Since moving to Bethesda Terrace in April 2021, Bob, 91, has become a beloved member of the senior living community, known for his kindness, his family ties and, of course, his lifelong passion for fishing. From organizing an annual fish fry to sharing stories of his globe trotting adventures, Bob brings energy and joy to all those around him.

Fishing has been a thread running through Bob’s life from the moment he cast his first line at the age of six. He learned to fish alongside his father—a tradition now passed down through four generations.

One of Bob’s most cherished childhood memories involves his mother’s unique fishing trick: making “dough bait” by dipping small pieces of dough into vanilla extract.

“The vanilla extract certainly attracted the fish,” he says. “I owe my love for fishing to my father and my success to my mother!”

Bob’s passion for fishing became a shared joy with his wife, Betty, whom he met on a blind date in high school. After marrying in 1954, Bob taught Betty to fish at Lake of the Ozarks, and together they discovered new fishing spots around the world, traveling to areas such as Ontario, Canada and the Sierra Madre Mountain range in Mexico.

“Betty had the best luck,” Bob recalls with a smile. “She always caught the biggest one.”

Even through different phases of his life—serving in the Navy during the Korean War, working in the printing trade and later as a handyman—Bob always found time for fishing. More than just a hobby, fishing became his sanctuary; it was at the water’s edge, with rod in hand, that he found true peace.

“Fishing has been the consistency throughout my life,” Bob says. “It gives me time to think and meditate.”

Since joining the Bethesda Terrace community, Bob has made sure to keep his fishing traditions alive. He annually treats the members of a Bible study group he leads to a fish fry lunch, with this year’s event featuring around 50 pounds of fish caught and filleted by four generations of the Ackermann family.

“I was keeping the fish in my apartment freezer until I had too many and had to transfer it to the big freezer,” he says.

Upon seeing how much fish he had, the Bethesda Terrace dining services team offered to assist by preparing and cooking the fish, using Bob’s preferred seasoning.

When he’s not fishing, Bob enjoys taking walks around the community, reading mystery novels and spending time with his family. His daughter calls him twice a day, and family members frequently visit to share meals with him in the dining room at Bethesda Terrace.

“Family has always been important to me,” Bob says. “I’m grateful for their love and the fact that they’re just down the road.”

Looking ahead, Bob’s sense of adventure remains undimmed. With ice fishing and skydiving still on his bucket list, Bob Ackermann proves that the thrill of life doesn’t fade with age—it only grows richer.

For more resident stories, visit Bethesda’s blog!

The post Faces of Bethesda: Bob Ackermann first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

The couple’s love for cycling truly blossomed after their first organized tour in 1989, when they pedaled through the Loire Valley in France. What attracted them to the cycling tours was how they were able to experience the world in a way few people do—offering an unfiltered view of each destination.

“You’re not stopping for the shops during these tours,” Jane says. “You are traveling the back roads, and the roads less traveled.”

A memorable moment came while resting on a park bench in Cairo, Egypt. Two children approached them, curious about the foreign couple. When the children discovered Brian and Jane could speak English, they eagerly pulled out their homework and asked for help. Jane, a former English teacher, was happy to oblige.

“They took off their backpacks and handed us what they had written that day,” Brian recalls. “Jane went through with a red pen and began marking their papers. The kids were so excited to have somebody to help, and we enjoyed chatting with them.”

A special moment occurred when their outdoor biking group stopped at an irrigation farm. The farmer warmly invited them to stay for lunch, but due to time constraints, the group had to decline. Curious about the generous offer, Jane asked the guide how the farmer could have managed to feed the entire group on such short notice.

“The guide told us that the farmer would have called on everyone in the village to supply food,” Jane explains. “But the villagers wouldn’t have eaten the rest of the day. They had what they had, and they were willing to share it with us.”

Over the years, Brian and Jane estimate they have participated in 20 to 30 cycling tours. With more than 30 years of experience, they have witnessed firsthand the evolution of these trips. What once involved navigating with paper directions stapled to their bike bags eventually grew into GPS-guided tours.

“You didn’t get lost as much with the GPS!” Jane jokes.

Since moving to Bethesda Barclay House in 2020, Brian and Jane have not slowed down. For Brian, he picked up a tennis racket for the first time in years. Now, he plays three times a week.

“I love the social aspect of tennis,” Brian says. “We’re out there making mistakes, but we’re laughing and having fun.”

