Page 2 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 10, 2020 Forestdale Park Senior Living partners with Tufts Occupational Therapy to offer specialized programming F orestdale Park Senior Living was chosen as the first Assisted Living community in Massachusetts to partner with Tufts University’s Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, offering specialized programming to residents through Tufts’ fieldwork program for Doctoral candidates. Forestdale Park, which offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support, partnered with Tufts this fall to provide weekly on-site therapeutic programming for residents, led by students and overseen by faculty from Tufts. These specially designed activities, which were chosen by the students, helped the residents develop, recover and improve, as well as maintain, the skills needed for daily living and working. The partnership between the university and community also created meaningful, intergenerational dine drink gather friendships between the students and residents, who celebrated the end of the semester together with a small party organized by the OT program. At the party, residents participated in some of their favorite activities from previous weeks and the group worked together to create a “friendship quilt” to display at Forestdale Park. “Forestdale Park was honored to be selected by Tufts University to participate in their Occupational Therapy Graduate Program,” said Forestdale Park Director of Community Relations Sarah Starkweather. “Our residents greatly benefited from their interactions with the students and are looking forward to working with them again next semester!” Professor Meredith Grinnell of the Occupational Therapy Graduate Program at Tufts University oversaw the students during enjo BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Saturday, January 11 at 9 PM LEAVING EDEN y Friday, January 17 at 9 PM BLACKED OUT Tufts University Doctoral candidates in Occupational Therapy presenting a “friendship quilt” made with residents at Forestdale Park. (Courtesy Photo) their visits to Forestdale Park, and she said that the students really enjoyed their work with residents there. “Their experiences with the residents were really positive,” said Grinnell. W inter is one of the hardest times of the year for with GUNS OF BRIGHTON Saturday, January 18 at 9PM New England's #1 Party Band... WILDFIRE BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Saturday, January 25 at 9 PM FOREIGNERS JOURNEY PERFECT EXAMPLE Friday, January 31 at 9 PM Tribute to The Scorpions RADIO ROULETTE Friday, January 24 at 9 PM many, and feelings of sadness, loss or isolation are very common, especially among older adults. The holidays are over, the days are cold and short, there is less light for Vitamin D, there are fewer nutrient-rich foods around and it’s harder to get exercise than in the nice months. It’s all a recipe for high anxiety and suffering from a type of depression called Seasonal Affect Disorder, or SAD. People suffering from SAD can set themselves into a depression, which is the most common ailment in those aged 60 and over. The Mystic Valley Elder Services clinical team offers some positive steps that might help you feel healthier this winter: Acknowledge your feelings and let yourself off the “Their interactions with the residents this semester have led to really thoughtful conversations in the classroom.” For more information on Forestdale Park Senior Living, vishook. It is okay not to feel cheerful all the time. Reach out. Being alone and lonely are not the same thing, but if you are feeling particularly isolated, please seek out your community. Book clubs, activity groups in your building, senior centers, volunteering and civic or religious organizations are good places to start. Broaden your friendships. Do not abandon healthy habits. Be kind to your body and mind by maintaining your self-care practices. Eat well and get plenty of sleep. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Even if you spend plenty of time on your own, dedicating time to spend on yourself will help you return to yourself. Seek professional help if you need it. You might find it it www.ForestdalePark.com. For more information on Tufts University’s Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, visit https:// as.tufts.edu/occupationaltherapy/. Staying happy and not SAD during winter empowering to face the winter with your own health and well-being in mind. However, despite your best efforts, you may feel persistently sad or anxious, unable to sleep and dismayed by even routine tasks. If these feelings last for a while, ask for help. If you need professional help, Mystic Valley Elder Services operates a Mobile Mental Health program for older adults who need professional mental health services but are unable to leave their homes for treatment or counseling. Through its Mobile Mental Health program, clinical caseworkers provide outreach to elders experiencing mental health conditions that impact their functioning and ability to get their needs met. To find out more about this program, call 781-324-7705. Performing Motown R&B & Old School Soul Back by Popular Demand! Saturday, February 1 at 9 PM KISS FOREVER The Ultimate KISS Tribute Returns! 221 Newbury Street, Danvers For Tickets call (978) 774-7270 or www.breakawaydanvers.com
3 Publizr Home