The Fieldstone Feed

This month we are pleased to introduce our dear friend Sara Lasater, straight from the heart of Texas. Sara is a dyed-in-the-wool, genuine Texan, born in Commerce, Texas, in 1940. Her father worked on the railroad as both a conductor and the official timekeeper for the train system. Later, he and Sara’s mother owned and operated a jewelry store in Commerce. The family was active in the community, and both her parents were members of local Masonic organizations. In keeping with Texan tradition, Sara grew up on horseback with a love for all animals, especially dogs.

Dear Fieldstone Family,

The building is now officially open for tours! We already have Priority Reservations for 20 apartments, so visit soon to ensure that you’re able to choose the apartment of your loved one’s liking.  Call Ashanda Haley at (360) 244-4180 and book your tour today!

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and all our senior living communities are humming with things sweet and sentimental related to Valentine’s Day. From Valentine’s Day crafts to cupcake parties and dances, we’re celebrating in all kinds of ways, far and wide. Our life enrichment teams in both memory care and assisted living have dreamt up fun, creative ways for everyone to be together and enjoy this month, and our dining directors have special meals and sweets cooking up in the kitchen.

We’re pleased to introduce you to Dean Peterson. He is 84 years old and has lived at Fieldstone Grandridge for three years.

When we find ourselves in the darkest days of the year, many of us can find it challenging to harness the hope of the new year. It’s cold and gray and also dark outside, and our spirits can feel a bit dim, too. Many of us, when we think about the idea of “hope” think of a glimmering light, some possibility of good things happening in the future. It can seem like a hard to pin down emotion, slipping through our fingers— here one day, gone the next. When we’re suffering from depression, loneliness, pain, boredom, or just feel like we’re in a funk, what can we do to feel hopeful?

Phyllis Parish is 95 years old and goes by Betty. She moved in on November 1st, and we’re thrilled she is here. Betty grew up in LaGrande, Oregon. She was raised on a dairy farm, and she loved to fish in the nearby creek. She was an outdoor girl all her childhood and loved to be surrounded by nature.

The holidays can be a time of joy, sweet memories, favorite traditions, and togetherness—but as most as most of us know, the holidays can also magnify our feelings of loss or loneliness and leave us feeling blue. Seniors who have lost a spouse, experienced a debilitating illness, had family move away, or struggled with other difficulties can be especially vulnerable to the bluest of Christmases.

Celebrating her one-year anniversary at Fieldstone Memory Care Issaquah, Dorothy is easy to pick out as she is always sporting an outfit in her favorite color—purple! Dorothy’s early years were spent on the family cotton farm deep in the heart of Texas, where she and her two siblings would help out with whatever needed to be done. When she was around 10, the family moved to nearby Abilene, where she graduated high school as a two-time State Doubles Tennis Champion.

Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship. - Brené Brown

It’s no secret that relationships can sustain us, but what does it really mean for seniors to have social support? It makes sense that being socially engaged with others can help us be our best selves. But it’s more than just a feeling. The science is clear—social support is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health. Positive, high quality social support is linked to stress resilience and better health outcomes. Considering that fact, it might not surprise you to learn that social isolation has been linked to increased cognitive decline.