Thorne Crest Newsletter Fall 2014

Thorne Crest Retirement Community

In This Issue:

Thorne Crest Health Center Recognized For Excellence Experience the New Thorne Crest Staying Active Is Easy At Thorne Crest

Fall 2014

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– FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR –

Thorne Crest Receives Top Marks

ooking at an aerial view of what Thorne Crest will look like after the renovations, which started in June of this year, are completed, I believe everyone would agree, “we are excited”!! Residents are watching the construction daily, staff is excited to see the changes and families are anxiously awaiting updates on the progress being made. To keep everyone updated on the project we host monthly meetings to discuss project details and answer questions.

health inspection. Tim O’Brien, V.P. of Quality Services for American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, parent company to Thorne Crest, states, “Achieving this level of excellence clearly Thorne Crest Administrator Shanna Eckberg and RN illustrates Thorne Crest’s Brenda Herman with the dedication and Excellence In Action Award commitment to delivering superior service to residents and the greater Albert Lea community.” For more information please view our rating on-line at CMS.gov or Medicare.gov.

At our September meetings with residents, we presented our 2014 Customer Satisfaction Survey results, which were fantastic. To validate the direction and success of our programs we have just received the Excellence in Action Award from the National Research Corporation, which gathers information on Residents and staff members celebrated this over 8,500 senior achievement by living locations having a 5-star throughout the party with food country. This award and games for all. recognizes senior We also had a pie living organizations eating contest that achieve high where residents levels of excellence in and staff alike overall customer participated. satisfaction. Mary Redevelopment Oakes, Vice PresOur ident of Post-Acute Redevelopment at National Research, An Aerial View of the New Thorne Crest to be Completed In 2015 continues with changes happening daily!

The garage is states, “Every day, these providers are making a well on its way to completion. This will allow our difference in the lives of residents across all facets of apartment residents to get to their car without battling the long term care and the senior living spectrum to the cold this winter. The new Assisted Living area is ensure they are receiving the utmost quality of care.” expected to have the first of the apartments ready to We are honored to have received this award and would occupy by late Fall. The wellness center is starting now, like to thank the residents and families who provided and the pool will be filled and ready to use in the feedback and responded to the survey, helping make us spring. Needless to say it is an exciting time as we the best we can be. watch the new Thorne Crest being created before our In addition to the Excellence in Action Award, this very eyes. past month Thorne Crest’s Health Center also received Stop by and take a look. Be sure to “like” us a 5-Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare and on Facebook for regular progress updates.

Medicaid (CMS.gov)! The 5-Star Rating is awarded www.facebook.com/thornecrest only after a community is considered overall, much Shanna Eckberg, Administrator above average in staffing levels, quality measures and

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Thorne Crest Health Center Has Received A 5-STAR Quality Ranking from Medicare.gov

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Architect’s Rendering of new entrance to Thorne Crest Health Center, to be completed in 2014.

horne Crest’s Health Center has been name a 5-Star rating by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS.gov). The 5-Star rating is awarded only after a community is considered overall much above average in staffing levels, quality measures and health inspection. Tim O’Brien, ABHM’s V.P. of Quality Services, states “achieving this level of excellence clearly illustrates Thorne Crest’s dedication and commitment to delivering superior service to residents in the greater Albert Lea community.”

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Thorne Crest Also Receives Customer Satisfaction Award “Excellence-In-Action” by National Research Corporation

horne Crest Health Center has also received the “Excellence-In-Action” award by the National Research Coroportation’s Innver-View. This award recognizes senior living organizations that achieve high levels of excellence in overall customer satisfaction. Mary Oakes, Vice President of PostAcute at National Research, states “every day, these providers are making a difference in the lives of residents across all facets of the long term care and the senior living spectrum to ensure they are receiving the utmost quality of care.”

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Experience the

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Thorne Crest or 40 years, Thorne Crest has been known for being a great place to spend your retirement, and that tradition continues today. We have a wonderful, caring staff, offer home cooked meals, daily social and physical activities, as well as transportation around town–which is particularly convenient during the winter months. Residents feel secure knowing if they ever do need a little extra help, we have a 24hour staff and can provide assistance

right in their own home.

If you have an interest in senior living, now is the time to stop by for a visit and tour our beautifully renovated Independent Living apartment homes.

When you choose to make the move to Thorne Crest, your apartment will be new from top-to-bottom with a brand new open floor plan to create a home that is comfortable and welcoming. You also have the opportunity to choose from a variety of granite counter tops, appliances, cabinetry, flooring and tile, making this home truly yours.

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Lifestyle!

This is your home and your style – & now our 90% refundable entry fee option makes Thorne Crest the best deal in town.

To learn more about Thorne Crest call today to schedule a personal tour with Karen at 507-373-2311.