While Brian enjoys his time on the tennis courts, Jane has found comfort in the water. Swimming laps has become one of her favorite forms of exercise, along with outdoor biking and walking.

“The water is therapeutic, and I love the endorphins I get afterward,” Jane says. “It’s gentle on my body, but it still gets my heart rate up.”

For Brian and Jane, life has been a cycle of discovery, connection and movement. As they continue to pedal forward, their journey reminds us all that the cycle of life is best enjoyed in motion—one ride, one step, one lap at a time.

For more resident stories, visit Bethesda’s blog!

The post Faces of Bethesda: Brian and Jane Smith first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

The event was inspired by Life Enrichment Coordinator Nikki Aubuchon’s (now Nikki Ross) upcoming wedding, which was perfect for giving the week’s Resident Appreciation Week a bridal theme. Joy and love filled the air, reflecting the deep connections these couples have built over the years.

Bethesda Terrace went “all out” to recreate the magic of a wedding day. The dining room was adorned with a flower archway and a white canopy. A beautiful cake, crafted with care, stood as a centerpiece of the celebration, adding a sweet and tasty touch to the occasion.

Michelle Glass, Bethesda Senior VP of Senior Living and In-Home Services and an ordained minister, officiated the ceremony, guiding the couples through their vows. Adding to the charm of the event was Austyn Nelson, the adorable young daughter of Sales Counselor Ashley Nelson, who delighted everyone by serving as flower girl.

For Mike and Debbie Sullivan, who were celebrating 50 years of marriage, the ceremony was a chance to reaffirm their love publicly.

“When asked if we wanted to participate, I said ‘yes’ immediately—I wanted everyone to know how much I love her,” Mike says.

Debbie, flashing a warm smile to her husband, offers her advice for a happy marriage: “Show each other affection every time you come and go…and a little compromise doesn’t hurt either!”

Bob and Nancy Reinagel, married for 61 years and renewing their vows for the third time, brought their humor and wisdom to the celebration.

When asked why they enjoy renewing their vows, Nancy says, “It’s important to remember why you liked your partner in the first place!”

Bob agrees, turning to share his advice for other couples hoping to follow in their footsteps: “Keep your individuality—staying your own person is key.”

Bob and Vicky Schmidt, who have been together for 64 years, offer simple yet timeless advice that resonated with all three couples.

“Never go to bed angry,” Bob says.

Vicky expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of all the couples. “It was a wonderful day, and we want to thank Bethesda Terrace for making us feel so special,” she says.

(L-R) Bethesda Terrace residents Bob and Vicky Schmidt (64 years), Bob and Nancy Reinagel (61 years) and Mike and Debbie Sullivan (50 years) participated in the community’s Vow Renewal Ceremony.

For more resident stories, visit Bethesda’s blog!

The post Three Couples Renew Their Vows at Bethesda Terrace first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

It was during a lunch meet-up last fall that Sally, who had served as the hospital’s Director of Medical Records, mentioned Bethesda Orchard in Webster Groves as a retirement community she was interested in pursuing. Sandy, who was the hospital’s Laboratory Director, and was also in the market for a retirement community, added Bethesda Orchard to her list of possibilities and booked a tour with her brother.

“My brother is very particular, and he was very impressed with the accommodations and recommended I jump on it,” Sandy says. “My sister-in-law even said she would take it if I didn’t. It all happened very fast.” Sally just happened to have some trips planned. When she returned from her travels, she began her move-in process at Bethesda Orchard, and was very pleased, and quite surprised, to discover that Sandy had already moved in!

“I mentioned that I had a friend who was looking to move to a community and that she might be reaching out,” says Sally. “Todd, the General Manager, said, ‘You mean Sandy Brown? She moved in before the holiday.’”

“Surprise!” Sandy laughed when she met up with Sally.

The pair, now reunited, savor the past, recalling the intimate work environment and festive Christmas parties at the Washington University Whittemore House. They continue to make new memories, meeting for brunch every Sunday and partaking in the community’s lively activities. While Sandy has wholeheartedly embraced activities such as happy hours and Scrabble games, Sally enjoys more reflective time and has recently found fellowship in a book club.

They both speak fondly of the balance Bethesda Orchard has provided to them. They like that residents can live their independent lives, and yet they never have to worry about household chores like cooking or cleaning anymore.

