Memory care is very difficult to discuss let alone live through it, especially as a family member of someone who suffers with memory loss due to any kind of injury or illness. When a loved one enters a memory care facility, the changes can be taxing on the family. Thankfully, Hastings has a memory care facility with a team that understands these hardships and they work diligently to alleviate as much of that stress as possible by doing fun things like the Benedictine Community backyard party. 

Donielle Mewhorter, Housing Manager explained the event. 

“We are celebrating our memory care unit. We're having a family picnic. It is State Fair themed. So, we brought in the dairy princess. We brought in some food on the stick like corn dogs and watermelon and pickles. Lemonade, and then we invite our families to come in and enjoy some entertainment,” she explained. 

The whole point of the picnic is no different than when you go for a picnic, it was to get the families outside, together, enjoying an evening out. This party accomplished that. 

One thing to consider is post-COVID protocols have lasted longer for those who are especially susceptible to germs, so this was only their second picnic since COVID. 

“We are able to have more families come since we don't have to follow the COVID restrictions. It's a great way to get families in and spend time with their loved ones,” added Mewhorter. 

The families enjoyed live music, good food and beverages and visiting with Princess Kay of the Milky Way as one of her last events before the new one is crowned at the State Fair. 

The picnic is normally in their garden, but that was recently redone, and they need to stay off the new sod for another few weeks. 

Benedictine will have more family events around the Christmas holiday.