CAMBRIDGE — Who says you have to be a teenager to enjoy a Senior Prom? The residents, staff, and family members of Chesapeake Woods danced the day away at the 5th Annual Senior Prom on the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Specialty Unit at Chesapeake Woods Center on June 3.

“A Walk in the Garden” was a huge success with approximately 70 special guests visiting and/or accompanying the center’s 39 residents. The staff, residents, and guests were entertained by the musical talents of “Peter’s Voice.” Peter’s Voice sang and played music typical of the generation of the residents.

If you have ever been driving down the road and you hear a song come on the radio that you are able to instantly sing along to, and it takes you back to a certain place and time, then you can relate to the residents with dementia who are able to sing, hum, and/or dance along to almost every word of the songs that they associate with the past.

There are not many people who do not enjoy a little extra pampering to look and feel their best. That is exactly how the residents reported feeling after nails were manicured, hair was done, make-up was applied, jewelry was placed, and they were dressed in their best, and presented with their corsages.

Tammie’s Floral Fantasy decorated the Prom location and donated corsages to all of the Prom Attendees. Michelle Ruark and Amy Ruark served as photographers and videographers for the day taking pictures of residents with their loved ones.

Kathy Leonard joined everyone the morning of the Prom to give a special finishing touch to the residents’ hair.

The Center would like to thank all of the family members of residents that donated jewelry, gowns, tuxedos, decorations, and much more. With a special thank you to the daughters of Patricia Adler, who went above and beyond in assisting with decorating and planning for the event. The Prom would not be nearly as successful without the planning, organizing, and decorating efforts of Pauline Price and Joan Thompson, recreation assistants, who spent countless hours making sure each and every one of the residents had the ability to look and feel their best.

When interviewed about the Prom, here are few examples of the feedback we received.

Melvin Pritchett: “Senior Prom Day was a time for families to reminisce and cherish moments with music, smiles, laughter and togetherness.”

Renee Cooper: “Everything was lovely. I enjoyed seeing my mother participate in the festivities. She truly enjoyed dancing.”

Carolyn Powell: “The staff do such a great job with giving the patients an experience of lifetime. I’m sure some of them have never been to a prom. They are pampered with getting their hair, nails and makeup done and fitted with beautiful outfits for their special day. Then to hear them tell each other how beautiful and handsome they are is such a great feeling! You guys do such a great job with all the patients and making them feel so good about themselves.”