Musicians Alan Yellowitz & Adam Mason run “The Beat Goes On,” a health and wellness program that uses “ Rhythm Enrichment” to brighten the day at Sagepoint for seniors and especially those who have dementia.

“We go around to a lot of senior residences and get seniors to participate in the love of rhythm,” says Alan. “A lot of people would call it ‘drum circle’ but we refer to them as rhythm enrichment programs.” They note that rhythm is innate in people, and participants love to respond and move to rhythms in a way they might not respond to other activities. “Music is medicine,” they explain.

Alan Yellowitz, a pioneer in the development of percussion-based activities at Senior Communities and the founder of “The Beat Goes On,” has been a percussionist and drummer for 30 years. Alan has brought his passion for drums and music and blended it with this unique cutting edge rhythm therapy inspired by close friend Steve Gurney (publisher of Guide to Retirement Living / The Source Book).

Alan partnered with longtime friend and fellow drummer Adam Mason in 2010.The duo have the ability to get people to respond, engage and to touch individuals through percussion with this exceptional rhythm therapy program. Seniors respond to their leadership in ways that often surprise the staff, family members and the seniors themselves at Sagepoint.

At Sagepoint’s Memory Care residence and also for our Adult Day Services, you’ll see seniors working together with staff and therapists on touch screen computers. “It’s Never 2 Late” (IN2L) is an innovative program that puts computer systems that empower individuals to connect, engage and enhance their cognitive abilities through technology.

Using modern technology can help elderly people with dementia. We live in a wired world, yet older adults are often left out. IN2L provides dignified, state-of-the-art activities and therapy experiences that enables creative and meaningful dementia programming. The system is built on a picture-based, touch-screen interface that allows users to simply “touch” their way to find engaging, educational, spiritual, and personalized content that is appropriate to their level of cognitive and physical ability.

IN2L’s technology allows activities adapted to each resident’s unique abilities and interests; improves socialization and quality of life; enriches communication with family and community; increases cognitive stimulation.

By introducing aging adults to the world of assistive technology, IN2L has provided the opportunity to experience and learn new life skills that enhance the quality of their lives.

Reflects nonprofit organization’s growing continuum of care for seniors in Southern Maryland

LA PLATA, Md. (January 12, 2015) – The Board of Trustees for the Charles County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (CCNRC) announced today that the organization has officially changed its name to Sagepoint Senior Living Services.

For more than 30 years, Southern Maryland families have counted on CCNRC for trusted advice and a unique continuum of care for seniors. The leaders of the nonprofit organization see tremendous changes coming, with triple-digit growth projected for the area’s senior population over the next couple of decades, and new demands on the healthcare industry to adapt how and where these seniors will receive care.

The Board chose the name “Sagepoint” to better reflect how the organization provides “sage advice at every point in senior care” during what can be a challenging time for families caring for an aging loved one.

“While our name is changing, we’re still the same nonprofit organization, the same people, the same trusted resource—with the same commitment to the community,” said Carolyn Core, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “We’re proud of our experienced advisors and caregivers who have a passion to serve. And now, we’re ready to grow and better serve the next generation of Southern Maryland families.”

Sagepoint Senior Living Services will continue to provide an unmatched range of care and services that include:

• Sagepoint Adult Day Services. Professional care, supervision and medical services during the day, in a positive, welcoming environment.
• Sagepoint Rehabilitation. Superior short-term care and therapies to help people recover, regain their independence, and get back to life.
• Sagepoint Gardens Assisted Living (formerly called Abbey Manor). Helping hands and a warm community to help residents enjoy a more active lifestyle and live every day to the fullest.
• Sagepoint Long-term Care. Skilled nursing services delivered with clinical excellence, in a comfortable and caring environment.
• Sagepoint Memory Care (formerly called Homeplace). State-of-the-art living and personal, caring supervision for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.

The community is invited to stop in and see the ongoing renovations to the main campus or talk to a Sagepoint Advisor by calling 301-934-1900.

La Plata nursing home changes name, online marketing tools: Sagepoint replaces CCRNC

LA PLATA, Md. (January 30, 2015) – Charles County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in La Plata is taking some sage advice to heart and making a change for the nonprofit’s future.

CCNRC is changing its name to Sagepoint Senior Living Services.

Bill Holman, president and CEO of Sagepoint, said talk of changing the name began more than a year ago.

“Our board and senior leadership team started putting together a 15-year plan for our future,” Holman said. The nonprofit’s board and leadership agreed with public comment for some years that the organization needed a recognizable brand and name. Holman said CCNRC “was confusing to many residents in the community” and “not as well-known as we thought it was.”