H1N1 Doesn’t Stop the Program

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Northbridge, MA November 16, 2009_As fears over the H1N1 pandemic continue to rise, residents of one Massachusetts senior living community have created an innovative way to continue their daily intergenerational connections, while minimizing the risk of catching or spreading the flu. The response from residents and children has been tremendous.This year, Beaumont at Northbridge is taking flu season very seriously and has temporarily halted face-to-face interaction between its residents and children from the SALMON Center for Early Education. Since H1N1 requires human interaction to transmit the virus from one person to another, Beaumont is benefiting from both modern technology and traditional communication tools to keep its successful intergenerational program alive and prospering.

Forty five seniors and 40 children (ages three months through 104) currently participate in this program that has become increasingly popular at Beaumont. Instead of looking forward to their weekly lunches, hanging out, or reading stories together, the following are two of the modified activities that have become a big hit:

• “Skyping” – Because modern virtual technologies like Skype offer a way for people to see one another without being exposed to them, “Skyping” allows Beaumont residents and children an alternative to stay connected and engaged with one another during flu season.
• Pen pals – Traditional letter writing has been reintroduced at Beaumont to help foster creative thinking. Children and adults alike are tapping into their artistic abilities by drawing pictures and writing letters to one another.

With this program, Beaumont residents continue to look forward to their interaction with the children and can hardly wait to Skype and receive the next piece of art from their younger pen pal. Once flu season is over, Beaumont will begin normal activities, while also maintaining the new practices.

Posted in Beaumont | No Comments »

Area Seniors Tackle Popular Pastime

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Beaumont Residents Kick Off Fantasy Football League in Northbridge

Northbridge, MA November 2, 2009_Watching Sunday football games has always been a popular pastime at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Northbridge. Now, in addition to cheering on their much-loved New England Patriots, some residents have another team to root for during the football season ─ their own fantasy football team.

“NFL Sunday has taken on a whole new meaning at Beaumont. Whether they’re football experts or simply fans of the game, residents are coming together this year during the 17-week NFL season to enjoy a long-time tradition in a modern way,” said Lindsey Benedetto, Campus Recreation Assistant at Beaumont. “For people who have been lifelong fans of the NFL and the New England Patriots, fantasy football has definitely brought an added element to the season.”

Benedetto introduced residents to fantasy football, forming the first league at the community. “I saw how popular fantasy football is, and I instantly knew our residents would like it once they were introduced to the concept,” said Benedetto. “As our residents become more familiar with fantasy football, we see this as something that will grow into more and more leagues run by residents.”

Beaumont held their first-ever fantasy football draft at the community on September 15, where 10 residents (men and women) picked their top teams. According to Benedetto, on Sunday afternoons at 85 Beaumont Drive, the community is filled with residents sporting their favorite team colors, while enjoying refreshments, and oftentimes a little playful taunting among friends.

“It doesn’t just end on Sunday,” said Benedetto, who assists those residents who aren’t computer-savvy with the online league. “Throughout the week, residents continue to check the status of their players and their future opponents, while looking forward to their upcoming matchup.”

“Not only is fantasy football a popular conversation in the dining room, but it’s also a subject residents passionately talk about with their children and grandchildren,” said Benedetto.

As with every competition, it isn’t complete without a prize. Beaumont will celebrate the season with an awards ceremony, rewarding the Underdog, Most Improved and MVP, to name a few. According to Benedetto, Beaumont’s fantasy football league champion will obtain bragging rights throughout the off-season until next year’s opening kick-off. Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Beaumont provides short- and long-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care in a supportive, caring environment. Beaumont offers modern, private and semi-private residences, in a warm and friendly setting. In addition to fantasy football, residents at Beaumont enjoy a wide range of community activities and social events, including cooking clubs, exercise and wellness programs, and barbecues to intergenerational programs, music programs and resident council meetings.

Posted in Beaumont | No Comments »