When ISL began managing what is now Cranbrook of Tustin, the building underwent a complete remodel. After the re-model, the one item that remained at the community was a beautiful baby grand piano. Many of our residents loved both children and music and we wanted to find an activity to combine the two. A local piano teacher approached Mairene, our activity director, and inquired about her students playing for the residents. Mairene, knew the residents would love it!
We started out by having local children come at Halloween time dressed in costumes to put on a recital for the residents. The living room was packed with residents, children and their parents all enjoying the show. The residents absolutely loved it! The children started coming more often to play for the residents and the residents thought it would be a great idea after each recital to throw a party for the children out in the courtyard. The residents had a great time getting ready for the event, planning games and filling candy bags for all the children.
A few months into the program we received a phone call from the piano teacher inquiring about our assisted living services for her elderly uncle. We are happy to say that he is now a resident of Cranbrook of Tustin and he enjoys the recitals his niece and students put on for the community.
We have also received interest from other families in the group and have done a couple of respite stays. The children enjoy performing for the residents, the residents have a great time at the recitals and after parties, and we get to help local families in need of our services. We are so happy to have the group as part of our program here at Cranbrook of Tustin!
Thank you to our Guest Blogger Amy Bloomfield, CMD, from Cranbrook of Tustin for her story!
