In 2021, Lady Gaga was performing at Radio City Music Hall with the late, great Tony Bennett, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, yet he managed to remember the lyrics and songs they were both singing. Suddenly, he called her by her name, something he hadn’t been able to do during rehearsals. As she recalled,…

If you’ve lived, visited, volunteered, or worked at the Witherell, you know that music is a key part of our culture. We regularly host performances by local choirs and orchestras, and even provide music appreciation classes. Recognizing how music supports the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of our seniors, we made a commitment long ago…

Despite the challenges we’ve all experienced in 2020, the silver lining continues to be the way our community goes above and beyond to support our beloved residents and staff. This support was on full display last weekend, when the acclaimed Greenwich Symphony Orchestra sent its excellent Brass Quintet to perform a special outdoor concert at…

Safeguarding the health of our residents is number one. But we also know that an essential part of well-being, and an important tool in preventing cognitive decline, is keeping seniors mentally engaged and emotionally connected. So, we’ve gotten very creative lately! Even though group activities are restricted currently, our therapeutic recreation team continues to offer…

Visitors and volunteers are a big part of life at the Witherell. Since we’ve had to restrict both during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve gotten creative. The good news is that our therapeutic recreation staff, social workers and chaplaincy have risen to the occasion.  We’ve implemented many unique opportunities to offer (safe) interaction and activity for…

Besides all the steps we’ve taken to keep Witherell residents healthy during the COVID-19 emergency, our social workers, therapeutic recreation staff, and volunteer director have stepped up to the plate and are pouring their hearts into creating new routines and engaging activities for our residents. “Our dedicated therapeutic recreation staff is continuing to provide mentally…

When caring for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, an abundance of patience and kindness are something we at the Witherell prize as much as one’s physical care. There is an art to caring for those whose memories are failing them. Gail Carone and Amy Demezzo, two members of our therapeutic recreation team, work at…

Some seniors dread retirement, envisioning unstructured days with not much to do. At the Witherell, our golden years are just that—a priceless time to pursue new activities and socialize with friends. Our robust monthly calendar of therapeutic recreation programs means that days are filled with fun and excitement. And, no two days are the same!…

The good news for America’s baby boomers is that they’re living longer. In fact, the 65+ demographic will more than double over the next 40 years, according to recent reports. With longevity on the rise, also comes a rise in those with Alzheimer’s Disease, unfortunately. According to The Alzheimer’s Association, “one in three seniors dies…