ABHM InnerCircle Dec2015

WINTER 2015

Inner Circle Recommitment to Our Mission

T LOOK INSIDE: PAGE 2: New Logo Reflects New Era for ABHM

PAGE 3: Positive Impact PAGE 4: Congratulations 2015-2016 Harold W. Kleinpaste Nursing Scholarship Recipients

PAGE 5: Dedicated Servants PAGES 6-11: Our Health and Well-Being

PAGE 12: How to Name Us as a Beneficiary

he mission of American Baptist Homes of the Midwest (ABHM) began over 85 years ago and has grown and developed into a vital ministry serving 2,200 people in seven senior living communities and 45 group homes. Today, ABHM’s commitment to our mission is stronger than ever as we continue “creating healthy Christian communities that empower older adults, families and people with disabilities, and provide choices for housing, services and technology that enrich body, mind and spirit.” The commitment to our mission, along with expanded services and recent campus redevelopment, has shaped a bright future for ABHM. Our recommitment to the future takes many forms. For our senior living communities, it becomes apparent in the form of extensive structural and programmatic changes that result in a more complete continuum of housing and services for residents. Changes can also be seen in the programming offered. For example, each community now provides

The newly remodeled memory care area at The Community at Franklin Park has a comfortable feel, complete with fireplace.

residents, at every level of care, the opportunity to join a wellness program.

For a number of communities with independent living, residents are now able to enjoy new Wellness Centers with fitness rooms and swimming pools. During the past several years ABHM spiritual programs have also experienced significant growth.

Each community now has a chaplain on staff to provide spiritual support and guidance to residents, families and staff should the need arise.

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Recommitment to Our Mission Continued from Page 1

As people live longer, more active lives, their need for healthcare related services change. There is a greater demand for rehabilitation services, assisted living and memory care.

To meet the growing need, ABHM has introduced new products and services that give residents greater choices. Specific examples are clearly evident in Denver, Colorado, where Mountain Vista recently opened an assisted living memory care center, and just across town, The Community at Franklin Park remodeled the top floor of its building to provide a comprehensive memory care program. In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Trail Ridge increased the number of assisted living apartments from 20 to 42 and added a new memory care center. And in Albert Lea, Minnesota, Thorne Crest

has made similar changes. These expanded living options allow loved ones to age in place and couples to remain together, caring for one another, despite changes in their healthcare needs.

These are just a few examples of the changes taking place at ABHM and a glimpse of the future we envision. In the pages that

follow, you can learn more about ABHM as we highlight our initiatives in the areas of wellness, spiritual services and philanthropy, and celebrate this year’s recipients of the Harold W. Kleinpaste Nursing Scholarship.

It’s a new day at ABHM, where we are creating healthy Christian communities that empower people.

If ABHM is in your will or other estate plan and you have yet to inform us, would you please take a moment to let us know? Even if you wish for your gift to remain anonymous, it’s important to inform us so that we can ensure your gift will be used exactly as you intend. If you’re still making an estate plan, we would be happy to answer any questions you have about your giving options. Simply contact John Sundquist at (952) 253.1480.

New Logo Reflects New Era for ABHM With the extensive transformation of many ABHM communities, as well as expanded services, ABHM would like to introduce our new logo!

We are excited to present it here in the latest edition of

Inner Circle newsletter. We feel the new logo more accurately represents the vision and future of the NEW ABHM. Along with the new logo, you can see a redesigned newsletter format—we hope you like it!

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Residents and their guests can enjoy bocce ball and other activities in the new Glenn Goethel Sports Complex at Tudor Oaks in Muskego, Wisconsin. The recreation area honors a former resident and was made possible through the generosity of donors.

Positive Impact

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BHM communities continue their mission “to create healthy Christian communities that empower older adults and provide choices for housing, services and technology that enrich body, mind and spirit” and are regularly engaged in projects to renovate and expand the communities in order to enrich the lives of residents.

Throughout the ABHM system numerous campus improvements are made possible through the generous donations from a variety of benefactors. These benefactors range from individuals and families to local businesses, churches and other affiliated organizations. Through their thoughtful gifts, these donors have a lasting impact on the lives of residents and the communities.

Each ABHM community’s needs are unique and consequently, projects differ between communities. Smaller projects may include building a garden to provide fresh summer vegetables, to large scale projects

such as the complete remodel of a community chapel.

