Reflections on Past Sage Advice Community Conversations Events Before Our Next Event

At Sagepoint Senior Living, we have always been dedicated to creating a community that not only caters to the physical well-being of our residents but also fosters mental and emotional support. One of the ways we achieve this is through our Sage Advice Community Conversations events, which aim to enlighten, empower and connect our community members. As we look back on some of our recent events, we are excited to share the enriching experiences we’ve had and remind you to keep an eye out for our next event.

We were grateful to host some impactful conversations at our past events. At Creative Approaches for Peaceful Caregiving, special guest Joan Foust shared invaluable insights on harmonious caregiving, offering practical strategies to enhance cooperation and reduce stress. With our Understanding Dementia conversation, we demystified dementia while providing a comprehensive overview and support for families navigating this challenge. We also hosted an event on Navigating Legal Options for Advanced Care Planning. This conversation focused on the legal aspects of end-of-life care, offering families the knowledge to make informed decisions, and underscoring our dedication to a holistic approach.

Providing this resource for our community has become essential to our goal of supporting caregivers, seniors and their families. One attendee, Phillip Carpselli, expressed the value of sharing his experiences with others who understand. Another attendee, Brenda Dyer, shared her appreciation for the educational and supportive nature of the Sage Advice series.

From feedback in the community, we see that these Sage Advice Community Conversations are more than just events; they are a vibrant expression of our commitment to lifelong learning and communal support. They represent the wisdom, compassion and shared experiences of our community that continually strengthen our support.

It’s resources like these that make your contributions to our fundraising efforts, like the Caring Hearts campaign, so important. We could not make these valuable community resources possible without your unwavering support.

Stay tuned for more details about our next Sage Advice event, and we look forward to welcoming you for another enriching experience. Together, we continue to thrive and grow as a community that values wisdom, compassion and shared learning.

If you’d like to donate to support the Sage Advice Community Conversations Series and other community resources that Sagepoint provides, go to https://sagepointcare.dm.networkforgood.com/campaigns/383368.

Swing into Fall: Sagepoint’s Fifth Annual Golf Tournament Returns

We are thrilled to announce the return of the Fifth Annual Sagepoint Golf Tournament on September 18 at the Swan Point Yacht & Country Club. This year promises to be another fantastic event filled with camaraderie, friendly competition and the much-anticipated Sip & Swing festivities.

After years of remarkable success, both in fundraising and creating unforgettable memories among our community on the fairway, we can’t wait to welcome you back for another incredible event. This year’s proceeds from the tournament will contribute to Sagepoint’s Assisted Living and Memory Care programs and services. Our goal is to raise funds to enhance dementia education programs for families and the community at large. Your participation will support initiatives like the Sage Advice Community Conversation Series, addressing crucial topics related to dementia each month. We are also dedicated to expanding community outreach efforts to provide more resources and support for senior care navigation for older adults and their families.

Back by popular demand, our Sip & Swing festivities add a unique and laid-back twist to the traditional tournament schedule. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking to enjoy a day of leisure, the Sip & Swing option allows you to revel in the festivities and catch up with some familiar faces from our community.

There are a few ways to get involved in the event. Whether you want to become a sponsor or simply attend the event for a day of fun, you’ll be contributing to a cause that makes a big impact in the lives of our seniors. Registration for the Sagepoint Golf Tournament opens on June 1. Mark your calendars and get ready to sign up for a day of golf, camaraderie and community support. Stay tuned for more details and announcements as we approach the registration date.

Another Successful Sagepoint Golf Tournament

Dear Sagepoint Community,

We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated in our Annual Sagepoint Golf Tournament this year. Returning for a fourth year, the Swan Point Yacht & Country Club was buzzing with excitement on September 20 as golfers and attendees made their way to the greens. From sponsors to golfers, attendees to contributors, we truly could not have put on this event without your support and enthusiasm. We are incredibly grateful for such a robust turnout and the immense generosity of the community towards our seniors.

