We are committed

At Juniper we are committed to nurturing the spirit of life in each individual we serve so that they may live fully throughout all seasons of life. To us this means understanding an individual, not only their needs but their desires and responding with programs and services which provide for the highest quality of life possible. Our Alive in All Seasons program of activities is designed to foster healthy bodies, enriched minds and fulfilled spirits. These pictures and stories are living proof that we at Juniper are dedicated to walking our talk!

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Alive Inside: Brookline Welcomes Music & Memory


After more than a year of celebrated success in our Wellspring Memory Care community, Juniper Village Rehabilitation and Skilled Care is kicking off its own Music and Memory program! Music and Memory was founded by social worker, Dan Cohen, when he discovered the power of personalized music therapy for those with dementia and other cognitive issues. The program focuses on the creation of personalized play lists for each resident, based on their individual profiles, and input from them and their families. Throughout the year, various fundraisers are held to facilitate the purchase of iPod Shuffles, headphones, and iTunes gift cards for each resident. Ongoing research and evaluation of Music and Memory's in-care organizations has consistently shown that participants are happier and more social when participating in the program. Relationships between associates, residents and families deepen, as everyone involved benefits from a calmer and more supportive social environment.

A viewing of the documentary about Music and Memory, entitled, Alive Inside, was shown at one of Juniper Village at Brookline's senior living communities to educate families and community members on the impact of the program. To learn more about how you can help the Brookline Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Music and Memory program, contact Connections Director, Larry Glace at 814-235-2005 or larry.glace@junipercommunities.com.

Friday, January 22, 2016

"Virtually" the Best in Therapy


Meet John Flynn, Juniper Village Rehabilitation and Skilled Care at Brookline resident, hunting enthusiast, all-around nice guy, and OmniVR™ "virtual rehabilitation" system user. Flynn is one of approximately 10 Brookline residents currently benefiting from this interactive therapy system from the Accelerated Care Plus™ company. OmniVR™ uses a small infrared camera that recognizes individual users and adapts to resident therapy performance. With capabilities in occupational, physical, and speech therapies, the program can be set to adjust to a variety of different visual needs, can be programmed to work from left to right and vice versa, and can be placed on a timer. Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant, Dustin Reed, says that one of the aspects of this technology that impresses him the most is the way in which it allows residents to use different parts of the body, which in turn, improves other aspects of healing. The program also allows for individualized goals to be set and presents users with real-time, virtual trophies for successful completion of tasks.

As pictured above, John recently played his favorite carnival game, where he worked on upper extremities strengthening. "I was a hunter," he said, adding, "I really like the animal targets and the variety of speeds that this game provides. It's really fun!"

OmniVR™ also allows for gait training, as well balance, cognitive and other therapies. With an attached printer, the machine can produce game accuracy read outs that eventually can be used for comparison purposes. "This is a great way to keep therapy fresh for our residents," said Reed, adding that he is eager to see forthcoming progress improvement results.

You can read more about OmniVR™ technology here.

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Dinner & Discussion with the PA Centre Orchestra


Karen Blair Brand, board vice president for the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra, recently joined us for an evening of euphonious education, exploring the history of orchestral music and the Centre Orchestra. Accompanied by the trio of James Lyon, Kurt Kroeker and James Nackley, Blair Brand captivated the audience with everything from little known musical facts to the orchestra's upcoming season. During the presentation guests dined on a delightful chicken scaloppini dish prepared by senior living chef, Kris Kishbaugh.

The Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra is the only professional orchestra in Centre County. They perform an average of six concerts per season.