ABHM communities have seen a great deal of change through our redevelopment projects; however, there is still much to do.

The positive impact of our donors’ generosity can be seen in the recently opened Glenn Goethel Sports Complex at Tudor Oaks in Muskego, Wisconsin. The addition of this family friendly outdoor recreation area was made possible entirely though the generosity of those lives Glenn touched. Residents and their guests are now able to enjoy a variety of activities including horseshoe pits, bocce ball, shuffleboard, a croquet court and two golf areas, along with walking paths and sun shading pergolas to complete the space. The following is a story about the man who inspired this fantastic addition to the community.

Glenn Goethel: Collecting Friends “Friday Night at the Movies” for

the residents of Tudor Oaks is a fun event! It brings back special memories of date night—the kind where you met your best friends and just had a good time. On Friday nights at Tudor Oaks, daily activities wind down and it’s time to relax and enjoy the weekend. It starts with dinner in the on-campus restaurant, Tudor Oaks’ Oak Ridge Room, where advance reservations are required, a hostess seats you and fine culinary fare is the norm. Then it’s onto the Olive Wood Theater just down the hall for an enjoyable evening at the movies.

The much anticipated “Friday Night at the Movies” is largely attributable to one man, Glenn Goethel. Everyone who met Glenn became a friend. His ability to make friends, whether young or old, began much earlier in his career when he served as audio visual specialist for a Milwaukee-area Spanish speaking middle school. In a generation when Continued on Page 4

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Positive Impact Continued from Page 3

being a “techie” was not yet in vogue, Glenn was on the cutting edge, bringing the latest technology to the educational benefit of his beloved students.

Decades later when he and his wife, Joan, moved into the Tudor Oaks Senior Living Community, he once again saw an opportunity to bring his technical interests and skills to bear and created what would become the highlight of the week, “Friday Night at the Movies.”

Glenn’s technical prowess brought to his Olive Wood Theater audience

not just the ‘oldies,’ but thanks to streaming video from the Internet, the latest from Hollywood.

This is one of the many reasons Glenn was loved by all and clearly cared deeply about others. Thus, when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, it is not surprising that his friends gathered around him in loving support. Hearts filled with gratitude and admiration, they designed, built and equipped an expansive recreational complex named in his honor. Now, in addition to “Friday Night at the

Glenn Goethel, seated, and his family stand outside the recreational complex named in his honor.

Movies,” his friends can remember him as they enjoy the Glenn Goethel Sports Complex.

Congratulations 2015-2016 Harold W. Kleinpaste Nursing Scholarship Recipients!

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BHM is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the Harold W. Kleinpaste Nursing Scholarship. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, we are able to offer this scholarship to ABHM employees who are seeking a career in nursing. Your contributions allow these dedicated caregivers the opportunity to be the best they can be. This year’s recipients are:

Rhoda Darkwa Rhoda Darkwa is a licensed practical nurse at Maple Crest Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. A constant go-getter who goes the extra mile, giving her best in all she does, Rhoda is working toward her goal of becoming a geriatric nurse and counselor.

Her love of people and helpful nature,

combined with an optimistic and positive attitude, make her a great nurse and asset to Maple Crest. We are excited to help Rhoda as she seeks her degree as a registered nurse.

Philip Lwanga Philip Lwanga has served at Mountain Vista Senior Living Community, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, for the

past three years as a certified nursing assistant. Always putting the resident’s needs above his own, Philip seeks to be a role model for his family and community. A compassionate and hardworking team player, he builds strong bonds with residents and co-workers alike.

Balancing the challenges of family and work as he pursues a degree in practical nursing, Philip continues to excel in all he does.

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Dedicated Servants

By John Sundquist

F

ive years ago, American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, with our purpose of creating healthy Christian communities that empower people, set out to develop a more comprehensive Spiritual Services program for our residents and their families. In 2011, to accomplish this goal, ABHM sought to become an industry leader by adopting the Association of Professional Chaplains’ Standards of Practice for Professional Chaplains in Long-Term Care. The implementation of these standards laid the foundation to develop a consistent Spiritual Services program at each of our communities.

Today, I am pleased to share that ABHM has chaplains at every community, and we continually seek to expand and improve our program. In the past year alone, we saw the addition of a second chaplain at Tudor Oaks and Trail Ridge, further enhancing the Spiritual Services program and care at those communities.

