At The Cottages, we believe that no matter your age, passions and dreams should always be celebrated. That’s why we created our Never Too Old To Dream program, an opportunity to honor our residents by helping them reconnect with the experiences, places, and moments that mean the most to them. Recently, one of our wonderful residents, Steve, reminded us all of the spirit behind the program.
Steve spent many years as a competitive rodeo roper. When asked about his dream activity, he knew exactly what he wanted, to get back to the rodeo! With his cowboy heart leading the way, Steve enjoyed cheering on his favorite events, savoring nachos and a soda, and soaking up every moment of the western spirit that has always been part of who he is. In true gentlemanly fashion, Steve even wanted to treat the ladies who joined him with tickets and snacks. With a little help from another cowboy at heart (thank you, Mark!), an arrangement was made. Steve’s joy was contagious, reminding everyone that the rodeo, and life itself, is always better when shared with good company. As Steve proudly says:
“You are Never Too Old to Dream!”
About the Never Too Old To Dream Program
The Never Too Old To Dream program was created to make life in our assisted living and memory care communities even more meaningful by celebrating our residents’ passions, legacies, and lifelong interests. We know that memories and dreams don’t fade with age, and this program allows us to bring them to life in special ways.
From simple joys to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, our team works with residents and their families to find out what would make their day extraordinary. Then, together, we make it happen.
Dreams Fulfilled at The Cottages
Below are some of the heartwarming stories and dreams that have been fulfilled at The Cottages!
Carol’s Special Date
One of the most touching dreams we’ve ever fulfilled was also our very first. Carol, who had worked for Myer & Frank for many years, had never married, or even been on a date. Our team wanted to change that. With the help of our CEO, Mark Maxfield, Carol’s dream came true. Mark arrived with a corsage, invited her to lunch, and whisked her away in a limousine, complete with a driver in a pink tuxedo! With roses, candles, and a beautiful gown, Carol had a day she would never forget. Her smile lit up the community long after, and “Carol’s Date” remains a favorite story among our staff and residents.
Cynthia and Lowell’s Anniversary Dream
For Cynthia and her husband, Lowell, celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary was something they wanted to make truly special. In their younger years, the two loved traveling to the coast and enjoying fresh seafood together. While Cynthia’s health made traveling difficult, The Cottages team wanted to make their milestone memorable. With a limousine ride, a stop at the Boise Depot for photos, and a delicious dinner of seafood at Anthony’s, the couple celebrated in style. It was a beautiful evening full of love, joy, and cherished memories.
Veterans Take Flight
One of the most moving experiences through our program has been partnering with Dream Flights, an organization dedicated to honoring veterans by giving them the thrill of flight. Over the years, we have been able to help several dozen veterans take to the skies in a Boeing Stearman biplane. Watching their faces light up as they soared through the air was nothing short of inspiring. It was our privilege to celebrate their service with a day they’ll never forget.
Cheering on the Broncos
Sometimes, the dream is about simply soaking in the excitement of a beloved team. For several residents at our Columbia Village campus, that dream was to watch a Boise State University football game, up close and personal. Not only did they attend, but they enjoyed front row seats, delicious stadium food, and the thrill of cheering with fellow fans. The joy of that game day was a reminder of how much these moments of connection mean.
Billy’s Flight of a Lifetime
For Billy, a former National Guard member and longtime pilot, his dream was clear: to fly again. With the help of White Oak Hospice and our Never Too Old To Dream program, we made that wish a reality in the form of a helicopter flight. Billy was overjoyed and shared that the experience was “better than he could have dreamed of.” It was a privilege for us to honor his passion for flight and see his face light up in the skies once more.
Ted’s Classic Car Show
Ted’s love for classic cars began in his younger years when he restored and fixed them himself. For his dream, he wanted to enjoy those beautiful cars once again, and we brought the show to him! A classic car parade rolled in, followed by a lineup where Ted, his loved ones, residents, staff, and community members could admire the vehicles up close. The event was filled with smiles, memories, and the unmistakable joy of revving engines and shining chrome.
Anders’ Lap of Honor
At 98 years old, Anders had one dream: to complete one more lap on the track. A lifelong runner, he wanted to share the experience with athletes who knew the meaning of training and competition. With the help of the Blessing Bike, Anders’ son and running buddy, Harlan, pedaled him around the track at the Emmett High School meet. Surrounded by high school runners who shook his hand afterward, Anders laughed and said it was the “easiest race he’d ever run.”
Paul and Juanita’s Balloon Adventure
Taking to the skies in a hot air balloon was the dream of two of our residents, Paul and Juanita. On a beautiful summer morning, with local news crews capturing the moment, they lifted off with excitement and awe. Paul, who had flown planes in the Air Force, joked mid-flight that he would have preferred to be the pilot. Still, both residents were thrilled to see Boise from above, enjoying the beauty and history of the city in a way few ever get to experience.
Creating Moments That Matter
At The Cottages, we are honored to walk alongside our residents in every season of life, and our Never Too Old To Dream program is one of the many ways we do just that. Each dream fulfilled is more than an experience, it’s a celebration of the stories, passions, and legacies that make our residents who they are. We love bringing joy, meaning, and fulfillment into their lives and are always looking for ways to create those special moments. After all, at The Cottages, we believe that life should be lived fully, and that our residents are truly never too old to dream.
Let Us Help You Today!
We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about the care that our residents receive at our Idaho locations. We are experts in assisted living, memory care, respite, adult day care, and have been serving seniors for over 20 years. Our small home-like senior living homes and specially-trained team members offer an atmosphere that promotes the well-being of your loved one.
If you have any questions, would like to tour one of the Idaho assisted living or memory care homes, or speak with one of our licensed administrators, please fill out the form below. Please mention which location(s) you’re interested in.
