Senior Living January 2020

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2020 | SENIOR LIVING | PAGE 1

SENIOR LIVING Thorne Crest Now Offers...

Respite Care:

Short Term Stays Now Offered In Our Assisted Living

O

ne of the best ways you can care for your loved one is to take care of yourself. Whether you are planning a vacation, or need to meet the demands of an illness or recuperation, the Thorne Crest Respite Care Program can help.

Call Catherine Buboltz to schedule a tour and learn the benefits of Respite Care at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community 1201 Garfield Avenue • Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-2311 • www.ThorneCrest.net

Thorne Crest Senior Living Commun ity

Thorne Crest is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, a not-for-profit provider of senior health care since 1930.

Rehab at

Thorne Crest Senior Living Community

State-of-the-art equipment & programs exceeding patients’ rehab goals!

Community amenities include Pool, Fitness Center, Bistro & more!

1201 Garfield Avenue • Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-2311 • www.ThorneCrest.net

Thorne Crest Senior Liv ing Communit y

Thorne Crest is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, a not-for-profit provider of senior health care since 1930.

Lacey Karsjens, left, and Amber Carberry are activities coordinators at The Woodlands at St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Creating opportunities for residents

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

Whether it’s crafts, bingo, trips or one of their newer activities, Amber Carberry and Lacey Karsjens enjoy bringing fun to The Woodlands at St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake.

The women are activities coordinators at the skilled nursing facility, organizing two to three activities a day for residents to take part in. There are also two coordinators at the St. John’s site off of Minnesota Highway 13, and all of the coordinators work under the direction of a director.

Carberry and Karsjens said they organize everything from cards and cocktails and happy hour, to trips, shopping, woodworking, parties and even a men’s coffee group. An intergenerational program brings in children from a local day care to interact with the residents.

Carberry said she started at St. John’s 15 years ago in August, first as a certified nursing assistant,

Lacey Karsjens

City of residence: Albert Lea Livelihood: activities coordinator at The Woodlands at St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake Years in the position: 13 What she loves about her job: getting to know residents on a different level than you do as an everyday caretaker Family: three daughters, Isabella, 12; Daisy, 3; and Scarlett, 1

Amber Carberry City of residence: Albert Lea Livelihood: activities coordinator at The Woodlands at St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake Years in the position: 15 What she loves about her job: the relationship she can build with the residents Family: daughter, Vanessa, 23 See ACTIVITIES, Page 2

Residents take part in cards and cocktails Friday at The Woodlands at St. John’s Lutheran Community.

Tips to improve health and wellness and to prevent a stroke Stroke is often thought of as something that happens to older people, but more people under 50 are having strokes due to increased risky behaviors, such as smoking and untreated high blood pressure.

Strokes don’t discriminate, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke. They can happen to anyone, at any age. About one in four people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime. However, up to 80% of first strokes may be prevented.

“Healthy habits can protect and improve brain function and lower

your stroke risk,” said Dr. Lee Schwamm, MD, American Stroke Association volunteer chairman and executive vice chairman, department of neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital.

In recognition of World Stroke Day, the American Stroke Association offers these five tips to help reduce your risk of stroke and maintain mental sharpness as you age: • Keep blood pressure in mind and under control. High blood pressure is the No. 1 controllable risk factor for stroke. Work with your doctor to manage your blood pressure and get it into a healthy range (under 120 over 80).

• Eat colorful fruits and veggies.

Strokes don’t discriminate, according to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart See TIPS, Page 4 Association. Provided

Page 2 | SENIOR LIVING | WEDNESDAY, January 15, 2020

Connecting generations

A volunteer plays cards with a group of residents during the cards and cocktails event Friday in The Woodlands at St. John’s on Fountain Lake. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Activities Continued from Front Page

but then fell in love with the activities department eight years ago.

“I love the relationship I can build with residents,” Carberry said, noting she has learned much from many of them.

Karsjens said she started with St. John’s 13 years ago as a dietary hostess before becoming a CNA and then an activities coordinator.

She said she enjoys getting to know the residents on a different level.

“It can be very exhausting because you do a lot, but it brings them such joy, too,” Carberry said. “They appreciate it so much.”

Each of the women organizes activities on one of the floors of the skilled nursing facility, but then they also like to host activities together, so residents can get the chance to socialize more.

The women hosted the cards and cocktails activity Friday. With it, residents

“It can be very exhausting because you do a lot, but it brings them such joy, too. They appreciate it so much.”

— Amber Carberry, activities coordinator can either get an alcoholic or nonalcoholic drink and then enjoy time with their peers playing cards.