It is hard to overstate the impact a chaplain can have on the lives of residents, particularly residents in assisted living, health centers or a memory care center. For these residents, a chaplain can bring the comfort of faith and memories of worship and fellowship to brighten their day. Prayers offered and Scripture shared can often ease their burdens and lift their spirits.

These dedicated servants are making a difference for the sake of God’s community as our newest chaplain, Rebecca Trobec, recently shared with me:

“ …we provide a devotional time for our memory care residents.

One resident, Grace, prefers to spend much of her time in bed.

At 104 years old, it is not unusual to desire more ‘nap time.’

One day last month, I sat with Grace during lunch. Typically, during lunch, she will ask to return to her room so she can lie down. I asked Grace if she would care to join me outdoors. ‘I’m not sure how to get there,’ was her response. I assured her I would be with her every step of the way. She agreed to take the journey, so long as I was present. It was just across the dining room but for Grace, this seemed like a long way. As I look back, I was acting like ‘Jesus’ to Grace. For all she knew I was guiding her along to an unknown, perhaps dangerous place.

We spent about half an hour looking at nature, feeling the breeze on our faces. You see, Grace is almost blind and during our time together, I picked flowers and placed them in her hands. I described them to her—the color and name of the flower. While Grace may not recall that day, I

know she had a moment of total enjoyment. She may have felt God in the moment: as His breath washed over her face, as she felt the softness of the flowers, as she felt reassured of her personal journey.”

Thanks to the generosity of those who have contributed to the Mission Legacy Fund, ABHM has transformed our Spiritual Services program and become an industry leader in the field of long-term chaplaincy by recognizing holistic wellness includes body, mind and spirit.

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Our Health and Well-Being It’s Not a Destination but a Journey I

f you’ve been around any ABHM community in the last several years, you undoubtedly have seen or experienced the construction and remodeling taking place at all of our campuses. However, there’s much more happening than putting up new buildings.

A number of years ago ABHM embarked on a journey to provide those we serve with the opportunity to embrace a holistic wellness philosophy. This new approach would, and has, proven to help residents maintain and improve their health.

Today, all ABHM communities have space dedicated to wellness and exercise programs along with the latest equipment. In addition to these amenities, communities have on staff wellness directors and certified wellness coaches to guide residents as they set and achieve their goals.

This effort began in 2007 when ABHM partnered with Age Dynamics Inc., a company that has produced award winning programs for senior living communities in 40 states. ABHM started a pilot program at Tudor Oaks in Muskego, Wisconsin, which has since become

the model for Wellness Centers at Trail Ridge Senior Living Community in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Thorne Crest Senior Living in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

In Harlan, Iowa, Elm Crest Senior Living Community encourages residents to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle by giving them a complimentary membership to the Petersen Family Wellness Center.

In 2012, ABHM sought out BEST Age/Physiologic Program LLC, a nationally recognized exercise provider, to further expand our programs to residents living in our healthcare centers.

As of 2015, all six of our health centers have these professionally developed and customized programs in place to help residents improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance.

These programs also follow a resident’s treatment plan through physical, occupational therapy and traditional rehabilitation.

These new programs allow all ABHM independent living, assisted living and health center residents to participate, improve and/or maintain their physical health and well-being with the assistance and guidance

Residents of Trail Ridge Senior Living Community benefit from our expanded wellness and exercise programs.

from professionals. The results from the wellness and exercise programs at all levels have been overwhelmingly positive. Each resident is assessed and tested prior to beginning the programs and then on a quarterly basis to track progress. Assessments are completed by professional wellness directors and results are shared with the residents to see where adjustments might be made to further improvements.

There are numerous success stories, but those are best shared by the wellness directors and the residents they have worked with for months or years. A few of their stories appear on the following pages.

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The Wellness Philosophy of Weston Hulst, ABHM Corporate Wellness Director Weston Hulst oversees ABHM’s wellness programs to ensure consistency and compliance. He began his wellness career with ABHM in 2009 as the wellness director at our Thorne Crest Senior Living Community, (Albert Lea, Minnesota) and moved to a corporate position in May 2015.

Taking care of our physical bodies is vitally important, especially as we age.

Our bodies are our instruments helping us lead productive, meaningful and enjoyable lives. Being physically well gives us independence, confidence and allows us to do the things we enjoy.

That is why being active and taking care of ourselves physically affects all other dimensions of wellness.

