Juniper Village at Paramus Recognized as Best In Wellness by ICAA

November 20, 2024 (Paramus, NJ) – Juniper Communities, a premier owner/operator of senior living communities, is proud to announce that their Paramus location, Juniper Village at Paramus, has earned the prestigious 2024 ICAA NuStep Beacon Award for “Best In Wellness” by the International Council on Active Aging? (ICAA) and NuStep, LLC. This exceptional recognition highlights the community’s excellent commitment to promoting wellness among its residents.

Juniper’s “Best in Wellness” recognition celebrates the community’s seven dimensions of wellness that empower residents and associates to improve their quality of life. Juniper offers a wide variety of extensive wellness-centered programming, averaging 16 programs daily, 7 days a week.

Central to Juniper's success is its commitment to resident empowerment through resident-led programming, which has achieved remarkable 100% participation rates, with every resident engaging in at least one program monthly. This innovative approach allows residents to remain active and engaged while leading activities and classes that spark their interests. From music and educational programs to fitness classes like Zumba and Tai Chi, to spiritual group activities, residents have countless opportunities to thrive. The community also leads creative initiatives like the "Walkettes" program – a takeoff on the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes - and nightly Broadway sing-alongs, ensuring that residents don't just participate – they flourish as vital members of the Juniper community.

“At Juniper Village at Paramus, we strive to create a vibrant community where wellness and personal growth flourish,” stated Elizabeth Morocho, Executive Director at Juniper Village at Paramus. “Our commitment to inclusive programming and individualized support ensures that every resident can remain active and engaged, regardless of their abilities. We take pride in fostering an environment where residents don't just live, but truly thrive as part of our caring community.”

Juniper Communities has two major wellness-centric programs that serve as key factors to its

success: Catalyst and Connect4Life. Catalyst is an ecosystem of programs and services, which focuses on the seven dimensions of wellness using integrative technology. Connect4Life is a high-tech, high-touch program that integrates onsite medical and therapy services. These initiatives are designed to cater to the unique needs and preferences of older adults, ensuring that they maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

Stephanie McKay, Connections Director at Juniper Village Paramus, echoed Morocho’s sentiments, “We are honored that ICAA and NuStep have recognized Juniper Village at Paramus for our distinctive wellness culture. This prestigious recognition validates our can-do attitude and extensive network of partnerships that form the cornerstone of a vibrant and engaging environment for our residents. As we continue to innovate and expand our opportunities, this award reinforces the wellness culture we strive to promote – one that is dynamic, inclusive, and deeply enriching for all who call Juniper home.”

“This year’s recipients embody the future of wellness in senior living,” said Colin Milner, ICAA’s founder and CEO in a statement. “Through their dedication and visionary leadership, these communities and individuals are redefining aging, showing us that wellness is a continuous journey—one that energizes and enriches life at every stage.”

The 2024 ICAA NuStep Beacon Awards spotlights the top 25 senior living communities that received “Best in Wellness” achievements in North America based on responses and data provided to nomination questions. Juniper Village at Paramus was ranked number 11. This award is a highly regarded accolade within the senior living industry, emphasizing the critical role that wellness plays in the lives of older adult residents.

For more information about Juniper Communities and Juniper Village at Paramus, please visit www.junipercommunities.com or call (973) 661-8300.

For more information and insights from these esteemed award winners, please visit the ICAA NuStep Beacon Award website at www.beaconaward.icaa.cc.

About Juniper Communities

Juniper Communities, a leader in quality, value, and innovation, owns and operates senior living communities in Colorado, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas that emphasize residents’ well- being, interaction and security. Our communities and approach to housing and care offers residents the opportunity to live a full life, regardless of age or health. Juniper’s innovative Connect4Life program has been proven to improve residents’ care by decreasing hospitalizations, re-hospitalizations, and urgent

care visits, while offering potential cost savings to public programs such as Medicare. To learn more about the many ways Juniper Communities innovates in support of our residents,

visit www.junipercommunities.com.