Event attendees enjoyed an exciting day on the course while savoring delicious food and drinks from our sponsors. While it was amazing to see our community in full swing, the best part of the event was seeing the incredible support of everyone towards our cause.

We hope everyone who attended had a fun time supporting our cause for improving Sagepoint’s Assisted Living and Memory Care programs. Thanks to your help, we are well on our way to our goal of growing awareness of dementia and the effects it has on the person, the family and the community as a whole. We look forward to proceeding with our plans to expand community outreach efforts to develop caregiver support and training programs for those who care for loved ones with dementia and other long-term cognitive illnesses.

Sage Advice Community Conversation Series Begins in September

There are no easy answers when it comes to a loved one suffering from dementia. But, there are resources and tools to help you better understand this disease and feel more prepared when caring for someone with dementia.

In our newly launched Sage Advice Community Conversation Series, we aim to provide information and tools for families of those living with dementia and provide them with a greater understanding of the condition. Each series will address a specific topic related to dementia. At the events, presenters and experts will share resources and advice about a certain aspect of dementia to aid families in caring for their loved ones.

Beginning in September, we invite anyone whose family has been affected by dementia to attend to gain more support and resources. Past participants have shared, “This series fills a need in the community for more information and resources about a disease that requires comprehensive support and affects so many families.”

On September 11, the topic, “What is Dementia?” will offer a broad overview of the condition, including causes, symptoms, stages, prevention and treatment. Next, on September 25, “A Walk in their Shoes: A Dementia Experience” will offer attendees a glimpse into the daily challenges of living with dementia through participating in hands-on activities.

Don’t miss this chance to better equip yourself with information and resources as you navigate the challenging journey of a loved one living with dementia.

For more information and to get your free ticket visit the links below. Space is limited, please make sure to register to secure your spot.

Monday, September 11 | 6-7:30pm

What is Dementia?

Monday, September 25 | 6-7:30pm

The Dementia Experience

Sagepoint Senior Living Services, Adult Day Services Building

10200 La Plata Rd, La Plata, MD 20646

Tee Up With Sagepoint In 2023

Any golfer will tell you that the only thing better than a round of golf is another round of golf! After an incredibly successful third-annual Sagepoint Golf Tournament, we’re teeing it back up and hitting the links again this year. The fourth-annual Sagepoint Golf Tournament is set for Wednesday, September 20, at Swan Point Yacht & Country Club. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with community leaders and make a difference in senior care in Southern Maryland.

The tournament will include a full day of golf with a captain’s choice scramble format, putting contests and exciting raffle opportunities. Returning this year are the very popular raffle for the Pinehurst Course #2 trip (the site of the 2024 US Open Golf Tournament!) and Mulligan Ball Raffle. New this year – Have a PGA pro hit your tee shot! More details to come!

Sagepoint Senior Living Services is a nonprofit organization caring for seniors and persons with disabilities in southern Maryland for nearly 50 years. This year, all proceeds will be put towards improving Sagepoint’s Assisted Living and Memory Care programs.

Our goal is to raise funds to help Sagepoint Senior Living Services grow awareness of dementia and the effects it has on the person, the family and the community as a whole. We plan to achieve this goal by expanding community outreach efforts to develop caregiver support and training programs for those who care for loved ones with dementia and other long-term cognitive illnesses.

Hurry and sign up today to beat the Early Bird Deadline by July 28, 2023! After July 28, the prices will increase. Sponsorship opportunities still remain, but they will go quickly. Email Joyce Riggs at JRiggs@SagepointCare.org for more information.

Assisted Living Manager, Yolanda Medley, Keeps Our Residents Active & Having Fun

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Study after study on seniors consistently reinforce that activity, engagement and interacting with others are good for the mind, body and soul of older individuals. As part of our commitment to providing high-quality care and creating an environment that enhances health and wellness for our residents, we strive to keep them as active and engaged as possible.

