Seniors Adapt Broadway Hits At Assisted Living Facilities

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — An assisted living facility with a location in Bloomfield has been tapping the enduring power of Broadway hits such as “Guys and Dolls” and “Singin’ in the Rain” to give its seniors a way to express themselves creatively.

Juniper Communities, which operates facilities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Colorado, recently won Argentum’s “Best of the Best Award” for its Perennial Players program, which provides its residents with chances to perform classic Broadway musicals adapted to meet the needs of seniors.

“Juniper’s Perennial Players shows unparalleled passion and commitment to providing an optimal environment for residents and their families,” Argentum CEO James Balda said. “This innovative program stands out for its uniqueness and ability to advance excellence in senior living.”

Katie Kensinger, Juniper’s senior director of community relations, said that partnerships with other local groups and organizations has been central to the program’s success.

There’s no doubt that it’s been helpful to the residents, she added.

“For seniors, particularly those with dementia, musical theatre demonstrates therapeutic value and a unique outlet for creative expression,” Kensinger said.

Juniper Village at Brookline in State College, Pennsylvania piloted the program in 2018 and was the first senior living community to perform the classic musical comedy “Guys and Dolls, Senior." In 2019, Juniper's all-resident theater troupe was back on stage with a performance of “Singin' in the Rain, Senior.”

Based on its success, the program is being rolled out in other Juniper locations throughout the state, including Bloomfield.

“The Perennial Players program is designed to reach people on a deeper level of mind, body, and spirit and give seniors renewed purpose, engaging them and encouraging positive validation, which aligns with Juniper’s mission to empower people to live a full life, regardless of age or health,” said Lynne Katzman, founder and CEO of Juniper Communities.

“We are honored to receive this nationally respected award and hope recognition of the program and its positive results can be a spark of inspiration for other senior living communities,” Katzman said.

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