Circle of Friends at Fallbrook Woods is a program that encourages staff to develop and nurture a meaningful friendship with each resident and to promote health and well-being for residents and staff.

Each staff member is matched up with a resident, who they embrace as their friend. They spend 15 to 20 minutes, each time they are working, with their friend, engaging them in a manner that is thoughtful and meaningful.

Time is spent doing something as simple as sharing a cup of coffee or tea over a light-hearted conversation, looking at family photos, reading aloud the newspaper and poetry.

During the summer months, the focus is on simple outdoor activities, such as short walks, tea in the courtyard, planting flowers in our therapeutic garden or bird-watching. One way to learn life stories is through meaningful, one-on-one companionship.

Friends know each other's histories. Being reminded of past accomplishments, family connections, personal beliefs and traditions helps to maintain a resident's individuality.