Local seniors celebrate spring with unique program

Memory care residents at The Watermark at Vistawilla, an assisted living and memory care community in Winter Springs, have spent the last two months celebrating spring. In April, the community launched a set of engaging and immersive programs that each touched on a unique facet of the season – from planting fresh herbs to releasing butterflies and ladybugs in the memory care garden.

“We created these programs specifically for our memory care residents, who are living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other forms of memory loss,” said Kimberly Dike, Community Life Director at The Watermark at Vistawilla. “The programs have allowed them to connect with the season and engage their body and mind in new ways.”

The community launched the seasonal program under the theme April showers bring May flowers. It started with a collaborative art project aimed to decorate the community with paper flowers. Associates also decorated and hung umbrellas from the ceiling to create a unique art installation. In addition, residents started a potted herb garden, made flower cookies, and learned about honey during a tasting with honey provided by the Oviedo Honey Company.

Residents also learned about flower arranging during an interactive Watermark University class on April 4. Local florist Make a Wish in Oviedo donated floral arrangements to the community and residents rearranged them to create their own unique creation.

In addition, residents took outings to Big Daddy’s Farmer’s Market and Lukas Nursery to experience the Butterfly Encounter. On April 30, memory care residents also released butterflies in the memory care garden, which features flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators.

“It has been so cool to see our residents find joy in the simple things like watching a butterfly or creating a beautiful piece of art,” said Dike. “These programs were such a hit, that we added more to the calendar as the month went by. The art they’ve decorated the community with has also sparked so much joy for residents, associates and families that we’re planning to keep it up and enjoy it a little longer.”

Watermark Retirement Communities, which manages The Watermark at Vistawilla and more than 70 communities nationwide, takes a unique approach to memory care. The Internal Staff Training by Watermark Retirement Communities is recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association® for incorporating the evidenced-based Dementia Care Practice Recommendations in the following topic areas: Alzheimer’s and dementia, person-centered care, assessment and care planning, activities of daily living, and behaviors and communication.

Watermark is committed to creating extraordinary and innovative communities where people thrive.

*The Alzheimer’s Association statement of recognition is not an endorsement of the professional training or evaluation of the care provided by the organization. The statement is valid for two years from the date of issue.

About The Watermark at Vistawilla

Located in Winter Springs, Fla., The Watermark at Vistawilla is an 87-apartment assisted living and memory care community located at 1519 E State Rd 434. Differentiators of the new community include certified associates, continuous care and hands-on educational programming. Owned and managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Watermark at Vistawilla is committed to creating an extraordinary community where people thrive. For more information, visit vistawilla.watermarkcommunities.com.

About Watermark Retirement Communities®

Watermark creates extraordinary and innovative communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute and published on Fortune.com. A privately held company with a reputation for over 30 years for service, innovation, integrity and financial stability, Watermark manages more than 70 retirement communities in 22 states coast to coast. Based in Tucson AZ, Watermark is ranked as the nation’s 10th-leading senior housing operator by the American Seniors Housing Association. Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information.