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Holistic Residential Care Home Wins Governor’s Healthy Aging Award

photo provided Gov. Douglas drums along with Dechen Rheault and the Living Well Family Band at the Statehouse.

Tuesday November 25, 2008

   In late October, Governor Jim Douglas recognized the Living Well Residential Care Home of Bristol with the 2008 Governor’s Excellence Award, Program Champion; part of the Healthy Aging Initiative sponsored by the Governor's Commission on Healthy Aging. It was awarded to Living Well for their music therapy program which is one part of a unique, holistic protocol used by this four-year-old assisted living facility. What started as a fun weekly activity for the home’s residents has grown into a musical group called the Living Well Family Band. Regardless of their cognitive ability or physical impairment, these seniors drum, sing, write songs and perform regularly. They are often joined by family and other members of the Bristol community. When presenting the award, Douglas commented that Living Well's program helps residents connect with the community—one of the tenets of his Healthy Aging Initiative.

   “It didn’t appear to us like there was model for aging that was based on health,” says Paul Kervick, one of the founders of this non-profit care home. “Aging is a natural process,” he goes on, “We’re here to tend to that process and bring to it what can be most comfortable, most vital, and most helpful for the individual.” Living Well’s residents reap the benefits of this philosophy every day. They enjoy meals prepared with organic food that they’ve often helped grow in the large garden in the backyard. Their medical needs are addressed with a combination of Eastern and Western treatment protocols which has enabled some of them to cut back on medications and doctor visits. Their environment is a cozy, 100 year old home, with bright Feng Shui-inspired colors on the walls. “Just because you’re old doesn’t mean you can’t participate in your passion, in your creativity, in your work,” says Kervick. And The Living Well Family Band believes in sharing their passions. One of their goals is to perform at elder care facilities across the state and teach others about the joy of making music. If you would like them to perform for your organization, please contact Dechen Rheault, Activities Director, 453-3946, for more information.

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