It is amazing to witness the power of music on the lives of seniors living with Alzheimer’s. Often, seniors will remember old times, exhibit powerful emotions, act playful and come to life. Recent study results show music can boost production of “happy hormones” such as melatonin, prolactin and more, resulting in elevated moods. In addition, the therapeutic use of music by board certified clinicians can reduce stress and agitation, as well as help with engagement and memory recall. Understanding the tremendous effects music has on memory care residents, Waltonwood Cotswold offers an integrated music therapy program in collaboration with Roots and Wings Music Therapy, local music therapy private practice, and Queens University of Charlotte. Two music therapy students from the Queens University of Charlotte Department of Art, Design and Music visit Waltonwood Cotswold under the supervision of their professor every Thursday and practice clinical skills and build competency through their clinical training program. During these therapy sessions, the students lead the residents through a playful yet extremely powerful program that connects memories, bypassing any cognitive impairments, while also providing social interaction. In addition to this intergenerational therapy session, a board-certified music therapist from Roots and Wings Music Therapy works with memory care residents throughout the year. This therapist uses evidence-informed techniques during bi-weekly sessions in order to maintain residents’ cognitive and physical skills while sustaining a social connection using music as a meaningful and accessible platform.

“Playing instruments or simply listening to music has numerous emotional, mental and physical benefits,” said Leah Nash, executive director at Waltonwood Cotswold. “Our residents really enjoy anything music related, and we believe that by combining music therapy sessions with the intergenerational aspect we create something powerful. The interaction not only helps the seniors, but the students also experience tremendous benefits. We are thankful for the relationship we have with Roots and Wings Music Therapy. They introduced us to Queens University of Charlotte and helped us create this meaningful partnership.”

One of the many activities the seniors engage in during the music therapy session with the students is the co-creation of a musical product. The students hand residents instruments and encourage them to participate in a song creation. The song creation activity gives them a sense of community and shows them skills they might have never used before, like playing an instrument. During the other part of the session, the students have the Waltonwood Cotswold residents listen to music from a time when they were younger, which helps bring back memories and emotions. The students learn these professional techniques in their academic and clinical courses at Queens University of Charlotte and they practice implementing them at the senior living community.

“The weekly music therapy sessions at Waltonwood are 45 minutes long and are part of a clinical training program for our students, who get graded on their treatment planning, facilitation skills, and musicality,” said Varvara Pasiali, Ph.D., MT-BC, associate professor and interim director of music therapy for Queens University of Charlotte. “The sessions are sweet and fun to watch, and they are also enjoyable for the students and the residents. There are endless amounts of activities the seniors can engage in, and we are grateful to have our students showcase and better their skills at the senior living community.”

Studies show that loneliness plays a significant role in cognitive decline, which is why the senior living community provides daily activities for the residents to engage in to ensure that positive social interactions are happening around the community. Waltonwood Cotswold offers comprehensive and quality care for seniors living with dementia, and their individualized care increases the residents’ quality of life by supporting their physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. 

Every love story has its own unique beginning. For the Mareks, it all started on a New Year’s Eve in 1952, a day Ruth Marek, 90, likes to remember because her friends set her up on a blind date. It was the day she met her husband Joseph, 94. They fell in love and were married a year later. Ruth and Joseph Marek, now residents of Waltonwood Cotswold, moved to Charlotte from Bloomington, Ill., to be closer to their son after Joe was diagnosed with dementia about a year ago. Despite all the difficulties and changes that come with this condition, Ruth talks about her husband in such a sweet tone it can make anyone’s heart melt. Today, she is opening up about the struggles they have confronted because of dementia, and she shares the inspiring love story behind their long and successful marriage.

“I noticed the forgetfulness about a year ago, and the hardest part is knowing that it won’t get any better,” said Ruth Marek. “At first, I thought maybe I would be able to take care of him on my own, but it became more difficult as each day passed. It is hard not waking up next to him every morning, but I go see him and have lunch with him every day. We still live together, I’m in assisted living and he’s in memory care just a few steps away. He remembers much from the past, maybe even better than I do. It is the short-term memory that gives him trouble, but that comes along with dementia. It is comforting to know that he is getting the best care possible. Sometimes we just have to except things the way they are and be happy.”

Joe, originally from Wisconsin, worked as a civil engineer with the Illinois Department of Transportation for 37 years. He loves poetry and likes to recite his favorite poems to his family. Ruth believes one of the keys to a successful marriage is to have similar interests, like a love for country music, not the country-pop kind. Throughout their 64 years of marriage they experienced a lot, including the loss of their daughter Erin and their 23-year-old grandson, but they have been blessed to have one granddaughter and two great-granddaughters. Everything the couple has done, they have done as a team, including battling this debilitating condition. Ruth says one of the most important things in marriage is communication. She believes it is essential to handle difficult conversations and address issues as they arise instead of holding them in. Ruth is grateful for the loving relationship she has with her husband.

