Make life An adventure....

The sensory design of our community includes gardens, sunrooms, fish and waterfalls to make our space feel special and homey. Sensory stimulation encourages positive emotions and reduces anxiety.

At Rivers of Life, residents have many opportunities to use and experience all of their senses ​throughout the day.

FOOD

Taste/Sight/Smell/Touch/Connection

Fresh organic pastries, coffee and fresh baked bread are prepared each morning for our friends to wake up to the lovely smells. This gives incentive to get up in the morning and start the day before going on a field trip or taking a walk in the garden.

Our focus is not only nutritious food for every snack and meal, but also being aware that good or bad memories can come from food. We only want the good memories of past meals with family so that our friends feel right at home. A beautiful, organic, professionally prepared plate of food, with just the right portions, allows freedom to eat without guilt or excess, yet includes all the health benefits. Having brightly colored food and distinct flavors can help some to maintain their appetite. We work hard to make sure the food is easily eaten since independence is so very important. If there is difficulty swallowing, holding utensils or other need, we accommodate for disabilities with focused therapy, care, utensils and/or the density and texture of foods provided to keep your loved one safe and feeling as independent as possible.

We also like to know favorite foods and preferred textures of our friends, including the traditions surrounding them. Family members may join their loved one for meals anytime. Our River's friends are encouraged to help prep the meal if that's something they enjoy. This inclusion and engagement of eating, cooking, celebrating together with their family and neighbors is critical to being part of a community. 

Scheduled meal time is certainly encouraged, but if your loved one prefers to eat at a different time than the rest of the community, we provide healthy food options throughout the day.

ENVIRONMENT

Sight/Touch/Sound/Smell

Fish "make you hungry"
The big fish aquarium full of beautiful colors is the centerpoint of the dining room for all who gather. Science proves that viewing fish “makes you hungry," which is very important for our friends who need a healthy diet. Listening to the running water of the tank also soothes nerves and steadies the heartbeat as they study the fish lazily swimming back and forth. ​

Filled with cozy spaces to sit by the fire or visit with family, there is ample freedom to move about, inside or outside, just as you would at home. Outside patios, gardens, and a garden room with a live wall, provide a beautiful wash of natural illumination. Plentiful light contributes to a sense of freedom, space and peace. In addition, hallways are designed without dead ends so that our friends can find their way home without anxiety. Each "home" has a variety of visual cues to help friends build familiarity and remember where they live, which in turn, helps them to feel more independent.

Rivers of Life friends may also enjoy the sounds of others’ musical talents or the speaker system playing familiar tunes. Nature sounds, such as our waterfall wall in the entry, play an important role in maintaining peace and serenity. Sometimes, sound may be too much for a friend, so we also provide quiet rooms, like the garden room, library, their own room or other spaces which can be used as a silent haven.

Our odor-free air is exchanged 5 times an hour through an extensive HVAC system. Our friends never have to worry about unpleasant odors being present in their home or neighborhood. Even the flooring choices are made for ease of navigation and to protect not-so-steady walkers or wheelchair use. 

Aromatherapy is used in abundance as a way to calm the residents and encourage appetites. We use essential oils in diffusers, humidifiers, cotton balls, directly on items (like lavender on their pillow case) or mixed in with lotion during massages. We especially love citrus or peppermint in the morning and before meals, then lavender in the evenings. Many scents are known to bolster alertness or calm an anxious friend and we explore which ones are preferred by your loved one.

PROGRAMMING

Emotion/Touch/Sound/Sight

Rivers of Life makes sure to give our friends options each day. Either quiet or busy activities, whatever their heart desires. From exercise, games, and music to drawing/coloring, petting animals, loving their "babies", gardening or just enjoying the sunlight. Our goal is to make sure they are living a full life of their choice!
​
Our residents particularly enjoy the special visitors that pop in once in a while. We have intergenerational programs - youth groups who come in and do service projects or play games, children reading books that they wrote, or perhaps a high school drama club putting on a skit or a concert. Everyone cherishes these wonderful times with new acquaintances.  

Many friends feel best when their activity includes lifelong roles such as sorting, folding, setting the table, flower arranging or cooking, which contributes to feeling valued and useful. Other friends prefer to spend hours reminiscing through old photos,  sharing memories, stories, letters and more. At Rivers of Life, one of our daily goals is laughter. It is good for the soul, the body ​and is an inspiration for all.

Our calendar lists the daily scheduled opportunities. Our goal is to have a nice buzz of spontaneous activity options all day long.

SELF LED ACTIVITIES

Touch/Smell/Sight/Health

Many of our friends love gardening. When we are surrounded by plants we are happier, healthier, productive and focused. It is proven to lessen stress and lower cortisol levels. Friends may want to just pass the time or perhaps they enjoy feeling the dirt, planting the seeds, watering, and the satisfaction of growing fruits, vegetables or flowers. Even listening to the water trickle out of the hose or smelling the branch of a tomato plant can put an anxious mind at ease.

​There is a satisfying feeling of accomplishment and purpose by eventually eating the produce they nurtured and loved
or by admiring the beautiful floral centerpiece they so carefully tended.

A variety of activity is the key to clarity, strength and attitude. Games and puzzles encourage our friends to exercise their minds and keep them busy throughout the day. These activities are good for those who like groups or even those who appreciate solitude once and a while. Many do other mental exercise such as poetry or reading, word games or discussing current events. Personal expression and entertainment are encouraged. Our friends enjoy movement and fitness fun, through circadian rhythm guidance, dancing, physical therapy, games and more. Sometimes art projects or faith based activities better inspire our friends to participate. 

contact us

6700 Egan Drive, Savage, MN 55378
Main Line: 952.855.8665
Receptionist: 952.855.8665 extension #1
Executive Director: 952.855.8665 extension #2
Nurse Line: 952.855.8665 extension #3
Reach Someone in the Building: 952.855.8665 extension #4
Direct Line: 952.380.8698
​Email: info@riversoflifemn.com

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