Vitalia Senior Residences at Stow Invites You to Celebrate National Good Neighbor Month in Their Neighborhood

September is “National Good Neighbor Month,” and in the spirit of this special time, we would like to take the opportunity to share about a unique part of our senior living community – our Memory Care Neighborhood.

Here at VITALIA Senior Residences® at Stow we strive to make our Neighborhood a special place, not just for our residents, but for everyone who comes to visit and join in our daily festivities. We celebrate being good neighbors every day.

When I think of a neighborhood, it makes me nostalgic for that small town atmosphere. It’s a feeling that you don’t just live in the same vicinity, but you belong; being a part of a neighborhood is like being a part of a family. You spend time together and you support each other. We called our Memory Care a Neighborhood because it is our home.

Our Memory Care Neighborhood is special because we have so many amazing, unique neighbors. We love to get to know each of our residents individually and learn how we can best support them. I think something that makes us special is that we don’t do everything for our residents. We want them to feel supported, but also empowered to do what they can on their own. We want them to continue to make their own choices throughout the day and participate in their own care. We want them to be a part of the Neighborhood and contribute to it, so they have a purpose. Setting a table for a meal may seem like a simple task to be rushed through, but to our residents this may be an activity that reminds them of caring for their family.

Being a part of our Neighborhood is being a part of our family. Whether you are a resident, a staff member, or a loved one of a resident, you are a part of us. Some days we may get along better than others, but I believe that at the end of the day we all want what is best for the residents. Our Memory Care is a special place for families too. We know that, like our residents, they are in the middle of a difficult and sometimes confusing journey too. We support our families in this journey with our support groups, educational presentations, and a shoulder to lean on when they need it. I love encouraging families to come in and just spend time with us. Do you have a special talent or hobby? Come teach us or come sit and work on a puzzle with us. Join our Neighborhood.

September is also Alzheimer’s month. There are many ways to support people who are living with dementia. Being a good neighbor means being there when your neighbor needs someone. Our residents living with Alzheimer’s and dementia need someone. They crave good conversation and physical touch just like any other person. If you want to support someone with dementia, the best thing you can do is be present. Donate your time. Sit and talk with them. Hold their hand. Make sure they know that they are valued as individuals, with long and remarkable stories to tell.

We encourage everyone to be a “good neighbor” and find ways to engage and make a difference in the lives of individuals living with dementia. You don’t need to have a special talent, just a heart for others around you. If you would like more information about volunteering in a Memory Care Neighborhood near you or if you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, we would love to help!