Author: shawneeprewett

The other day I took my son for an appointment at a small neighborhood clinic. When we left, I remarked to him about the warm, friendly staff. My 18 year-old son happily declared without sarcasm, “yeah, it’s called community!” Even at his young age he can feel the difference between a typical medical clinic and…

 As a chaplain in Memory Care, I wear my clerical collar every day. It helps trigger memories of my role as pastor to many of my residents. Recently I visited a woman who frequently asks staff to help her find her home.  She recognized my collar, intercepted me as I walked into the house and…

Considering Memory Care Options for a Loved One? Are you worried about a loved one who can no longer live independently at home due to memory loss? Are you asking yourself, “What should I do? What type of care does Mom or Dad need?” It’s easy to become overwhelmed with one of the hardest decisions…

Thomas Jefferson once said “It is neither wealth nor splendor; but tranquility and occupation which give you happiness.” I once had a memory care resident who had worked as a grief counselor. She carried her old yellowing business card with her name and title in her pocket every day. Whenever she saw me at Emerald Crest,…

To enhance care to residents living with Parkinson’s, Emerald Crest has become a member of the Struthers Parkinson’s Care Network. Staff has been trained to increase awareness, maximize safety and improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. Training will make staff more knowledgeable about physical changes seen in residents with the disease. This training…

We all have all probably faced the task of moving from our homes to a new place. Even if we’re excited for it, usually it’s exhausting. Sorting, packing, lifting, carrying…fatigue often sets in after from the move. Then its time to unpack, which sometimes takes months. Now imagine if those carefully packed and sorted boxes…

When I asked our memory care residents at Emerald Crest what we do to prepare for company at the holidays, many said, “clean the house!” or “make sure there is room for everyone.” Darkness comes early in winter and we need light to help us prepare for the holidays. With a handmade Advent wreath and…

We often hear people say “I wish we’d moved in earlier” or “I wish my mom or dad had moved here years ago!” We’re not surprised, but we DO understand why some of our readers don’t move sooner. While the majority of Americans say they plan to stay in their current homes, according to the…

October is the time of breezy days of colorful falling leaves and cool nights. Fresh-harvested squash and pumpkins pop up at every country roadside stand to remind us that change is upon us. Often it seems as if we just can’t keep up with the pace of time as it hurtles us from one season…

The sky etches a slivery-hot gleam on the foliage outside my window. It is 91 degrees outside, the dog days of summer. When I was a little child, I thought it was called “dog days” because the way dogs would lay unmoving even in the cool shade. These days are named thus because a star,…