Nurturing the Individual Spirit!

Roy and Marion join together in the Colonel Walker Room to celebrate their own talents as they make music together. Staying Connected to one's individual passions and talents is one focus in the mission of our Juniper Community. We speak the words: Maintain and Active Body, Engaged Mind and Fulfilled Spirit, but ask any one of our associates what that really means to them, and you will probably be greeted with a heartfelt and sincere story about a moment such as this. When Tammy Foulk, Director of Wellness, captured this photograph, she exclaimed: "Roy said he hadn't played the Harmonica in 10 years! Cool, huh?" And knowing Tammy, she had tears of joy and pride welling in her eyes. We all celebrate moments like this. We find comfort in knowing we are making a difference in each individuals life we touch with our guiding principle.

One of the most important steps in our move-in process is completing a 'My Life Story' on each individual. This 'My Life Story' is a document that captures

important life moments, accomplishments and preferences of our Residents. There are so many more benefits to the Residents and Family than just getting to know the details...it's having the compassionate staff who puts those words into action. It isn't enough for us to collect the information, or to simply read the information; it's the ability to recognize those moments and opportunities that bring fulfillment to each individual. It's cultivating and enhancing those moments with encouragement and creativity. At times, our Residents require physical or cognitive adaptations in order to fulfill their spiritual needs, and our Juniper Team of Associates meets this challenge with more passion and creativity than I have ever seen in a group of co-workers. Whether it's gathering the materials necessary to complete a project, coordinating a special event, or encouraging someone to make music again after all those years, we deliver our commitment and our pledge to our Juniper Family. I am taken by these moments each time I am witness to the connections our associates make with our Residents. Although, I haven't quite figured out who is more fulfilled. It's in our nature to Nurture the Spirit of Life, and we as associates fulfill our mission daily so that our Residents can live fully and be Alive in All Seasons of Life.