The Independent Living apartments at Thorne Crest feature the latest in design and care-free living. Completely renovated one and two-bedroom apartments with balconies and garages are available. All apartments offer safety and security with optional meal plans, laundry and housekeeping services. With winter weather right around the corner, now’s the time to make the move to our Independent Living Apartments!

Artist’s Rendering of New Bistro Area

Artist’s Rendering of New Lobby Area

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Activities Abound at Thorne Crest

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oday, the idea of aging gracefully has been replaced with the efforts of successful aging. We all know the importance of physical exercise in maintaining health, but did you know that keeping mentally fit/active and socially engaged are equally as important as we strive to age successfully?

Research has shown that keeping mentally fit and socially engaged can help us ward off many of the conditions and diseases traditionally associated with aging. Maintaining mental fitness is important to warding off Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and mental well-being goes hand-in-hand with keeping our bodies strong. Being socially engaged can help lower blood pressure and may reduce the risks for Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular problems, some cancers, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

At Thorne Crest Retirement Community we recognize how important physical, mental and social activities are in helping residents maintain their active lifestyle.

When a new resident makes Thorne Crest their home, we see an opportunity to engage them in activities designed to help that person live life to their fullest – no

matter what their limitations may be. We welcome the chance to help residents continue to enjoy the hobbies and pastimes they have spent a lifetime mastering – as well as introducing them to new experiences that may just become their new passion.

The Activities and Wellness teams at Thorne Crest, along with input from residents, create a vast number of activities and events that keep residents engaged throughout the campus. Although many activities are open to all residents, there are several programs designed for residents at a specific level of care.

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Residents in independent living enjoy an extensive social calendar. There are monthly dinner excursions, and to make it easy, Thorne Crest provides the transportation for the group. Residents host birthday parties every month and, of course, celebrate special occasion like the Mother-Daughter Tea, Fathers Day Barbecue and the annual Holiday Dinner. The residents themselves also plan a number of other activities and outings.

ASSISTED LIVING

Life is equally as active for Assisted Living residents at Thorne Crest! Exercise classes are offered throughout the week and every afternoon residents can enjoy

Thorne Crest social activities that include musical entertainment and even monthly social hours. Assisted living residents also enjoy group outings. Each week there are shopping opportunities when residents can take the Thorne Crest bus right to the door.

HEALTH CENTER

The Activities Calendar is full of all kinds of musical, spiritual, social and entertainment events for our Health Center residents as well. Crafts, baking, movies, even manicures are offered throughout the week.

Health Center residents also have the opportunity go on excursions such as fishing trips and country drives.

Thorne Crest also plans regular events that are open to all residents and families. The residents especially

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enjoyed the all campus outdoor picnics and making home made ice cream is fun to make, and eat! In addition, Thorne Crest participates in local area parades, hosts weekly communion and chapel services for area denominations.

At Thorne Crest, we recognize the importance of integrating physical, mental and social well-being into each resident’s lifestyle or care plan. We are committed to helping each resident reach their fullest potential and we encourage and support each resident to remain engaged and active.

Living a quality life is no longer just the luck of the draw - being mentally fit and socially engaged promotes physical well-being, and all three together provide the best guarantee of aging successfully.

Thorne Crest Announces New Wellness Director

horne Crest is proud to welcome Katie Bielefeld as the new Wellness Director. Katie comes to Thorne Crest with many years of training, education and experience. Katie will oversee all of the Wellness classes and activities. Thorne Crest started the Wellness program in 2010, and the program has grown to include a restorative program in the skilled

Artist’s Rendering of new Wellness Center Pool

nursing center that has been extremely successful. Katie stated “I’m really excited to continue to grow our wellness programs.

Watching the impact that wellness has on people really draws you in.

My goal is to continue to help residents and community members Katie Bielefeld Thorne Crest to not only maintain strength, but to Wellness Director restore and improve overall wellness.” Katie is looking forward to the new wellness center with a pool currently under construction. “The health benefits of using the pool are phenomenal, no matter what your level of fitness.” Katie and her husband Jordan live near Northwood, Iowa, and have 3 children, William 7, Madeline 6, and Weston 2.

Thorne Crest Retirement Community 1201 Garfield Ave. Albert Lea, MN, 56007 (507) 373-2311 www.ThorneCrest.net

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

Now You Can Support Thorne Crest Online Through Website

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e hope that you have had an opportunity to check out the new Thorne Crest website and Facebook pages.

Today we are excited to announce the third part of our new expanded online presence, the new Thorne Crest Foundation web page. You can find the new page at www.thornecrest.net/thorne-crest-foundation or under “Community Information� on the main ThorneCrest.net web page. Here you will find information about the many ways you can contribute and become part of our tradition of quality care and service. Please visit us online and learn how you can give today!

and Stay Up-To-Date on the Community! www.Facebook.com/ThorneCrest