It Takes a Community One team member’s love of butterflies has blossomed into an experience that brings residents and team members together at Cedarhurst of Yorkville.
For several weeks this summer, there was always something new to see at Cedarhurst of Yorkville. Tiny caterpillars grew a little bigger. Chrysalises began to form. Eventually, butterflies emerged, ready for the moment residents and team members had been anticipating — release day.
“I enjoy hummingbirds and butterflies and am always showing the residents pictures of hummingbirds that come to my feeders,” Angie said. “I thought it would be fun to give the residents something to look forward to every few days, something we could talk about and watch.” Last year, the community raised five butterflies. The experience was such a hit with residents, families and team members knew they had to do it again.
By then, everyone was invested.
Residents gathered outside to give each butterfly a proper sendoff. Those who participated received a “Budding Entomologist” certificate, complete with the name they had given their caterpillar. Then came the best part. Angie Lewis, Director of Nursing at Cedarhurst of Yorkville, carefully placed a butterfly into a resident’s hand and waited. Sometimes it immediately fluttered away. Other times, it lingered on a hand or landed on a shirt, giving everyone a few extra seconds to enjoy the moment.
This year, they went bigger — raising 20.
Over several weeks, residents watched the caterpillars eat and grow before forming chrysalises and eventually emerging as butterflies. Rather than being confined to a scheduled activity, the experience traveled throughout the community. Angie brought the caterpillars to exercise programs, kept them near the front desk and visited residents individually in their apartments so they could see the latest developments. Assisted Living residents joined in the fun, too. That ongoing interaction is part of what made the experience special.
“Just pure joy,” Angie said. “It makes it all worth it.”
The celebration marked the culmination of the community’s second year raising butterflies — an idea that began with one of Angie’s own interests.
“It turns out to be weeks long versus just an hour-long activity,” Angie said.
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