“When deciding to get married, make sure your partner is somebody you get along with well and somebody you can trust,” said Ruth Marek. “It is also important to realize that we can’t expect everything to run smoothly right away. Marriage is a long process that requires team work. Be there for each other and never forget to show your appreciation for your partner.”

“Ruth and Joe have such a beautiful relationship together, it is heartwarming to watch them spend time with one another in our community,” said Leah Nash, executive director of Waltonwood Cotswold. “Their love story is truly inspiring, and we are thankful they decided to move here together. We look forward to providing the best care possible and the needed support to their entire family.”  

Singh currently owns and operates 10 other Waltonwood Senior Communities in Michigan and North Carolina and has several other communities in development and under construction in North Carolina and the Washington, D.C. metro area market. 

Thanksgiving reminds us to give thanks for all we have, such as family, friends, life experiences and more. It is also time to get together with our loved ones and enjoy a good meal and other family traditions. Thanksgiving is about more than just food, and that’s why J.C. Rowe, 90-year-old resident of Waltonwood Cotswold, recommends one of his family’s traditions around the holiday. He suggests going around the table and discussing why each person is thankful. Rowe, who spent over 42 years in law enforcement and eight years as the mayor of Forest Acres, S.C., devoted his life to helping others. A former police chief, Rowe was recently inducted into the SC Law Enforcement Hall of Fame Meritorious. He is originally from Georgia, and has two brothers and a sister who still live there. He lived for some time in Brevard, N.C., where he started a first rescue squad, the Transylvania County Rescue Squad, to help hikers in the mountains. With Thanksgiving around the corner, Rowe shares some of his family’s traditions to inspire people of all age to give thanks all year long.

“I love Thanksgiving because all of our family gets together, and it is a fun time,” said Rowe. “I am not a turkey person, but I still enjoy the food, especially fried pies that I used to eat when I was growing up which my daughter is learning how to make for me. We decorate the Christmas tree, tell stories and enjoy the time we have together. I am such a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and we remind each other to be thankful for what we have and for the love we have for one another. Every day I am grateful for the career I had because it gave me a lot of great opportunities. I am thankful for everyone who helped me throughout my life, especially my family.”

Rowe was married to his wife, Kate, for 52 years, and she was his biggest cheerleader, supporting him in everything he did. He has one child, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who all live in North Carolina. In his free time he enjoys wood crafting, and he even sold some of his work to other residents, local families and staff members at Waltonwood Cotswold during the community’s recent fall festival. All the proceeds went to the Alzheimer’s Association. He has always enjoyed helping others in every way possible. Rowe says he has many reasons to be thankful, including one of his brothers who calls him every Wednesday and Sunday to check on him. People who know Rowe describe him as a happy and grateful person. He always advises others to work hard and use common sense in everything they do. Today, Rowe is asking younger generations to pause and remember to show their appreciation for others on a daily basis.

“Everyone has reasons to be thankful, sometimes we just have to be reminded of them,” said Rowe. “It is important to remember the people who helped us over time and show appreciation to them. Be thankful for your parents and those who love you and always try to surround yourself with good people.”

“I think showing appreciation and acknowledging our blessings should be part of our daily lives,” said Leah Nash, executive director of Waltonwood Cotswold. “We are grateful for having J.C. at our community because he is such a kind and generous person, and he reminds us of the importance of expressing gratitude every day.”

Singh currently owns and operates 10 other Waltonwood Senior Communities in Michigan and North Carolina and has several other communities in development and under construction in North Carolina and the Washington, D.C. metro area market.  

Waltonwood Cotswold, a senior living community, celebrated its one-year anniversary this month and shared their excitement with the residents, their families and the people who make it all possible. The community partnered with many businesses and organizations to positively impact the lives of the residents and the local community over the past year. Recently, in honor of their first anniversary, Waltonwood Cotswold hosted a free celebratory event, and the public was invited to come out and celebrate one year of success. There were refreshments and live musical performances by Sarah Marin, who sings and plays cello, as well as Christine Robinson, who plays violin. During the event, donations were made to the Alzheimer’s Association under the Waltonwood Cotswold team’s name at the walk later this year. In addition, guests had the opportunity get a sneak peak of the senior living community.

