News & Community Updates

Chestnut Knoll recognized 13 employees for their perfect attendance record in 2024 with a private ceremony in front of residents and management at the senior living community.

Executive Director Holly Heydt presented each perfect attendance employee with a certificate and a Visa gift card valued up to $500.

“We are so fortunate and grateful to have this group of people who are so deeply committed to our residents,” Heydt said. “Thank you for all you do!”

It’s all fun and games at Chestnut Knoll in Boyertown, but community residents and employees are serious about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia awareness.

With the help of local photographer Vicki Reynolds, owner of Always Be a Light, the senior community created a wall calendar featuring several residents. The monthly themed images incorporated fun props and backdrops to highlight the resident’s vibrant personalities.

The 2025 wall calendars are $25 each and available for purchase at Chestnut Knoll, 120 W. Fifth St., in Boyertown, from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, or Venmo.

The goal is to raise $5,000 from calendar sales, with proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association, a nationwide organization known for leading the way in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

For more information, contact Julie Krasley 610-473-8066 or JKrasley@chestnutknoll.com.

Caring for someone with dementia is not easy. The mainstream outlook consists of negative messaging compounded by stigma due to a lack of awareness and understanding of the condition.

When discussing dementia, the focus is typically on what the person has lost as they transition through each stage. “… But if that’s all you’re thinking about, you’re missing opportunities,” Teepa Snow said.

Snow is a renowned dementia care and education specialist who developed Positive Approach to Care® and other methods such as the GEMS® dementia state classification model.

Her classification model differs from commonly used scales by identifying six different brain states and the shifts in skills and abilities a person can experience in any given moment, focusing on the present not what was lost. “Just like gems, each brain state is precious and has value,” Snow said.

Understanding the GEMS States – sapphire, diamond, emerald, amber, ruby, and pearl – and how people with dementia experience the world, professional and family care partners can provide better care. They can then change their actions accordingly for positive interactions.

Snow’s methodologies shift the current narrative, radically transforming the experience of dementia to help people with the condition continue living meaningful lives, which is why our community implements her teachings into our memory care program at Chestnut Knoll.