea Jewish Lifecare Northshore campus. Residents, staff, and families joined together to participate in a wide range of unique, enjoyable and engaging activities. Here is a sample of what’s been happening in Peabody:
In honor of National Handwriting Day, residents gathered to write heartfelt thank-you cards to our brave first responders, both locally and in L.A., where teams were battling fires in extreme conditions. With support from Legacy Lifecare VNA, Occupational Therapy (OT) demonstrated adaptive handwriting tools for residents with fine motor challenges—helping everyone share their gratitude. This activity illustrates how our adaptive equipment can be used to assist in handwriting for anyone with fine motor or coordination issues.
Residents embraced the joy of planting during Horticulture Class for Tu B’Shevat. Guided by Jennifer Ferringo, COTA, and supported by Laurie Faria, the therapeutic benefits of horticulture were explored, from cognitive skill-building to motor coordination. The freshly planted greenery is now thriving! We also held a seed planting “Farm to Table” activity in honor of Occupational Therapy Month. Residents cultivate herbs and use them in cooking groups, an activity that combines gardening with culinary therapy. It appears we have a very talented group of aspiring chefs!
In March, Massachusetts Senator Joan Lovely stopped by the Jeffrey & Susan Brudnick Center for Living to discuss the future of skilled nursing facilities. Her visit highlighted our organization’s commitment to collaboration and excellence in care.
Harriett & Ralph Kaplan Estates residents celebrating National Rubber Duck Day by engaging in the “Chuck A Duck” Balance Game. Legacy Lifecare VNA Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy staff incorporated fun with function. Residents participated in dynamic and static balance activities, as well as exercises to strength and eye/hand coordination.
The Elijah Society brought us challah dough so residents could experiment with making their own challah. Before baking, they braided and seasoned the loaves to their liking. While the challah rose, everyone enjoyed a spirited game of “Find Someone Who …Bingo.” Soon, the aroma of freshly baked challah filled the halls.
Over at Brudnick Center, Red Sox Opening Day gave us a great reason to party! Residents and staff were decked out in blue and red while partaking in a bevy of game day snacks. It was also a treat that the Red Sox won their first game of the season.
Two important Jewish holidays were celebrated in March and April. Purim, so important to the Jewish community because it tells the story of a triumph over harshly persecuted people, is one of the most joyous of Jewish holidays. The annual Purim Party featured noisemakers, creative staff costumes and a variety of tasty hamantaschen, a triangular filled-pocket pastry.
In April, the eight days of Passover, which commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt, were celebrated with traditional Seders on the first two nights. Residents and families came together for two special meals that include songs, rituals, prayers, stories and traditional delicacies such as matzoh ball soup, beef brisket, carrot tzimmes and 7-layer cake.
Take a look at the photos from these past few months. No doubt about it, our Peabody campus is bustling with activity!