“We can’t believe it has already been a year since we first opened our doors,” said Leah Nash, executive director of Waltonwood Cotswold. “This anniversary means a lot to all of us and we are so thankful for the support that the community of Charlotte has shown us. We look forward to many wonderful years to come.”

Waltonwood Cotswold prides itself on delivering dynamic offerings designed to meet the variety of preferences, interests and needs of the residents who live there. This tailored approach ensures that the unique needs of each resident are met, giving them a sense of purpose, dignity and fulfillment. Over the past year, the senior living community hosted various educational events, facilitated philanthropic projects such as a school supply drive to support students and promoted healthy lifestyles through different activities. For one health initiative, the senior living community shared recipes for healthy smoothies and provided tips on how to help seniors feel their absolute best. The senior living community has partnered up with multiple organizations and local schools to create opportunities for volunteer work, intergenerational events and activities. Waltonwood Cotswold is always looking for ways to give back to the community. In October, the Waltonwood Cotswold team will participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and help raise awareness and funds for this disease.

 “The past year has been extremely successful for Waltonwood Cotswold,” said Nash. “It has been an honor to work here and be part of a team that truly offers such a high standard of care for its residents, and I look forward to continuing to develop relationships with seniors and families. We are thankful for everyone who helped us make this happen.”

Singh currently owns and operates 10 other Waltonwood Senior Communities in Michigan and North Carolina and has several other communities in development and under construction in North Carolina and the Washington, D.C. metro area market.  

Across the U.S., people of all ages have fallen in love with smoothies as a delicious way to include fruits and vegetables in their diets. With this popular trend in mind, Waltonwood Cotswold has chosen to feature a signature smoothie on its hydration carts during March in observance of National Nutrition Month, allowing residents the choice to include this yummy option in their daily diets. The senior living community’s talented chef, Michael Norman put together a smoothie recipe that takes into account the dietary needs of the residents. This is because many seniors have dietary restrictions, such as low salt or sugar, and changes must be made to their eating habits in order for them to live healthier lives.

“A smoothie may seem like a simple option, but the nutritional benefits are incredible,” said Norman. “Drinking fruit smoothies can help you reach the recommended daily intake of fiber, which is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. One serving of fruit typically contains two to four grams of fiber, with blackberries, pears and apples having the highest concentration of five to seven grams per serving. The soluble fiber found in fruit helps slow digestion and may help control blood sugar and lower cholesterol; the benefits often speak for themselves. By providing an option like this, we give residents the opportunity to think about nutrition in a completely new way.”

According to Norman, there are six categories of fruits which contain a variety of vitamins and minerals: citrus, berries, tropical, drupes, pomes and melons. Each of these different categories provide various benefits that can aid in a number of ways, such as boosting the immune system or reducing blood pressure and fighting disease. In addition, smoothies can be modified to fit each person’s individual preferences, tastes and needs. A prime example is the base chosen for one’s drink. Creating your own smoothie means you get to choose a base of your liking. You can add water, cow's milk, soy milk or yogurt to the fruit in order to add bulk. The healthier options would include water, low-fat milk or low-fat yogurt, which will add flavor and nutrients without a huge number of calories. The water provides your body with fluid necessary for metabolism of food and transportation of nutrients, and the low-fat dairy contains calcium and vitamin D, which help your bones stay strong.

“When trying to lose or maintain a healthy weight, smoothies could be used as a meal replacement, not an addition,” says Norman. “For instance, drink a dairy-based smoothie for breakfast or drink a water-based smoothie as a snack. Fruit smoothies can be a healthy addition to any meal plan as long as you maintain portion control. Consult your doctor on how to best incorporate smoothies into your diet plan.”

“We hope that by showcasing how our community promotes healthy living, it will inspire others to make small changes for a healthier life,” said Leah Nash, executive director of Waltonwood Cotswold. “By providing our seniors with new and exciting options, we can demonstrate how seniors in Charlotte are living healthy and active lives and still enjoying delicious meals and smoothies.”

The community’s sweet banana berry smoothie is one of the most popular and it promises to shake things up. Here’s the chef’s secret recipe:

Sweet Banana Berry Smoothie

Recipe:

2 Cups Orange Juice

2 1/8 Cups of Strawberries

1 2/3 Cups of Sliced Bananas

¾ Cup Yogurt

½ Cup Milk

Directions

Add all ingredients to a blender, then process until smooth and no chunks of fruit are visible.

Keep Refrigerated below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Nutritional Value per 8 oz. serving: 

Calories - 85.5

Fiber - 1.41 g

Protein - 3.1 g

Iron - 0.4 g

Calcium - 90 g

Potassium - 339 g

Phosphorus - 78 g