Innovation is the idea behind Aviva’s newest initiative. In February 2018, the community became the 3rd Florida facility to welcome the ElderGrow program. As a top provider of Memory Care, Aviva- A Campus for Senior Life, is no stranger to caring for those suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer’s. While the diseases alone are difficult, seeing our community seniors lose their sense of purpose can sometimes be the most heartbreaking. However, with a strong support system and innovative ideas, we can give these seniors new opportunities to experience.Katherine Knowles is one of ElderGrow’s Educators. She says “ElderGrow garden is a mobile garden which contains 100% non-toxic and organic vegetation. The garden is used as a tool to engage residents, stimulating all five of their senses. We start each session by exploring the garden - What do they smell, taste, see and feel? Then we will start asking questions about their past, their childhood, where they grew up...Empowering them to take ownership of the health and well-being of the garden is an essential element of their growth. Lastly, we end with a group class usually involving the plants in a different way such as crafting or sometimes snacking! Each class is designed to help develop three main aspects such as motor skills, cognitive skills, socialization, and spatial awareness. When residents are working on the garden they are completely focused on the task at hand. For residents who are truly burdened by their disease this might be the first task they have been able to focus on and the first time they feel present in years.”Eldergrow, offers elders a therapeutic connection to nature through innovative subscription-based gardening products and programming. For more information about Eldergrow, contact info@eldergrow.org, 203-444-3857, or visit www.eldergrow.org.Aviva- A Campus for Senior Life is Sarasota’s only rental senior community offering all levels of care. The campus is comprised of several communities including Kobernick Independent Living, Anchin Assisted Living, Anchin Memory Care, and Benderson Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation. For more information on Aviva’s innovative approach to senior living please visit our website avivaseniorlife.org