Volunteers and Memory Care in New Jersey
At Fox Trail Memory Care Living, we approach dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s care as a joint effort. Our SPARK! program includes working with regional youth volunteer programs to bring together outstanding young people and the residents at our senior living communities in northern and central New Jersey. This unique approach allows your loved one to make meaningful connections with members of younger generations to enrich the lives of both care recipients and volunteers. Discover more about the SPARK! program and the regional youth volunteer programs welcomed at Fox Trail Memory Care Living.
About SPARK!
SPARK! is our lifestyle program designed to enhance the quality of care offered at Fox Trail Memory Care Living. More than just a program, SPARK! is the basis for how we connect with our residents, families, and the communities around us.
SPARK! is a holistic, all-inclusive approach to memory care, encompassing all aspects of health and well-being. The program embraces seven dimensions of wellness, including:
- Physical health: The program includes adaptable and progressive fitness exercises designed specifically for people living with conditions impairing their cognitive function.
- Emotional health: We provide activities for seniors that connect the mind, body, and spirit.
- Social health: Residents will have ample opportunity to participate in collaborative activities intended to encourage social interaction.
- Spiritual health: We offer religious services on-site and via livestream, along with prayer circles, motivational quotes and readings, acts of kindness, affirmations, and more.
- Environmental health: Residents can immerse themselves in nature and cater to their environmental interests with indoor and outdoor gardening,
- Vocational health: The program allows seniors to engage in intergenerational science experiments, a robotics club, building, and creative play.
- Intellectual health: Residents’ minds will be challenged through word games and other fun-filled tests, such as name that tune and visual trivia.
Volunteer Programs
Social connections and profound interactions play a pivotal role in maintaining seniors’ mental and emotional well-being. Feelings of isolation can lead to depression, anxiety, and an overall decrease in mood.
We are tremendously proud of the success of our volunteer program at Fox Trail Memory Care Living. Since its initial launch, the program has seen incredible growth, with over 2,000 volunteer hours and participation from over 40 high schools, colleges, and universities across the communities we serve.
The program continues to have a positive impact and touch the lives of everyone involved by improving mental health and reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. A survey conducted before and after the program revealed significant improvements in volunteers’ feelings of support, reduced loneliness, and a stronger sense of family, highlighting the program’s profound effect on youth mental health.
The program’s success extended beyond volunteers, positively affecting residents and staff, and fostering a sense of family and community within the senior living environment. Many volunteers voice a desire to continue their engagement beyond the program’s duration, indicating a lasting commitment to the goal of providing compassionate dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s care.
Our regional youth volunteer programs include:
YES Youth Volunteer Program
Through The Thompson Foundation, this impactful intergenerational and social initiative brings together youth and older adults, providing connection and purposeful living. The program harnesses youthful spirit and brings joy into our memory care homes, making a real difference in the lives of our residents, families, and care staff.
Bright, enthusiastic volunteers take the time to engage in meaningful activities and build heartfelt connections to create a vibrant and uplifting environment. The presence of youthful volunteers adds a special light to our community, enriching the daily lives of our residents and fostering a sense of warmth and belonging for everyone involved.
Asian American Youth Alliance
The Asian American Youth Alliance (AAYA) is a means for high school students of all races to build intergenerational connections within their community in a productive and meaningful manner. AAYA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on Asian Americans and is committed to giving back to the community through volunteer work.
Founded by students from Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan, NJ, the group is dedicated to connecting members to the community and empowering young students through hands-on experience in various fields, including senior memory care.
Discover More at Fox Trail Memory Care Living
At Fox Trail Memory Care Living, we look for creative ways to inspire our residents and incorporate new approaches to memory care. We are happy to welcome individuals from youth volunteer programs throughout central and northern New Jersey through our lifestyle program, SPARK! To learn more about the volunteer programs we work with and other ways we improve the quality of life of our residents, contact us today.
VISIT FOX TRAIL
Our team can’t wait to welcome you to Fox Trail.
Find the closest Fox Trail Memory Community near you and schedule a visit today to experience the difference we can make in your loved one’s life or call 732-201-7338.
VISIT FOX TRAIL
Our team can’t wait to welcome you to Fox Trail.
Find the closest Fox Trail Memory Community near you and schedule a visit today to experience the difference we can make in your loved one’s life or call 1-855-5MEMORY.