Chestnut Knoll strives to keep their residents, happy, healthy and active throughout their senior years. Throughout their 15 years of existence, Chestnut Knoll has seen seniors from all walks of life, and each one has a certain passion or hobby that keeps them active and loving life. This was certainly the case for a former resident, who recently had a portion of the Memory Care community dedicated in his memory.
David Rogers became a resident at Chestnut Knoll in 2011. He suffered from memory loss and was able to be supported and continue to have a quality of life while living at Chestnut Knoll, despite his dementia. Chestnut Knoll worked with Rogers and his family to keep him engaged in not only his daily routine, but also in the greater community. Often he would visit and “go to work” in his brother Joe’s garage on Washington Street in Boyertown, which gave him joy and fulfillment.
Rogers’ life ended at Chestnut Knoll on November 1, 2013, but his legacy lives on. His family wanted to give back to the Chestnut Knoll community for all the staff and caregivers did for him and the family during his stay. They started a memorial fund and it was decided that the David Rogers Garage would be created with the funds.
The “garage” is located in the Memory Care Neighborhood at Chestnut Knoll, and includes a large mural that was painted on one of the walls to make it look like the interior of a garage. In addition, David Rogers’ Garage has a tool bench with tools, toolboxes, gas cans, a creeper bed, oil pans funnels, and tool belts.
“Those who suffer from memory loss often wander,” said Shawn Barndt, executive director. “Engaging them in activities, such as reminiscence therapy, is one strategy to enhance life.” The garage area was strategically designed to be a therapeutic area to serve this purpose.”
A memorial and dedication took place on Saturday, March 28 at Chestnut Knoll. Over 20 family members and friends, along with the Chestnut Knoll staff, took part in the memorial, in honor of Rogers.
“Chestnut Knoll was an answer to our prayers. Dad was already in the early stages of Alzheimer’s when he needed to make a change from living alone in his home,” said Rogers’ son, Dave. “The staff was available, open, friendly and caring. They treated Dad like family; they treated all of us like family whenever we visited. They made Dad’s last 2 and a half years very comfortable, and they made him feel safe.”
“It was our honor to care for David at Chestnut Knoll and be a support system to both David and his extended family as he progressed through his journey,” said Barndt. “We are thankful to be able to provide a structured environment with a caring staff that is understanding of the dementia/disease process. These factors, along with our high level of expertise, are what make Chestnut Knoll a leader in the industry.”
In addition to the commitment to caring for residents, Chestnut Knoll strives to involve family, friends and the Boyertown community in various projects and fundraisers. When the idea for the garage came about, Chestnut Knoll turned to local artist Jennifer Martin to aid with the design and creation. Martin is a Boyertown native who has been doing murals and decorative painting for over 15 years. She started a taxidermy business called Bone Canvas that specializes in beetle-cleaned European mounts. She custom hand paints skulls of hunter’s trophies and decorative skull pieces for homes and businesses.
For more information about her company, visit www.bonecanvas.com. If your loved one is suffering from memory loss, Chestnut Knoll can help! Learn more about how Chestnut Knoll’s expertise with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can make a difference in the life of your loved one.
Please call 610-473-8066 to for more information about the community.
