-The newest team member of the Sierra Vista Family is James Pingel also known as Jim, or to our elders “that nice young man.”

Jim comes to us from a background that didn’t deal with health care but felt it was time for a change he said there was a calling to make a difference in the lives of those around him. That is exactly what he does he brings a smile to the faces of elders with his stories and songs and acting monologues.  He in no way is shy to doing what he needs to do to get an elder laughing and enjoying that moment of their day.

We talk a lot about the engagement of our Elders here at Sierra Vista and how important that they feel connected and while we did it well before Jim joined us, we do it even better now with his energy and we are grateful to the love and care that Jim gives when he for the 100th time answers the same question or is followed around from room to room as he busily tries to keep all elders at different stages in their disease active and engaged. So when you come by for a tour don’t be surprised if he pulls you into song or dance as you walk by that is just the fun-loving guy he is.

Sierra Vista recognizes and honors our Elders and all their accomplishments in their lives. Being a Father is a huge Deal and we want our fathers to feel that same love they would if they were spending time with their children at their home. This Father’s Day a barbeque and celebration with staff, families and elders was enjoyed. We Honor and are Thankful for the Fathers in our home. Here you see a glimpse of a few of those elders enjoying their lunch. The elders take pride in helping with the preparation of the food from cutting tomatoes to separating the lettuce and the best part enjoying the fruits of their labor in a great lunch. Families trust in us to celebrate these moments with their loved one when they are unable to do so because of the distance that often is an issue for many of our families.

Sierra Vista provides so much for or Elders daily from companionship, personal care, assistance with many needs, compassion, and most of all Love.

While we all work hard at our jobs much of the credit for this outstanding care is in thanks to our amazing Caregivers. This is something that never goes unnoticed by those who work with the elders but also by the families who have entrusted their loved one to us. They always want to make sure that the caregivers who work so hard know how greatly appreciated they are.

In this photo a son of a former elder who passed away brought in a cake in celebration of his mother’s life, gave away many of her personal belongings, and raffled off her favorite perfume.

These gestures mean so much to our staff because they know that their hard work is appreciated on a level that no amount of money could put a price on and allow them to continue to have memorabilia of the ones they have cared for over the years.

We thank our Families for Showing these wonderful group of caregivers how appreciated they truly are!

At Sierra Vista the learning never stops! Our staff takes pride in the fact that we work with interns from different schools in the Santa Fe area. Internships are done in our home where we strive to provide students with a well-rounded experience in the world of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.  Our interns like the one in this picture, Bernadette Mares from NMHU, learn that our elders love to engage in reading and is a great way to interact and participate. Students see how simple pleasures make all the difference in the way that we interact together. As a step further and keeping with our Eden Philosophy you see one of our Youth Volunteers, Zoey, engaging in the book, adding value to the interaction between her and the elder. Her youthful curiosity brightens an Elders day by her just participating and being present. Zoey among other youth have come to learn that the value of time and presence can really enhance a person’s life especially one who is struggling with Dementia. I can’t think of a better way to spend the first day of summer than on a beautiful patio out in the court yard of Sierra Vista surrounded by such lovely people. Enjoying the simple pleasure of each other’s company.