ABHM has incorporated the traditional six dimensions of wellness: physical, mental, social, emotional, spiritual and vocational as one of its core philosophies. All of these dimensions are intertwined and influence one another. If one dimension is failing, it affects the others. If one dimension is

thriving, it affects the others. (ABHM has also made great strides in providing spiritual care and services for residents.

See the article, Dedicated Servants, by Rev. John Sundquist, ABHM’s director of advancement and spiritual services, included on Page 5.)

I believe improving your physical wellness is a tangible and attainable goal, and in my opinion, maybe more so than the other dimensions. It is easy to see that if you start a strength training regimen, you will get stronger.

It is also easy to see the opposite, and don’t demand anything from your body, you will become weaker. Exercise is the closest thing to the ‘fountain of youth’ that you will experience, and it’s never too late to start.

Exercising and being physically active is a great way to not only improve your physical health, but to improve your overall health. On the following pages you can read success stories of residents who improved their physical fitness and as a result, gained a whole new outlook on life!

Weston Hulst, ABHM corporate wellness director

Many supporters like to make a gift to assist important causes that matter most to them.

Contact John Sundquist at (952) 253.1480 to learn how you can support ABHM communities.

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Changing a Way of Life The following story comes from Tudor Oaks Senior Living Community, located in Muskego, Wisconsin. It follows the recent journey of Terry, an independent living resident. Terry’s story is told by Lisa Grimmer, Tudor Oaks wellness director. Lisa has been with Tudor Oaks since June 2007.

Everyone knows moving to a new home is not easy and often takes an adjustment period before getting all settled in. One resident of Tudor Oaks used her move as a moment to change her way of living—all for the better.

Teresa (Terry) moved in to Tudor Oaks last August. With all the good food available she gained 14 pounds by the end of the year. In January, she decided it was time to lose not only the weight she had gained, but those extra pounds she didn’t want to carry around anymore. She started attending water exercise classes and seated strength classes to get a jump start.

In June, Terry learned a knee replacement was in her future.

However, the doctor said she needed to lose weight before they could do the surgery—that was the turning point for Terry. She became focused on this new challenge and started participating in more exercise classes and practiced better portion control.

The wellness team at Tudor Oaks worked with Terry to set up

Water exercise is one of the many ways residents stay fit.

a complete exercise and nutritional program to help her meet her shortterm goal, lose 45 lbs. before surgery, and set up long-term goals to keep her moving toward a healthy future.

To date, Terry has met her shortterm goal and she will no doubt achieve her long-term goals through her continued participation in activities from the seated strength training to Bocce ball.

When asked what played the major role in her weight loss, Terry said that the accessibility to a pool, fitness center and wellness classes right downstairs, along with a new sense of self discipline and encouragement from the wellness staff were vital to her success.

Terry is a great example of what hard work and determination can

accomplish, no matter what stage of life you’re in!

Your gifts to ABHM help us enhance programs for residents.

Contact John Sundquist at jsundquist@abhomes.org or (952) 253.1480 to learn more.

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Improvement at Any Point The next story is about Jack, a resident at Mountain Vista Senior Living Community in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Jack’s story is told by Timothy “T.J.” Shirley, wellness director for our Denver locations. T.J. joined ABHM as the wellness director in March 2014.

As Jackson “Jack” Dennis looks over his test results he has several questions for me. He asks about the motions performed in the tests and wants to know if his triceps have become stronger.

As the wellness director at Mountain Vista Senior Living Community in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, I field a good number of questions like Jack’s regarding exercise performance. Using his personalized testing data and recent evaluation scores, I promptly showed Jack that indeed he increased the strength in his triceps. But that is just the start of the good news. In fact, all of

his test scores had improved since his last test, including his endurance marching test, which had gone up by 5,300 percent! Jack looked back at me, pleased with his progress and thanked me for giving him a copy of his personal results that included a detailed description of his scores.

Spurred by Jack’s success in the wellness program, I found myself wanting to know more about his personal journey and what brought him to Mountain Vista.

Since entering the health and wellness industry over 10 years ago, I have always been interested in people’s stories, how they have stayed healthy and the steps they had taken to overcome their health issues.

I asked Jack if he had been active his whole life; his response was a quick, “No, not really.” I smiled and probed Continued on Page 10

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Improvement at Any Point Continued from Page 9

a bit to gain more insight into his exercise history. The story he told me only widened the smile on my face and affirmed something I have always believed about exercise—it’s never to late to start.

