Magnolias of Lancaster residents enjoy many activities outside of the senior living community. Among the recent outings included attending a Lancaster Stormers minor league baseball game, a trip to the Market at Oregon Dairy in Lititz and weekly scenic drives in the community van.
From Baseball Games to Dairy Farm Visits, Seniors Remain Active, Connected to Community
LANCASTER, Pa. – Whether attending a minor league baseball game, visiting a local dairy or dining out at a popular restaurant, the memory care residents at Magnolias of Lancaster maintain a vibrant and engaging schedule of activities.
“Activities both in our building and throughout the local community keep our memory care residents socially active and engaged,” said Dalisa Candelaria, LifeStories Director at Magnolias of Lancaster. “It could be as simple as participating in a hobby or having coffee with a friend. Being able to enjoy things that make their life more meaningful and pleasurable — such as art, nature, a baseball game, or a good meal with friends — keeps their mind engaged and helps them stay healthy and positive.”
A proponent of social gatherings and activities, Candelaria accompanies the residents on the trips away from the senior living community at 1870 Rohrerstown Road. She enjoys the outings as much as the residents.
“These activities provide rich sensory experiences that can awaken dormant memories and evoke a sense of connection with the world,” Candelaria said. “The outdoor environments stimulate the senses, enhancing cognitive function and promoting engagement.”
Recently, Magnolias of Lancaster Memory Care residents attended a Lancaster Stormers baseball game at Clipper Magazine Stadium. The Atlantic League franchise is a partner with Major League Baseball.
The residents spent time with the baseball team’s oversized, red-cow mascot named Cylo. They posed for photographs, wore big smiles and gave the “thumbs up” sign from their seats.
“We attended two Stormers home games in May and July,” Candelaria said. “We had lunch at the stadium with traditional baseball fare.”
Residents also visited The Market at Oregon Dairy in nearby Lititz. The popular destination includes a market, restaurant, ice cream shoppe and family events.
“We started the trips with the residents to different ice cream places once a month in the summertime,” Candelaria said. “We went to Oregon Dairy in May, Fox Meadow Creamery in June and Strasburg Creamery in July. We’ll have another ice cream stop in August, too.”
Each Monday, Candelaria and the Memory Care residents participate in scenic drives throughout the region. They also enjoy outings to local restaurants. On one trip, Magnolias of Lancaster even “borrowed” a bus from IntegraCare-operated sister community The Woods at Cedar Run in Camp Hill.
“We have limited space in our community minivan,” Candelaria said. “With a bigger bus that has a lift, we can include our residents who need mobility assistance. We have an enjoyable schedule with August trips to Hersheypark and Longs Park Amphitheater for Sunday concerts.”
Recently, Candelaria introduced a men’s coffee club at the senior living community. Conversations over a cup of Joe is catching on.
Magnolias of Lancaster shatters stereotypes and misperceptions about senior living, especially in Memory Care.
“These activities can reduce the negative impact of stigma directed toward people living with dementia,” Candelaria said. “These activities raise awareness to the fact that people living with dementia are still people. Dementia does not change this.”
For more information contact Dalisa Candelaria, LifeStories Director, Magnolias of Lancaster, at dcandelaria@integracare.com or 717.560.2381.