www.ohca.com FALL/WINTER 2024 The Oregon Caregiver 7 FEATURE Residents of The Watermark at The Pearl have access to a fully equipped gym, allowing them to engage in physical activity whenever they desire. Mindfulness and Wellness in Activities Planning “Mindfulness and wellness are absolutely at the core of what we do,” says Lilly Hillyer, assistant life enrichment director at The Springs at Happy Valley. “At The Springs, we embrace a really holistic approach to well-being that not only focuses on just the physical and mental aspects of it, but the eight different dimensions of wellness: emotional, vocational, spiritual, environmental, physical, social, intellectual, and financial.” Incorporating these different dimensions of wellness into life enrichment programming gives residents a more well-rounded experience within their community. This goes beyond table games, such as dice or cards. Residents require stimulation on various levels that contributes to improving their overall well-being. “These dimensions are interconnected— by addressing each dimension and personalizing our schedules and programs, we ensure that our residents experience a fulfilling lifestyle,” says Hillyer. From aqua fitness to armchair travel to brain games to attending local shows, there are wellness-based activities that cater to all interests at The Springs at Happy Valley. Ella Moretti-Aceves, executive director for The Watermark at The Pearl, approaches life enrichment programming with a similar mindset regarding holistic well-being. “At The Watermark at The Pearl, wellness and mindfulness are foundational to our communities. We believe that promoting physical, mental, and emotional well- being contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle for our residents,” says Moretti-Aceves. Examples of wellness-based activities at The Watermark at The Pearl include meditation and breathwork sessions in the green spaces, aromatherapy workshops and spa experiences, and mindful art creation, among many others. “Our activities planning emphasizes wellness as a priority,” says Moretti- Aceves, and she emphasizes that wellness- based activities can be implemented into various aspects of residents’ daily lives. Positive Outcomes in Resident Health and Well-Being Mindfulness and wellness activities can lead to various positive outcomes, both physical and mental. These types of activities have been shown to reduce stress, increase focus and concentration, and help with pain management. At The Watermark at The Pearl, Moretti- Aceves believes that prioritizing these activities has resulted in tremendous positive impacts. “Our residents not only express greater satisfaction with their daily routines, but also display improvements in mental clarity and emotional resilience,” she explains. “One specific example is a resident who struggled with anxiety and joined our weekly meditation class. After CONTINUES »
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