What Jack told me was not unlike many stories I have heard in my career. He told me that up until about age 25 he was very active and then his activity all but stopped.

He shared, as many people do, that life and work just got too busy for him to fit it all in. When I asked for more clarification, he said, “I had two kids and I needed to focus on being a father,” and exercise and activity got pushed to the back burner, but not for good. In his 50s, Jack decided that it was about time to “take on the mountains.”

I asked Jack if he meant hiking or rock climbing when he said “take

on the mountains.” He smiled and said, “Both.” Needless to say, I was impressed. As a hiker myself, I often avoid hikes and routes that involve vertical climbing. Jack harbored no such hesitation. He made the decision to get out there and take each hike head on. This drive led him to keep climbing for the next 20 years. His resilience and drive still serve him today and are reflected in the hard work he continues to put in during the exercise classes offered at Mountain Vista.

One of the most compelling things about Jack’s story is that it reminds us all that there is no such thing as too late. At any point in a person’s life, they can see improvement in their movement and strength. If a person decides to begin exercising at age 90, and

they stick to it, they will see positive results.

This is an important concept our wellness program tries to share throughout the community, and when I see people like Jack, it is renewing and gives me a great deal of job satisfaction.

Jack is now in his 80s and his mountaineering days may be behind him, but he is still dedicated to maintaining his health and staying strong. Jack attends class almost every day, save days when he is out of the community on another type of adventure. Jack’s story makes me think about taking hikes more frequently, and maybe, just maybe, consider doing trails that involve vertical climbing because I know I can improve at any point in my life.

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Inner Circle / PAGE 11

ABHM corporate wellness director Weston Hulst leads a group exercise class to improve overall health.

Residents at Mountain Vista Senior Living Community are getting stronger with regular exercise.

Even With Setbacks You Can Get Back on Track This story follows an independent living resident at Trail Ridge Senior Living Community in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The community’s wellness program serves residents through encouragement and leadership to create healthy lifestyles. Trail Ridge performs a physical assessment for residents upon move-in, which is then updated yearly. In 2008, Jona Leo was hired as wellness director for Trail Ridge to develop the program and improve this important aspect of residents’ lives.

Carol Nielsen, a resident at Trail Ridge Senior Living Community, has her own wellness story.

Jona set up classes according to each person’s abilities by using the senior fitness test and I was placed in the

green level class (most strenuous). The new classes and exercises led me to a stronger body, improved balance and more mental sharpness.

Beginning in 2011, I experienced a number of health issues that left me nearly immobile for several months.

The result of these conditions was longterm pain, reduced strength and poor balance. To help me get my strength and balance back, as well as reduce my pain, I turned to Trail Ridge wellness director Jona Leo. Jona created a regimen that included at-home exercises, followed by instructor-led classes. By October 2011, I gained enough strength and endurance to participate in the yellow class (moderate level).

Finally, in January 2012, I made it back to the green classes (most strenuous), taking my journey full

circle. Having Trail Ridge classes to match our abilities is absolutely priceless when life throws you a curve ball.

Now, after two years of redevelopment construction, Trail Ridge has a beautiful Wellness Center to call home—complete with aquatic center, fitness room and new classroom. Never has exercising been more important and with these new amenities, it’s icing on the cake.

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We Continue Our Journey Toward Health and Well-Being

T

he stories, as told earlier, primarily depict one aspect of the six dimensions of wellness, i.e. the physical component. However, if you were to observe the wellness exercise classes you would know there’s a lot of socialization, and

many times an emotional aspect, to improving and maintaining physical wellness. At all ABHM communities we continue to enhance and expand our programs to meet the changing needs of residents.

HOW TO NAME US AS A BENEFICIARY If you are looking for an easy way to support ABHM but can’t part with assets today, consider designating us as the beneficiary of your retirement plan assets, insurance policies or commercial annuities.

These types of gifts are simple and offer peace of mind since they can be altered at any time throughout your lifetime. Follow these steps to complete your gift:

1

CONTACT your retirement plan administrator, insurance company,

bank or financial institution for a changeof-beneficiary form.

2

DECIDE what percentage (1–100) you would like us to receive and

name ABHM, along with the percentage you chose, on the beneficiary form.

3

RETURN the form to your plan administrator, insurance company,

bank or financial institution.

The information in this publication is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.