Commun ty Matters Farmington Presbyterian Manor
February 2018
Art is Ageless® exhibit and reception features local senior artists Since the beginning of time, creative expression has brought joy to both its creators and those who experience their art. The Art is Ageless® program offers senior artists the opportunity to share and display their artwork, and reaffirms the agelessness of human creativity. This month, their works are on display at Farmington Presbyterian Manor. “It’s inspiring to see the beautiful pieces these seniors have created,” said Anne Allen, marketing director. “The joy it brings to them and others is wonderful, and that’s something we want to celebrate and share with the entire Farmington community.” The Art is Ageless exhibit will feature works from local artists who are 65 and older, including a few Presbyterian Manor residents. The public is welcome to visit the community to view the exhibit of acrylics, oils, photography and various other mediums, ranging from amateur to professional levels. “I am amazed each year of the talent of our local artists — no matter the art form,” said Jane Hull, executive director of Farmington Presbyterian ART, continued on page 4
Activities assistant Mandy Blackmon and Norma Sutton, a resident in memory care, arrange some silk tulips.
A special touch Memory care residents’ activities require different approach As anyone who works with people with dementia knows, you’ve got to know how to enter their world. For more than three years, that’s what Mandy Blackmon has learned to do as the activities assistant for our memory care neighborhood. It’s Mandy’s job to plan activities for our memory care residents and discover what they enjoy or respond to. That can be difficult for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, so Mandy often speaks with family members to learn about hobbies, music and other things their loved ones have enjoyed in the past. “I have felt at home there from day one,” Mandy said. “It’s not for everybody. I have always felt like it’s a joy and a challenge to try to tap into the interests of residents.” Before coming to Farmington Presbyterian Manor, Mandy had never worked in long-term care. But she had always wanted to work with TOUCH, continued on page 2