Lucy is always raring to go when she comes for her monthly Liberty visits. Residents and staff get just as excited to see her. Lucy is a rescue dog, and her therapy training is through Pet Therapy Unlimited. Maria Gruber is her handler. Lucy certainly knows what her job is because she never runs out of love and kisses for everyone! We're already looking forward to her next visit.

It's not always easy to transition living spaces, different routines and unfamiliar faces. However, Liberty residents Eileen and Helen have found that it's quite easy to build lasting relationships here. The trick to making new personal connections, in any environment, is to attend events or hang out in living spaces where people with common interests gather. It turns out, that Eileen and Helen both love parties and many of our other activities. Where ever you find one, you'll more than likely find the other... they are a perfect duo. Their favorite pastime though is an easy afternoon just chit chatting with each other. We love when our residents find joy in personal relationships.

Many studies have been conducted that profoundly show how pets have the ability to calm and soothe agitated or depressed individuals. They're a medium for physical touch, and dogs especially, always respond with a full display of affection. Our community is continually seeking opportunities for Pet Therapy visits, and recently our friend Roz graciously introduced us to her pet, Gracie. Although relatively new to the Pet Therapy program, Gracie was well-behaved and raised spirits for residents, their families and staff. We're grateful that Roz and Gracie provided this heartwarming experience. More Pet Therapy visits will be coming up in the future. If you'd like more details on the dates and times, please contact our Activity Director, Tara Coats at 513-510-5525, ext 503.

There's nothing like ending the year with a little fun, so Liberty residents greeted 2018 while tooting their party horns and nibbling on cheese snacks and wine. We also enjoyed entertainment by Rich Monroe. Rich always gets everyone's toes tapping by treating us to our favorite tunes.

Owner and president of Liberty Health Care Corporation, Linda Black-Kurek, always goes to great lengths to host a wonderful Christmas party for staff. Ron's Roost Restaurant and Bar catered a delicious lunch for us this year while we were lavished with raffle prizes, gift baskets of personal care products, crock pots and cooking pans. Thank you Linda for making your staff feel so special and appreciated!

Colerain residents and their families always look forward to our annual Christmas party. This year's was well-attended and the smiles on faces reflected everyone's heartfelt joy. The entertainment was phenomenal, with harpist, Christian Bell, and our favorite DJ, Frank Anthony, who's always happy to take favorite musical requests. In fact, our audience even suggested we have them both return for next year's party. The secret Santa gift exchange added much excitement as well. Hats off to our wonderful staff for their amazing efforts in making everyone feel loved and involved.

Residents recently enjoyed a holiday outing to Parky's Farm, an educational farm located within Winton Woods. We had a fantastic meal and a great time playing Bingo, which is always a bit hit. The Saylor Park School Choir entertained us with a wonderful performance of Christmas carols.

Our Colerain residents were delighted to receive an energetic Christmas visit from the toddlers and preschoolers at Waverly's Hope Day Care. Everyone devoured delicious brown bag lunches and spent the day singing familiar Christmas carols and enjoying arts and crafts together. The little ones presented residents with their own Christmas ornament creations and residents delighted in bestowing the children with gifts as well. This was such a wonderful opportunity for participating residents to recall the joys of grandparenthood, so we plan to arrange similar visits with the day care on special occasions through the upcoming year.

We ended our November with a new entertainer, saxophone player Jim McBride. The residents really enjoyed him. The room was full of smiles, and he played music that the residents could really relate too. Jim also sang some good old blues songs. Most importantly, he takes pride in what he does while getting very personal with the residents. The residents loved him so much, we booked him for 2018!

Not only do we work hard to offer residents and family members excellent service, but employee satisfaction is a priority as well. Our recent Staff Appreciation Luncheon was a great way for all of us to feel appreciated, valued and motivated. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the candy corn raffle was a hit. The actual count turned out to be 819. First place winner was Pam, our beautician. Second place was Tara, our activities director, and third place was Janet, the night shift LPN. Each received Kroger gift cards. Congrats ladies!