Their story reflects the resilience of friendships and the comfort of familiar surroundings. Bethesda, once a place of work, now serves as a backdrop to their shared retirement, proving that some bonds, just like places, stand the test of time.

“Our years at Bethesda Hospital, it felt like being with family,” Sally says. “And I get that same feeling here at Orchard as a resident.”

Sandy agrees. “Working for Bethesda and moving to Orchard were both great decisions. I enjoy it more and more every day.”

Read more resident stories on our blog!

The post Former Bethesda Colleagues Reunite in Retirement—at Bethesda! first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Events Offered in Independent Living Communities

Many independent living communities tailor the events and activities they offer to resident interests, so you’ll find a variety of options that support your existing interests or allow you to try something new.

Here’s a sample of some of the activities you’ll find to fill your calendar with:

Clubs

Joining a club is an excellent way to meet folks with similar interests and maybe even pick up a new hobby. You may find a men’s poker club for some camaraderie and light competition, an international food club where residents get to try new foods, or a book club where you can discuss the latest best sellers with other readers. At Bethesda, some of our communities also have periodic visits from a bookmobile where book clubs can pick up their next book.

Discussion Groups

Just because you’re not in school doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. There are several benefits of continued learning, such as boosted self-esteem, reduced stress, and improved memory. It also enriches one’s life and inspires professional growth.

Independent living communities may offer lectures, discussion groups, and guest speakers, such as historians, professors, musicians, and more. For example, at Bethesda Barclay House, residents have previously enjoyed presentations titled “Cooking in the Great Depression” and the “Art of Storytelling.”

Social Events

A fulfilling social life can help residents with feelings of isolation, loneliness, or boredom. Frequent socialization offers many benefits, so communities provide several social events for residents to mingle and meet new people.

Happy hours are common in many communities — as are movie nights, trips, and outings to places such as restaurants for lunch, shopping centers, the library, and museums. At The Oaks at Bethesda, residents have also enjoyed theater productions such as A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.

Wellness Opportunities

There are many opportunities available for residents to focus on their wellness, with different types of exercise to meet various interests and activity levels. For example, residents can incorporate gentle stretching and breathwork into their daily activities with yoga, improve balance and stability with balance barre sessions, or add strength training and exercise basics into their day with fitness fundamentals or a HASfit class.

Creative Pursuits

Participating in creative endeavors, such as drawing, painting, and writing, enables people to express themselves, discover interests that make them feel fulfilled and happy, and cultivate feelings of accomplishment. To help residents unlock their creative side, independent living communities offer projects, art classes, paint-and-sip events, workshops, and more.

Games 

Mental stimulation helps keep the brain healthy, and games are an excellent way to exercise the brain. They also encourage socialization, so you’ll often find several opportunities to participate in a game in an independent living community. For example, Rummikub, Wii Bowling, bingo, mahjong, Scrabble, and card games such as bridge are popular in independent living communities, but you may also find the chance to test your knowledge and memory in a game of trivia!

Benefits of Independent Living Events and Activities

Independent living communities know how important socialization is to well-being and happiness, so they often encourage residents to meet new friends and learn new skills. Additionally, all of this is done in a peaceful environment without typical household chores, which gives residents more time to pursue their interests and passions.

People from all backgrounds can live a fulfilling and engaging life and discover new hobbies and interests in independent living. And it all starts with a warm welcome, such as that offered in Bethesda communities by our resident ambassadors. Our resident ambassadors welcome new residents, make it a point to introduce them to others, and invite them to meals so they start their senior living journey off right.

Explore the fulfilling and vibrant lifestyle that awaits you by scheduling a tour of a Bethesda community near you today.

The post What Events Do Independent Living Communities Offer? first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

How Independent Senior Living Communities Create a Comfortable Environment

Independent living communities provide a supportive environment that enables residents to maintain independence while enhancing their quality of life. Some of the features you may find in independent senior living communities include:

Desirable Amenities

Independent living communities are filled with inviting common spaces that make daily living easier and more convenient.

Residents can choose to cook a meal in their private apartment or meet a group of friends in the dining room for restaurant-style dining. This removes the need to plan and cook some meals if desired. Many communities, such as those under Bethesda Health Group, offer an always-available menu of favorite entrees, sides, desserts, salads, and lighter fare.

