Assisted Living Activities At Pines

We offer a combination of therapy, purposeful groups, and one-to-one interactions aimed at maintaining both physical and cognitive ability. The activities staff, led by Terri Richtmyer, Certified Activities Director (ADC, ALF), provides activities based on the needs and requests of the residents. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for each resident and promote feelings of productivity and life satisfaction.

 

Professionals and community volunteers enrich the program with art, music, horticulture, visitation, and entertainment which foster building relationships, pursuing experiences, and sharing memories. This incorporates domestic pet visits, outdoor gardening, indoor plants and child interactions into the daily lives of residents. This type of environment is designed to create true communities in which our residents can enjoy life to the fullest extent possible.

 

Current Programs

• Music therapy is provided bi-weekly by a certified music therapist who specializes in promoting positive interactions among residents as well as concentration and peacefulness for each participant. Our resident's take much pride in playing the chimes and performing during Pines yearly Christmas program.
• Relaxation and Movement with Anita Andrade is a yoga program located at Pines Assisted Living Facility. Studies have shown that yoga gradually improves strength, limberness, circulation, stamina, memory, and feelings of well-being. It can reduce depression, insomnia, and many of the aches and pains that often make daily life difficult. Exercise and movement activities provide opportunities to increase and maintain flexibility and mobility.
• Art classes are offered weekly by local art teachers who specialize in working with seasoned clients. We are fortunate to have a wonderful program entitled Art without Boundaries that has allowed dozens of Pines residents to realize artistic potential they were unaware they had! Many residents enter their art in the Sarasota County Fair Hobby Show and bring home awards and ribbons! Crafts are also created by the residents at group activities that proudly decorate notice boards, resident's rooms and are lovingly given to family members as gifts.
• Staying actively involved in the community is very important. Outings to various cultural activities, local events and restaurants are a special treat that our residents participate in.
• Church and spiritual activities catering to various denominations are regularly available and Pines has an in house Chaplain who visits and counsels with residents upon request.
• Adult Education opportunities, Red Hat Society meetings and baking groups offers residents an opportunity to socialize, be creative, and share skills learned throughout their lives. They also love to share their memories & past experiences in the "Down Memory Lane" program hosted by one of our many wonderful local volunteers.
• Intergenerational activities using various supporting mediums such as music, humor and pets are provided with children from the onsite Child Care and Learning Center, Girl Scouts and many of the local schools. We are also a first choice for many student volunteers wishing to earn credit for Florida Bright Futures opportunities.
• Pet therapy from many certified volunteers and professional groups provides stimulating and soothing interactions between residents and pets.
• Special events and parties are well attended and enjoyed by residents of Pines. Many local professional entertainers routinely visit our campus providing musical performances ranging from jazz to country to classical.
• Games of all sorts including bingo, board and card games are played by residents, volunteers and visitors.
• We are fortunate to have a Horticulture Therapist providing weekly hands on gardening often including our Child Care "gardeners in training". Gardening projects provide great satisfaction to participants and the therapeutic values are tremendous.

 

 

Laughter Unlimited, a Circus Sarasota "Gem", continues after 10 years to stimulate and rejuvenate the residents here at Pines. World renowned entertainers Chuck Sidlow, Karen Bell and volunteer clowns regularly bring "Laughter Unlimited" to the various units at Pines. The therapeutic humor programs include 1:1 visits, Memories Lost & Found, Men's Club, special events and intergenerational programs including Pines Child Care children. The clowns bring much joy to Pines residents. They have opened their hearts and lives to the clowns. Their faces are brighter. Their smiles are bigger and more hopeful and they look forward to each and every interaction with their comical friends. Circus Sarasota originated their "Laughter Unlimited" program at Pines.

 

There is never a dull moment here at Pines. Our residents can be as active as they choose or prefer to curl up with a good book in a lounge chair. Our Selby Gardens designed butterfly garden with gazebo outside the Assisted Living facility provides a lovely retreat. An aviary provides a sunny cheery corner that is a favorite destination for walks around the campus.