How do you keep seniors engaged and active when many of them face physical shortcomings or don’t feel like participating? That responsibility falls on our very own Yolanda Medley, Sagepoint’s Assisted Living and Memory Care Manager.

“I interview residents to learn what they want to do, what hobbies they had and what they would like to try. Engagement is really important, so I want to make sure we’re doing things that interest the residents,” said Yolanda when discussing how to connect with and motivate residents to participate in activities.

This work, while challenging at times, is incredibly rewarding to Yolanda, whose connection to providing care goes way back.

“When I was 13, my grandpa was diagnosed with cancer, and I helped my family care for him. Through that experience I became interested in being a caregiver. When I was starting my career, that seemed like a natural direction to go, so I was a caretaker for years before going to college to earn my degree in health care administration,” said Yolanda.

To help keep our residents interested and engaged in our activities, Yolanda is always ready to go the extra mile. She invites special guests, speakers and experts into the group activity events to make them more fun and unique for the residents. To ensure a variety of activities and an equal opportunity for those with disabilities to participate, she is always coming up with new ideas to keep things fun and fresh for residents.

“We recently had a Sip and Paint event that was a lot of fun. We gave the residents cranberry juice in fancy wine glasses, brought in easels for everyone to create their piece and even served hors d’oeuvres. Everyone really had a great time,” said Yolanda.

With the warmer months coming up, she’s looking forward to planning some outdoor activities. But no matter where the activities take place, she knows how important they are to the residents and their families.

“When I see a resident that didn’t want to participate and then they get into it and have fun, that is very rewarding. It also makes me feel good, and it’s a warm feeling when the residents tell their families about the activities.”

105?! Now That’s A Lot Of Candles!

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While every resident’s birthday is cause for celebration at Sagepoint, we couldn’t let this one pass by without making a little fuss over it. We would love to, again, wish Miss Mae Bowie a very happy 105th birthday! She turned 105 years young on Sunday, May 1, and celebrated with her family and friends and was even joined by the Mayor of La Plata.

A lifelong resident of Charles County, Mae was married for 70 years and has been blessed with three children, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren!

Once she raised her family, Mae started as an aid and teacher at the Head Start Center in Marshall’s Corner, La Plata. After working for 10 years in the program, she retired as the Director of the Head Start Center in Newburg, MD.

She became a member of the Sagepoint family back in 2012. An avid morning exerciser, gardener and bingo player, Mae is definitely one of the staff’s favorite residents, thanks to her happy demeanor and kind words.

Please join all of us in wishing Miss Mae a very happy 105th!

Sagepoint Senior Services Foundation Ready to Tee It Up for 2022 Golf Tournament

Together We Overcome: Despite All Challenges, Our Community Lifts Us Up

Our Second Annual Golf Tournament Brings Even More Success

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Returning for its second year, our Sagepoint Golf Tournament was held on Wednesday, September 22 at Swan Point Yacht & Country Club. The tournament has quickly become one of our most popular — and successful — fundraising events.

We are so grateful for such an incredible turnout again this year, and have been blown away by the continued generosity of our community. With the contributions of our tournament sponsors and participants we were able to surpass our fundraising total from last year raising more than $57,000!

Event attendees were able to enjoy an exciting day on the course. Food and drink from our sponsors only added to the festivities. Even those who don’t golf still had a fun-filled day at our Sip & Swing event, where they had an itinerary complete with crafts and activities.

It was amazing to see our Sagepoint community out in full swing, but the best part of the tournament isn’t even what happened on the day of the event. The true reason for the event was to rally in support of our Sagepoint seniors and continue to provide them with the best care possible.

The funds from the event will help support both programs and operations as well as new initiatives at Sagepoint. Our residents deserve nothing less. And at a time when the world is still recovering from the impact of COVID-19, every contribution will make an even greater impact.

Because the Golf Tournament always brings happiness to both our seniors and the larger Sagepoint community, we’re excited to announce that the date is already set for next year’s event. Mark your calendars now for September 21, 2022!