"Kay's Korner" Dedicated at Chestnut Knoll, in memory of former resident

Chestnut Knoll Personal Care and Memory Care is once again showing that they go above and beyond when caring for seniors, even when the senior is no longer around. Recently, Chestnut Knoll dedicated a portion of the Memory Care community to former resident, Kay Kraft.

Kay Kraft became a resident of Chestnut Knoll in 2012. She resided in the Memory Care Neighborhood, where she was able to live a full life, being supported and cared for by trained professionals. Chestnut Knoll kept Kraft engaged in activities, she was able to socialize, and was treated with respect and dignity in a kind, caring environment.

As her disease progressed, she continued her journey through the use of hospice services and was able to be kept comfortable at Chestnut Knoll until the end of her life. After passing away in 2015, her family opted to have donations be made to the Chestnut Knoll Memory Care Neighborhood, in her memory. Chestnut Knoll used the donations to create a beautiful mural in a section of the neighborhood, where Kraft can always be remembered.

The mural features a corner store, named “Kay’s Korner Store,” and features a fruit stand outside and windows. Kraft loved to spend time with the community cat, Chestnut, so the artist painted him perched on one of the windows of the store.

“The murals brighten up the neighborhood and offer areas for the residents to engage in interactive stations, such as a fruit and vegetable stand and shopping carts,” said Shawn Barndt. “We strive to do everything we can to make our residents comfortable, and this mural is just one way to make our community feel like home and give residents the chance to reminisce about going down to the corner store for shopping. This kind of reminiscence therapy can be very beneficial for seniors and we are thrilled to offer this kind of activity.”

A memorial and dedication took place on Sunday, September 20 at Chestnut Knoll with family members and friends, along with the Chestnut Knoll staff, taking part in the memorial, in honor of Kraft.

“From the day Mom became a resident, the staff made her feel welcomed and did everything they could to make her feel at home. Although Mom declined the therapy services, the staff did all they could to keep Mom engaged, and they provided the attention she needed. We are so fortunate to have found Chestnut Knoll for Mom, and we appreciate everything they did for her while she was a resident,” said Jan Jacobs, one of Kraft’s family members.

When the idea for a mural came about, Chestnut Knoll once again turned to local artist Jennifer Martin, who designed a mural for them in March 2015 to honor past resident David Rogers, in the creation of “David Rogers’ Garage.” Martin is a Boyertown native who has been doing murals and decorative painting for over 15 years, and Chestnut Knoll wanted to use her talents to create a new mural for Kay’s Korner. For more information about Martin’s business, visit www.jennsfinedesigns.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 for more information about the community.

Chestnut Knoll offers Personal Care and Memory Care residences at an affordable month-to-month basis with no buy-in fees. Services include 24-hour personal care assistance with medical support, meals, housekeeping, social events, transportation, and a state-of-the-art wellness program that provides ongoing therapy services, regardless of insurance coverage. Chestnut Knoll also offers At Home care services available to seniors where they live. Services include assistance with medication monitoring, personal care, companion care, light housekeeping and laundry, and transportation, to name a few. For more information on Chestnut Knoll Personal Care, Memory Care, or At Home Services, please call Shawn Barndt, executive director, at 610-473-8066 or visit www.chestnutknoll.com.