Depending on the community, residents have access to walking paths, a pool, a fitness center with easy-to-use equipment, and wellness activities to start or maintain an exercise regimen. In addition to these convenient fitness amenities, residents have a supportive community of neighbors and new friends ready to cheer them on. It can also be easier to attend a class, hit the fitness center, or go for a walk when you have someone to do it with!

Full Calendar of Events and Activities

Independent living communities offer social gatherings and activities that encourage residents to spend time with friends and family or meet new people who share similar interests. Many communities tailor activities to the interests of residents, so you’ll find a variety of clubs and activities, such as book or gardening clubs, wine and cheese happy hours, painting and drawing classes, and more. And the choice of what to fill your daily calendar with is all yours.

Enjoy laughter, good conversation, and engaging games! Wii bowling, Rummikub, card games, and Scrabble are common on many communities’ event calendars, so you can regularly enjoy some friendly competition and camaraderie.

Private Apartments

Rightsizing to a private apartment in an independent living community means you have a smaller area to clean and manage, enabling you to spend less time on housework and instead focus your time on enjoying the company of your neighbors. You’ll find a variety of floor plans in independent living to choose from to give yourself the space you would prefer to entertain friends and family or enjoy a relaxing evening reading a book.

Depending on the community, floor plans range from a studio apartment up to a two-bedroom apartment or villa. In senior living communities, you’re not moving into a “room.” Rather, you have a vibrant, private apartment that you can make your own and decorate to your heart’s content, but make sure to ask your community about guidelines for personalizing your apartment.

Select apartments have sundecks, patios, or balconies where you can sip your tea or coffee, read a book, have a small garden, or connect with family or friends.

Low-Maintenance Living

A large benefit of independent living is the low-maintenance lifestyle it offers. This enables residents to focus more time on what they want, whether that’s engaging in a hobby, pursuing their passions, or spending quality time with loved ones rather than devoting that time to housework. Residents also no longer have to handle tasks such as snow removal, lawn maintenance, or repairs because the community takes care of them.

Warm and Welcoming Independent Living Awaits You

Independent living communities offer access to plenty of events and activities, but they’re so much more than that. You’ll also find a warm community of neighbors, friends, and staff members that help you feel right at home. Book a tour today to explore a Bethesda community near you.

The post How Independent Living Communities Help Residents Feel Right at Home first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Creativity Come to Life

SPOOKY SPIDERS

Mini chocolate donuts, M&M candies, cake frosting, and pretzel twists are all you need to make spooky Halloween spiders. It’s a project that’s fun for all ages. The donuts make the spider’s body, the curvy pretzels make good legs, and the M&M candies are perfect for eyes. A little bit of frosting can be used to keep the eyes in place, if needed.

PUMPKIN PATCH PUDDING

Pumpkin patch dirt pudding is something that, for many, is just about as fun to make as it is to eat. You will need two packages of chocolate sandwich cookies, some cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, milk, chocolate pudding mix, whipped topping, 40 mellow crème pumpkins, vanilla frosting, and some green food coloring. Crush the cookies to make the “dirt,” then use icing to create vines and leaves for the pumpkins you’ll spread across this tasty dish.

Sweet, Sugar-Conscious Snacks

There are also plenty of fun and easy Halloween treats for seniors to make even when they are watching their sugar intake or managing diabetes.

WITCHES TEETH

Witches Teeth are made with wedges of apples for the mouth and slices of almonds. Swap out almonds for sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

SNACK-O’-LANTERN FRUIT CUPS

Snack-o’-Lantern Fruit Cups are a festive way to serve a health-conscious dessert. Oranges can be carved to make mini Jack-o’-Lanterns. Fill them with your favorite fruit to make a healthy snack!

FROZEN BOO-NANA POPS

Dip frozen bananas into white chocolate to make ghostly figures called Frozen Boo-nana Pops. Add a popsicle stick for a handle and chocolate chips for eyes, and you’re ready to enjoy a Halloween favorite. You can make them even healthier by dipping them in low-fat vanilla yogurt instead of chocolate, and suddenly you have a tasty treat that totals less than 100 calories a serving!

Halloween Activities for Seniors and the Whole Family!

The Food Network has a page full of Halloween-themed food projects that are perfect for seniors to make with the grandkids and other family members. A few treat ideas include ghosts made of marshmallows and chocolate-dipped strawberry pumpkins. For even more Halloween recipes, check out the Greatist.com!