Karsjens said they have tried to find the drinks the residents used to enjoy when they were younger to make it even more of a special event for them.

They’ve been to the Spam Museum, the Freeborn County Historical Museum, to an Albert Lea Lakers game and out shopping. They said the furthest they’ve taken residents is Diamond Jo Casino.

They also organize a family Christmas party, Mother’s Day tea and Father’s Day barbecue.

“We’re really just trying to make this person-centered and make this their home,” Karsjens said.

Occasionally they do

fundraisers to support their activities, such as one happening called Sweets for Sweeties. With that fundraiser, people can pay $3 for one or $5 for two, and each resident will get a hand wrapped cookie with a special valentine.

The women said the activities are a great time for people to volunteer from either the independent living or assisted living facilities or from the outside as well. They can always use more volunteers.

The women said they enjoy getting to know the residents and developing friendships with them.

Karsjens said though it can be heartbreaking to see residents pass away, they enjoy their job because “there’s always someone else who needs you.”

Tiny Toes Daycare children come to St. John’s Lutheran Community to color, sing songs and enjoy a Teddy Bear tea party. Tiny Toes Daycare joins St. John’s residents monthly as part of an intergenerational program. Provided

A St. John’s resident colors with a child from Tiny Toes Daycare.

Karsjens created a specialty drink as an option for residents on Friday during cards and cocktails.

St. John’s residents and children from the day care enjoy coloring together.

Special Christmas gifts

St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake campus staff purchased presents for all the residents in skilled nursing. The residents loved the excitement of receiving and opening the perfect gift chosen just for them. Pictured are some of the St. John’s Lutheran Community employees with the gifts purchased. Provided

Wednesday, January 15, 2020 | SENIOR LIVING | Page 3

Pictured are some of the hats Harris has made. Provided

Veda Harris enjoys knitting hats and prayer squares for people in need.

Thorne Crest resident uses hobby to help others Thorne Crest Senior Living Community resident Veda Harris donates her time and talents with others by knitting warm hats and prayer squares for those in need.

Harris said she started knitting when she was in sixth grade. She would knit

small squares to give to the ladies to piece together and make blankets for the service men during war time.

Her mother had purchased a book from Woolworths so she and her mother could learn to knit.

She has knitted close to 100 hats and prayer squares

just during her time at Thorne Crest to be donated to those in need.

The prayer squares are given to residents and families by Chaplain Todd Walsh during difficult times. The hats have been donated to local organizations such as the American

Legion, The Children’s Center and Hawthorne Elementary School.

She said she has been knitting hats for years — they are her favorite item to knit. Harris said she finds it relaxing after supper to spend time working on knitting projects.

Thorne Crest staff and residents enjoy gift of giving Thorne Crest Senior Living Community staff members and residents joined together during the holiday season to ensure the family of a Hawthorne Elementary School student had a special Thanksgiving and Christmas celebration this year.

Office manager Beth Rheinfels reached out to Hawthorne administration to identify a family who could use Thorne Crest’s help in making the holidays extra special.

First, a Thanksgiving collection produced $250, which was turned into Hy-Vee gift cards for the family to purchase grocery items to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast.

Thorne Crest staff members then decided to also commit to helping this same family have a joyous Christmas by purchasing gift items for the five children. A giving tree was created and placed in a highly traveled area of the building, just outside the independent living dining room.

Tags were hung on the tree, identifying the needs of the anonymous family and the ages of the children.

Staff and residents purchased five to seven gifts per child and several family items, such as family games and blankets. One resident also enlisted the help of her church, Crossroads Church, which donated handmade blankets as well. People who were unable to shop

Senior Spotlight: Hazel Spiering Age: 76

What is your favorite childhood memory? GrowNative of: Freeborn ing up on a farm. Lots of County tractor driving — John Deere of course.

Education: graduated from Albert Lea High What would you say School, bachelor’s degree is your greatest accomfrom Mankato State Univer- plishment? Getting an sity, master’s degree from education and raising a the University of Minnesota family.

Family: father, Melvin What is the greatest Stoa, who will soon be 99 lesson life has taught you? and lives in Bemidji; three Be kind and have fun. daughters; three sons-inlaw; eight grandchildren What do you enjoy most about where you are living Former occupation: now? Very friendly resielementary teacher for dents and staff at Thorne District 241. Extensive Crest Senior Living Comvolunteering, especially munity. Active place — lots at Grace Lutheran Church of things to do.

Are you a coach or parent with youth sports?

