Senior Living News, November 2025
Monark Grove Greystone
Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - November 2025 - Australia
Resident's Birthdays
10th Lynn McKeown
12th John Drotar
15th Jackie Hinson
17th Larry Gardner
21st Jean Howard
24th Carolyn Gafford
Celebrating November
11th Veteran’s Day
27th Thanksgiving Day
Events Spotlight
12th Birthday Luncheon
8th Veteran’s Day Celebration with American Girls Club
11th Veteran’s Day Celebration with Shelby County Strummers
20th Friends Giving Dinner
Associate of the Month
Johnny Thornton
Johnny Thornton
Lead Concierge
Johnny Thornton is the Employee of the Month!! He is the Lead Concierge. He has been part of the Monark Grove Greystone family since 2022.
Johnny has worked in this field since 1997. He started as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), later became a Physical Therapy Technician, then a Medication Technician before moving into his current role as Lead Concierge. He says each step has deepened his love for serving others and creating a welcoming environment for residents and their families.
Johnny grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. He currently lives in McCalla, Alabama, with his wonderful wife, Shenita. They have five amazing children and one grandson who is the joy of the family. They also have a dog named Makeda who keeps things lively at home.
In his free time, he enjoys filmmaking and storytelling. He owns a production company, Five15 Productions, and hosts two podcasts – Five15 Real 2 Reel and Five15 Behind The Lens — where he highlights creators, filmmakers, and inspiring stories from the entertainment industry.
Johnny says his favorite part of working at Monark Grove Greystone is the opportunity to connect with people every day. We are lucky to have Johnny at the front desk so his friendly face is the first one seen by residents and guests see when they walk through our doors. Whether he is lending a hand, sharing a laugh, or helping make someone’s day a little easier, he takes pride in creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.
Johnny says he is “truly honored to be recognized as Employee of the Month. Working at Monark Grove Greystone has been such a rewarding experience, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by such an incredible team and community.”
Australian Joy
Alexa, play Down Under, by Men at work.
Released in 1981, “Down Under” quickly became a defining song of Australian identity. With its catchy flute riff and witty lyrics, it celebrates the country’s laid-back spirit, humor, and pride. More than a global hit, it remains an unofficial anthem—an upbeat tribute to Australia’s culture, people, and sense of adventure.
"Fall Back" Day
“Fall Back” Day – U.S. daylight saving time ends and standard time resumes at 2 a.m. on November 2nd. When we turn our clocks back, we “gain” an hour. Instead of filling those extra 60 minutes with more work and stress, use that hour to do nothing, take a break, relax, re-energize, refresh, and de-load (opposite of overload).
Welcome to Australia
Around the World with Atlas
Australia, the world’s largest island and smallest continent, is a land of striking contrasts—from its vast deserts and tropical rainforests to its bustling coastal cities. Indigenous Australians have lived on the continent for over 60,000 years, developing rich spiritual traditions and deep connections to the land. Their art, music, and stories remain an essential part of the nation’s cultural identity today.
European settlement began in 1788 with the arrival of the First Fleet from Britain, marking the start of Australia’s colonial era. British influence shaped the nation’s language, institutions, and political systems, though this period also brought immense hardship to Indigenous communities. Over time, Australia evolved from a collection of colonies into a unified federation in 1901, forging its own democratic and multicultural identity.
Modern Australia is known for its relaxed lifestyle, love of the outdoors, and vibrant cultural mix. From iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Uluru to its world-class art, music, and sport, the country reflects both its ancient heritage and modern dynamism—a place where tradition and innovation coexist under the southern sun.
Helping People with Alzheimer’s Disease
• Have a daily routine – Structure and familiarity help the person know what to expect and alleviate problems with day and time confusion. It can be useful to keep consistent times for daily activities like going to bed and waking up, visitors, medication, and mealtimes. Setting the environment up to cue what time it is can also be helpful, like opening the curtains in the morning or putting quiet music on around bedtime.
• Keep things simple – Aim to speak more slowly about a single topic or present only one idea at a time. Try to use yes/no questions instead of asking them to elaborate or use “don’t you remember” or “tell me about” questions. Also, try to keep the environment peaceful and calm. Additional noise or glare (like having the television on when trying to communicate) can distract and impact understanding.
