Seniorsfirst Musicfest

"Add another event to the list of Rochester's successful summertime music festivals", said the Democrat & Chronicle in its front page local newspaper article highlighting the Seniorsfirst Musicfest.

The Seniorsfirst Musicfest at Valley Manor is a three-day public event featuring Opera and a harpist on day 1, the Gateswingers Big Band on day 2 and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra on day 3.

Over 1500 attendees enjoyed the diversity of music, food and fun over the three days. Despite the threat of or intermittent rain, all 3 shows dodged the storms and the crowds came out to enjoy the event.

My vision for the musicfest is to become the premier venue for music for seniors. Rochester is known for its music festivals, but only the Seniorsfirst Musicfest is truly senior-friendly and aimed to meet the musical tastes of seniors.

In addition to showcasing our Valley Manor Apartments Community, the Musicfest also provided priceless public relations for all our Seniorsfirst Communities & Services. We also held a special VIP Donor luncheon in conjunction with the RPO Musicfest day to thank and recognize key supporters of our Kirkhaven Replacement "Pathways" project.

All in all it was a very busy, yet very successful 8th annual Musicfest. An event of this magnitude is only successful because of the dedicated and hard working team of staff who collectively do all the many tasks that go into producing an event of this magnitude.

Bravo to all and thanks to our many sponsors and attendees for supporting Seniorsfirst.

A Tale of Two Families

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,..............". These are the opening words of Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities" as he wrote about the triumphs and struggles of the human emotions and reactions related to the period of time just prior to the French Revolution.

These same words could also be used to tell of the triumphs and struggles of the human emotions and reactions related to the period of time when a loved one requires nursing home care.

I was reminded of this recently when I received two polar opposite letters from the family of two different residents of Kirkhaven. The first was hard to take and it clearly illustrated a family struggling with the challenges and emotions associated with watching their father age and dealing with the medical acuity and failing health related to the aging process.

• "Your facility appears to function without a shred of loyalty, compassion and communication."
• "Kirkhaven could care less about the residents and it's sense of professionalism."
• "Kirkhaven certainly does not operate as a family institution."
• "It's all about the MONEY."

These are just some of the quotes the writer used to share their concerns and issues related to the care their Dad received while he was a resident at Kirkhaven for 7 years. Seven years translates into 2,555 days of care or 61,320 hours of care. A long period of time, however you choose to define it, and a period of time undoubtedly filled with both triumphs and struggles for all parties.

What a shame that the last few struggles weigh the heaviest on every one's mind. Could we have been more attentive and sensitive to the resident's and family's needs? Could the family have been more understanding and sensitive to the issues? I'm thinking yes to both, but it isn't always easy to be a family advocate or a caregiver when dealing with the challenges of aging.

And then I received the second letter from another resident's family, which clearly illustrated an entirely different perspective and opinion related to the care Kirkhaven provides.

• "When I visited Mom, I was so pleased.......she was clean,calm,appeared contented. She was clearly enjoying her life."
• "I believe Kirkhaven gives Mom the best quality of life she's capable of having at this stage of her life."
• "Mom's caregivers at Kirkhaven are taking the time, interest and patience to really know and care for her."
• "Thank you for helping us through this transition. Words alone cannot express how grateful we are."

Those are just some of the quotes this writer used to share their joy and gratitude for the support and care Kirkhaven has provided during a very difficult and challenging time with their aging mother. The need for her to move to a nursing home was initially accepted with fear and anxiety, but now has brought them peace of mind.

Two completely opposite letters. Which accurately reflects the true Kirkhaven? Perhaps it isn't really about Kirkhaven at all, but more about the the normal emotions and reactions to life and the aging process.

Yes indeed, Charles Dickens had it right. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times!