These projects are ideal for family bonding because projects that cater to seniors’ dexterity are often also perfect for children’s small fingers!

Snacks and Halloween Activities for Seniors that Nourish the Mind & Body

Seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia respond well to activities involving food. Making snack time fun is a great way to stimulate their minds. But don’t just limit yourself to food-related activities.

JACK-O’LANTERN CANDY CUPS

It’s easy to make decorative candy-collecting containers with a plastic cup and some construction paper, such as these fun Jack-o’-Lantern cups.

TOILET PAPER ROLL MUMMY

A used toilet tissue roll and some gauze can be fashioned into a scary mummy. First, paint the tube black with tempera paint. Next, use some plastic, beady eyes that you can get from your local craft store, and then just use some white glue to hold everything together.

GINGERBREAD HAUNTED HOUSE

Put a twist on classic holiday gingerbread houses with these fun Halloween-themed kits! Gingerbread houses allow you to make a one-of-a-kind piece with multiple options for colors, shapes, and candies. You can find gingerbread house kits at many stores and online retailers.

Find more ways to enjoy the fall season by visiting Bethesda’s Senior Living blog.

The post 8 Frightfully Fun Halloween Treats and Activities for Seniors first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

“I have an aesthetic eye and I love seeing pretty things,” says Jo. “When I got here, I saw there was an awning over the courtyard. I thought that would serve as a nice sitting area, so I started moving furniture and created a sitting space. Then, Judy brought in a banana tree, and we started bringing in pots to plant other things. And the rest is history!”

After securing permission from General Manager Jerry Ahillen and the Bethesda Barclay House team, Jo and Judy began working on the “new and improved” Barclay House courtyard. Now, visit on a warm summer day and you’re greeted by a multitude of colors and fresh smells. Begonias, petunias, purple sage and geraniums decorate the perimeter, complementing the sparkling blue water in the swimming pool. In a corner, herbs such as mint, basil, rosemary and oregano sprout.

“We’ve created a space that is enjoyed by everyone here — whether they look at it from their apartment window, or they sit outside to eat lunch or dinner,” says Jo.

“It works so well because it all flows and it is usable,” adds Judy.

This backyard oasis has certainly made an impact on Jo and Judy’s fellow residents. Some visit frequently to cut fresh herbs to include in homemade basil jelly and pesto. Kate Worland and other Barclay House friends have also pitched in to help keep the courtyard looking beautiful.

“It’s a win-win for everybody,” says Judy.

The ladies have a vision for what else they’d like to see in the courtyard one day—maybe making it an environment to attract hummingbirds or installing lattice for plants to grow vertically. Whatever the plan, they know how this new space makes people feel.

“I am thrilled to be able to add something here,” says Judy. “It is such a good feeling to know that we are creating something for everyone to love.”

Read more resident stories on our blog!

The post Faces of Bethesda: Judy & Jo first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Fortunately, moving into a senior living community, like those that Bethesda Health Group offers, gives older adults ample opportunities to make new friends and create an active and rewarding lifestyle. While living alone in a big house can result in isolation and loneliness, being among their peers is sure to make anyone, especially seniors, feel much more connected to the world around them.

Here are some surefire ways to make new friends at Bethesda:

Eat restaurant-style meals in the dining area

Bethesda takes a lot of pride in offering exceptional meal options in a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere. While you’re welcome to eat in your own private apartment, venturing to the dining room for a nice meal provides the opportunity to socialize with fellow residents. After all, meal time is the perfect time to sit with others and make casual conversation, especially when it takes place only steps away from your front door.

Attend exercise classes or participate in a wellness program

With a wide variety of activities available at senior living communities, you’re sure to find something appealing to you. Join group exercise classes, take advantage of fitness equipment, or take a walk around the campus with fellow residents. After all, finding a workout buddy or two (or more) will make exercising fun!

Participate in group outings

Bethesda arranges regular outings for its residents, so all you have to do is show up! Go shopping, see a show or explore a local community event. The possibilities are endless!

Take advantage of the available amenities

Watch a performance by music and entertainment acts brought in to the community, have a good time at a happy hour celebration, attend a birthday party for one of your fellow residents, take an informative class or indulge your creative side at an art project gathering.