• Eye-level and close-by conversation – Try to speak close to, facing, and at the eye level of your loved one. Communication can be easier, and connectedness can be stronger when the person with dementia can see your face. Try approaching from the front instead of from behind or the side so that they can see you coming.
• Set them up for success – Aim to involve your loved one with Alzheimer’s in daily activities at a level of independence they are capable of. For example, they may not be able to get dressed or tie their shoes but may be able to put clothes in the laundry or hamper.
• Be reassuring and validating – Some suspicions and fearful behaviors fueled by memory loss may be managed through validation and empathic statements like “you are safe” or “you are loved.” Smile, use touch if it’s alright with the person, make eye contact, and use gestures and other body language to communicate instead of using words.
• Don’t take their behavior personally – A lot of the behaviors you see are caused by the impact of dementia on insight. Sometimes, a person with Alzheimer’s disease may have a better day, which can complicate a loved one’s reactions and increase frustration when memory loss or confusion returns. Additionally, individuals with dementia can often sense negative emotions and frustration, amplifying their own feelings and behaviors.
• Try not to correct – It may be useful to leave out the entire truth if correcting the person with dementia may be upsetting. For example, if the person asks when they may see a loved one who died years ago, avoid being confrontational
How Artistic Expression Enhances Emotional Well-Being
Aging is a journey filled with new experiences, challenges, and opportunities. Engaging in the arts—whether through painting, music, writing, or dance—is more than just a creative outlet. It can support cognitive function, boost emotional well-being, and encourage social connections.
When older adults actively participate in creative activities, they often experience reduced stress, better memory retention, and greater fulfillment. Art isn’t just about self-expression—it’s about staying engaged, keeping the mind active, and finding joy at every stage of life.
As we age, our brains naturally undergo changes that affect memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. However, stimulating activities—like art, music, and writing—can help maintain cognitive function and promote long-term brain health.
Research shows that older adults who participate in creative activities often experience better memory, increased mental flexibility, and stronger problem-solving skills.
Art also improves fine motor skills. Activities like painting or playing an instrument require precise movements that enhance dexterity and coordination, making daily tasks easier and reducing stiffness.
Beyond physical and cognitive benefits, art has a powerful effect on mood. It boosts blood flow to the brain, stimulates the pleasure centers, and enhances mood, focus, and cognitive function. Simply viewing art can bring joy and fulfillment.
Finding Peace and Purpose Through Spirituality
Study after study has conclusively demonstrated that the more spiritually focused an individual is, the more productive, active, and fulfilling their life is. Spiritual seniors are not satisfied with just singing “kumbaya” in response to life’s obstacles. Instead, they accept the realities of aging with the grace and dignity that come with age and spirituality.X
As we age, exploring our spirituality and religion takes on a new significance. Seniors the world over have diverse beliefs and values, and it’s essential to respect and celebrate this diversity. By valuing the variety of spiritual practices, spiritual seniors help create a more inclusive and compassionate community.
The spiritual journey is a personal and unique exploration that seniors approach in a variety of ways, such as practicing mindfulness or studying various religious traditions. It is a lifelong accumulation of beliefs, experiences, and rituals that reflect each individual’s depth, sensitivity, and wisdom. This creates a rich and diverse tapestry where different spiritual paths intertwine, leading them to value their humanity, meaning and purpose in life.
By embracing spirituality, seniors find a real sense of peace and purpose. Meditation, Yoga and mindful awareness may help them “live in the moment” as they find joy in the everyday experiences of life This celebration of wisdom and resilience is a transformative journey, affirming the endless possibilities that come with embracing spirituality.
As Spiritual Seniors continue to explore the depth of their inner selves, they illuminate a path toward a more inclusive and enlightened perspective on aging — one that affirms that inner peace and spiritual richness can be cultivated at any age.
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Share our good news:
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, reflection, and togetherness. Rooted in early harvest feasts shared between settlers and Native Americans, it has grown into a cherished American tradition.
To give thanks for all blessings in life
Resident of the Month
Pat Pike
Write up is coming…
Collaborators
