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Emily Jass
Director of Reflections
What sparked your desire to work with those living with dementia?
I started my career as a Music Therapist and soon realized that music was extremely successful with patients that had Alzheimer’s Disease.
What training or education helped prepare you for this career?
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Therapy from Augsburg College in Minneapolis. Over the past 20 years, I have taken many courses about dementia and most recently became a Certified Dementia Practitioner.
How would you describe the job of “Reflections Director”?
The Reflections Director role really sets the tone of the neighborhood. I team together to work with the nursing staff to support the care of the residents while also planning meaningful activities for the residents. The Reflections Director also works with the families to provide dementia education and support for their loved one living in Reflections.
What are your residents top 3 favorite activities?
Music, Exercise, and anything that will make us laugh.
What is your favorite activity to participate in with residents?
I am a Music Therapist by trade, so naturally I love doing music activities with the residents.
How do prospective residents and their families know it is time to move to Dementia Care?
Many families know it is time to move their loved one to dementia care because they start to feel the stress of being a caregiver when their loved one needs more care than they can provide. We recognize the importance of finding a supportive and safe environment for residents that are ready for that next step.
What are the benefits of moving to a dementia care neighborhood versus trying to take care of a loved
one on your own?
One of the greatest benefits of moving your loved one to a dementia care neighborhood is that you get to focus on being the spouse/daughter/son/family member instead of trying to be the caregiver. Your loved one benefits from having scheduled activities along with a supportive environment to promote independence and socialization.
What one thing do you wish prospective families knew?
I wish prospective families knew how passionate our team is about caring for residents with dementia. We will support you through the entire journey.
What makes your community stand out from the competition?
SilverCrest Communities stand out from the competition because they recognize the importance of exceptional dementia care and devote a position like the Director of Reflections to specialize in dementia support for residents, staff and families.
More About Emily…
I grew up on a farm in the small town of Windom, MN. I have 1 older sister, Jennie and 1 younger brother, Jeff. My parents, George and Pam, are the sweetest people on earth and instilled a good work ethic in us at a young age on the farm while filling our home with love. I met my husband, Michael, for the first time in elementary school and we were married years later after high school. We have 3 beautiful children: Austin (17), Carter (13), & Makayla (11). I graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis with a Bachelor or Science Degree in Music Therapy. I have been working in senior housing for over 20 years, specializing in people with Alzheimer’s Disease.
What are you most proud of?
I feel so blessed and proud to be a mom to 3 amazing kids- Austin, Carter, and Makayla.
Do you have pets?
I have 1 dog named Minnie (inspired after our trip to Disney World), 1 cat named Izzy and 1 parakeet named Kona (inspired after our trip to Hawaii)
Favorite Movie?
Christmas with the Kranks
Favorite TV Show?
Friends
Favorite Book?
My favorite book is a children’s book called “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very
Bad Day”.
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
MN Twins and Vikings
Top 2 favorite bands?
Taylor Swift
80’s bands like Aerosmith
Top travel destination on your list?
Hawaii
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
I would love to have the superpower of time travel so I could meet some of my residents when they were younger.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
I’m a farmgirl.
Do you have a favorite resident memory or story?
I was leading a singalong for our Family Night a few years ago to showcase some of the activities we provide our residents in Reflections. One of the residents who rarely speaks was able to start singing. Their son told me after the activity was over that he could not believe his mom was able to sing. He was so thankful that he could see this side of things and felt confident knowing his mom was receiving personalized care in our community.