Don’t be a stranger to community areas

Although Bethesda prioritizes privacy for its residents, beautiful community areas are there for you to enjoy when you’re feeling sociable. Our common areas often host lots of card games, as well as residents gathering to watch movies or sporting events in a group setting.

Making Friends at Any Age

Now that you know what your options are, take advantage of them! Introduce yourself to others and sit with new people at meal times or activities. If they’ve been at Bethesda longer than you, ask them what their favorite events are so you can plan to be there, too. Attend as many different activities as you can to meet your fellow residents. Don’t sit in your apartment and wait for others to knock on your door. Go where the people are, contribute to the conversation and try new things. While some seniors are apprehensive about the idea of moving to a senior living community, once they’re there, they often have only one question: “Why did I wait so long?”

Learn more about how you can become an active member of a Bethesda community by visiting our website or set up a tour of one of our senior living communities to find the right fit for you. For more ways to stay connected to others in senior living communities, visit Bethesda’s blog.

The post Seniors Meeting Seniors: Tips on Making Friends at Your Bethesda Senior Living Community first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.

Ruth Ann Cranston could see her dad slipping away.

“In the last few years my father lived on his own, it became disturbingly apparent that his cognitive ability was fading,” Ruth Ann said. “I knew if I didn’t do something about that soon, it would be too late.”

Two years ago, she moved her father, Larry, into one of the skilled nursing communities at Bethesda Health Group in St. Louis. Since then, Ruth Ann said the reawakening of her dad’s mind has been amazing.

A Familiar Tune

“Dad has senile dementia,” Ruth Ann said. “However, there are parts of his brain, especially on the left side, that can be tapped into and he lights right up. Music Therapy has been wonderful for him. Not only can I notice the improvements in his cognitive abilities, but he says when he is doing music therapy he is in his ‘happy place.’ I’m so glad we moved him here, where the most is being made of his abilities.”

Linda McNair, a board-certified music therapist, started adapted keyboard lessons — one of her favorite music therapy tools — with Larry right after he moved in and began music therapy.

“I take a small keyboard into the resident’s room, and allow them a chance to play,” Linda said. “The therapy is geared to what the resident is capable of doing — I want them to be able to be successful when they attempt to play.”

Lessons can range from letting the resident attempt to play a simple tune such as “Mary Had a Little Lamb” to improvising along to a jazz track.

Larry, who loves big band music of the 1940s and 1950s as well as jazz, likes to try to accompany his favorite songs. He gets a helping hand from Linda’s instrument, as the keys on the keyboard light up in the proper sequence.

Residents who aren’t able to play the keyboard can still benefit from music therapy. Linda said those seniors can listen to their favorite type of songs on an iPod, which stimulates their brains, soothes their nerves and jogs their minds.

“Playing music helps seniors to remember patterns, and that helps them exercise their cognitive ability,” Linda said. “Equally important, it gives residents a chance to feel good about their accomplishments and express their creativity.

Health Benefits of Music Therapy

Music therapy has been proven to help older adults restore and maintain their health. Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Promoting general wellness
• Managing stress and anxiety
• Alleviating pain
• Expressing emotions and creativity
• Enhancing memory
• Improving communication
• Promoting physical rehabilitation
• A better outlook on life and increased self-esteem

In addition to working well with seniors living with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia, music therapy has been found to benefit people who are recovering from traumatic brain injuries, people who have autism, and people with Parkinson’s Disease. Music therapy is an evidence-based clinical practice that is used with all populations ranging from the tiniest newborn preemies to those on hospice. Visit the American Music Therapy Association to learn more about the many benefits Music Therapy can provide your loved one.

Ready for Showtime

In fact, Larry has enjoyed his musical awakening so much, he’s even joined the choir at the community, finding joy in singing with his friends from around the building.

“My father was in a state of mental decline,” Ruth Ann said. “Because of music therapy for seniors and the other care he receives here at Bethesda, his brain is stimulated and he’s much better. It’s clear that what he’s getting here has had a profound effect. He’s much more alert. He’s much more conversational. I’m so grateful for what Linda has been able to do to help him. You can really tell how much she cares about the people who live here and how much she puts into it.”

Can Music Therapy benefit you or your loved one? For more information on Music Therapy, visit Bethesda’s blog! 

The post Harmonizing Healing: Seniors Find Happiness Through Creative Music Therapy first appeared on Bethesda Health Group.