Submit results and photos to: tribsports@albertleatribune.com

Thorne Crest Senior Living Community staff pose with gifts purchased for a local family.

Provided

donated money for gifts to be purchased. In the end, there was an additional $135 raised that was used to purchase Hy-Vee gift cards so the family could enjoy a Christmas meal.

Thorne Crest Senior Living Community is happy to report that the true meaning of Christmas was alive and well in the senior living community. Being able to help a family in need was a wonderful experience that brought the whole community even closer together as a family.

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Thorne Crest Senior Living Community residents and staff participated in collecting money and donating gifts to a family in need over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday.

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“I love the convenience of having physical therapy in the same building as my apartment. The staff and equipment have been wonderful for helping me to get back my physical independence.”

Ardelle Knutson St. John’s Lutheran Community, Water’s Edge Tenant

Tags were placed on a tree at Thorne Crest with items the family was in need of.

Tell us about the news in your neighborhood

507.379.3433

email: Sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

Short-Stay & Rehablitation Services Private Rooms | Accepting Medicare & Insurances Physical, Occupation & Speech Therapy | Sunday Worship

Fountain Lake | 1761 Eagle View Circle | Albert Lea, MN | 507-373-8226

Page 4 | SENIOR LIVING | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2020

Washington Avenue Apartments 608 South Washington Avenue Albert Lea, Minnesota

Quality, Subsidized Apartments for Seniors ages 62 and Better • 1 BR apts.

• Accessible apts. available • Rent based on income • Window treatments

• Laundry room on each floor • Elevator service • Community dining room • Outdoor patio w/grill • Pets Welcome!

Senior Spotlight: Hazel Senske sister’s lake home. from high school Former occupation: SecNative of: northern Min- retary and instructional asWhat would you say is nesota (Frazee) sistant for the Albert Lea your greatest accomplishschool district ment? Raising four wonPlace of residency: St. derful children. I am very John’s Lutheran CommuWhat is your favorite proud of them all; they are nity, Water’s Edge on Foun- childhood memory? Being caring and loving. All four tain Lake on the family farm. My of them went to college family had dairy cattle, and are successful in life.

Family: husband who has horses and pigs passed (Eldon); four children, Is there a piece of advice Greg Senske, Jim Senske, What is your favorite you wish someone had Bruce Senske and Debra memory from adulthood? given you or you would Senske; eight grandchildren Family gatherings. We are have listened to when you and 21 great-grandchildren a very loving and close were younger? Not really, family. We had many family because I’ve had a wonderEducation: graduated reunions and events at my ful life; I feel very blessed.

Age: 91

What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?

To raise your family in the church. It gives them a good foundation for life.

What do you enjoy most about where you are living now? I like the freedom of being in an apartment. I love all the activities, especially playing Mexican Train, bingo, yoga and Bible study. I love the little cafe here, too. I also enjoy spending time with all the friends I’ve made here.

Apartments available NOW!

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(800) 466-7722 x231

Tips Continued from Front Page

Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can lower blood pressure over time, which may help reduce your stroke risk. Some fruits and vegetables, such as mangos, avocados and blueberries, are especially rich in vitamins and minerals that improve brain function and heart health.

• Rest up. Getting seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night can improve brain function both today and long-term. A

soothing bedtime routine and avoiding screen time before bed can increase the quality of sleep you’re able to get. Sleep-related breathing issues may also increase stroke risk, so seek treatment right away if you suspect sleep apnea or similar problems.

• Meditate. Emerging science shows practicing mindfulness and being aware of your breathing may reduce blood pressure.

A quick way to be mindful anytime is to pause, notice your breath and observe details in your surroundings.

• Take a hike. Getting

active activates brain cells, encouraging them to grow and connect more efficiently. Aerobic exercise, like going for a walk, also gives your arteries a workout and makes your brain more resilient to reductions in blood flow that can cause strokes. To maximize health benefits, the American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (or a combination) and two days per week of moderateto high-intensity muscle strengthening activity.

“These simple suggestions are great for everyone to follow, even if you don’t think you’re likely to have a stroke,” Schwamm said. “While many adults don’t think they are at risk for stroke or reduced brain function, the reality is that nearly half of all adults in America have high blood pressure, and untreated high blood pressure is one of the most common causes of stroke and also causes up to 60% of dementia.”

For more information and tips for preventing stroke, visit Stroke.org/ WorldStrokeDay.

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e’re a senior living community with a big heart, a welcoming smile and a single purpose. We exist to help you write the very best next chapter of your life.

Whether you are looking for a place with activities and friends close by, or you need a helping hand, we have what you need.

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