Summer House at Claremont Manor Residents Participate in Memories in the Making Art Show

Jeanne Stratford and Lois Boettcher display original work at exhibit in Santa Monica

Jeanne Stratford and Lois Boettcher, residents at Summer House at Claremont Manor, were among more than 200 artists to display their work at the annual Memories in the Making exhibit and auction this summer in Santa Monica.

“Only 25 pieces are chosen from more than 200 submitted,” said Terralyn Hamlin, life enrichment director at Claremont Manor, who submitted the art on behalf of Jeanne and Lois. “We have some amazing artists here which is evidenced by them being chosen for this exhibit.”


Jeanne Stratford (left) and Lois Boettcher. 

Memories in the Making is a unique fine arts program for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias that offers a creative and non-verbal way of communicating and capturing precious moments through art.

Those with no art background can create art to regain the ability to communicate while boosting self-esteem and opening the channels of communication and connections with families, professional caregivers, and others.

Each year, Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles hosts a gallery exhibition and auction of the artwork created by artists of contracted Memories in the Making sites. It provides an opportunity for families to enjoy the art and raises funds for programs and services.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association website, Memories in the Making is one of the Association’s unique “arts4ALZ” programs. It helps provide insight into the thoughts and memories that participants are often challenged in communicating. It is made possible through support of Susan Disney Lord, Abigail Disney, Tim Disney, and Roy P. Disney in honor of their mother, Patricia Disney.

 © Front Porch Communities and Services 2017

 

The Season of Giving at Claremont Manor

The holidays are here! During this special time of year at Claremont Manor we celebrate together in so many ways. We know how fortunate we are to live and work in a place as wonderful and welcoming as Claremont Manor.

It’s important to take time from the festivities to acknowledge the meaningful generosity and support of our donors. As a donor to the Pacific Homes Foundation you make it possible for eight of our current residents to remain in their homes at our community despite having outlived their assets. As the executive director of Claremont Manor I feel that it is important to acknowledge that kindness and support. These gifts to our fellow residents in need allows me to focus operational resources to enrich the lives of all residents. Your gift benefits everyone in the community! We have much to be grateful for indeed!

Right now, the foundation’s Claremont Manor Resident Assistance Program annual drive is in full swing. And I have great news! An anonymous family member of one of our residents has pledged to match every gift given this month up to $15,000. This is a great opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation before the end of the year, one that could positively affect the lives of your neighbors.

Donating is easy. Visit www.phfdn.org and click on the “Donate” button and type in “CM RAP” in the note box on the bottom of the page.

You can also send a check payable to Pacific Homes Foundation (include “CM RAP” in the memo line) and drop it off at the front desk at Claremont Manor or mail it to Pacific Homes Foundation, 800 N. Brand Blvd., 19th Floor, Glendale, CA 91203. You will receive a written acknowledgement of your gift for tax purposes.

Most of all you will be helping someone in need at your own community.

Thank you again for your generosity. I wish you the very best at the holidays and always.


Greg Hirst
Executive Director
Claremont Manor

Resident Voices: An Olympian Among Us!

2016 Senior Olympic Trials: Piece of Cake

By Kay Murphy, Resident at Claremont Manor Retirement Community 

So you think you were a swimmer ... back in the day? Well, good for you, but our own

John Abbe is currently swimming and cycling and winning awards in the process. On June 5th, John joined hundreds of senior athletes participating in the Pasadena Senior Games held at some 30 venues through-out LA County between June 4 through 26.

John competed at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, built as the official swimming venue for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and won three medals, first place in both the 25 yard and 50 yard freestyle and third place in the 50-meter freestyle. 2016 is a qualifying year for the National Senior Games which will be held in Birmingham, Alabama June 2- June 15, 2017. John does not plan to participate in Alabama - too far to cycle, no doubt.

John was accompanied by his own private cheering section, which consisted of 25 volunteers who were employees and family members from Front Porch Home Office and Front Porch residential communities (Kingsley Manor and Villa Gardens as well as from Front Porch partner CARING Housing Ministries). Front Porch has been a sponsor and volunteer staff participant in the California Senior Games for several years.

John keeps in shape by swimming at The Claremont Club and a daily round trip trek of almost a mile on his bicycle. He participated in many cycling events over the years and has actually cycled the route of the Tour de France, though not in competition. He worked for the State of California in a variety of management positions from San Diego to Sacramento where he and wife Carol eventually made their home for some 47 years before moving to Claremont Manor a year ago.

One final note includes the ages of the senior athletes. Most are 50-60 and 70 years old. They have a category for participants who are between 80-85, but they don't actually have a category for athletes above that age. This is unfortunate since our Olympian, John Abbe, topped off his 2016 Olympic achievements by celebrating his 89th birthday on June 29. Happy Birthday, John!

Front Porch and Intel-GE Care Innovation Partner Up to Put Telehealth to the Test

by Cassandra Dowell  

Telehealth holds promise as a way for seniors to receive medical evaluations and interventions from the comfort of their own home — including in senior living communities — through technologies such as video and wearable sensors.

Providers see telemedicine as a way to potentially avoid hospital admissions and improve residents’ well-being. But with the technology still in its early stages, some operators wonder: Is it all it’s cracked up to be?

Senior living operator Front Porch is embarking on a pilot with Intel-GE Care Innovations to find out.

Read article in full at SeniorHousingNews.com