Thornecrest newsletter winter2014 for issuu

Thorne Crest Retirement Community

Finding Senior Living That Is Right For You Thorne Crest Welcomes New Chaplain The Keys To A Healthier You

Winter 2014

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A Message from the Administrator

f you ask a few of the staff members who were here when Thorne Crest first opened its doors in 1974 as a brand new Continuing Care Retirement Community or CCRC, what you hear are great memories and stories. One of our staff members still remembers when the very first resident moved in and the community, being very new at the time, did not have hangers in the closets for her clothes. They also remember the how each shift staff had to run water in bathrooms of the empty apartments to avoid plumbing issues. Those days are long behind us, however, until a few years ago we had a resident who had lived at Thorne Crest since 1974. In fact, we currently have several residents who have lived with us for over 20 years, which tells me that we are doing things right.

The residents love it here at Thorne Crest, and the long history and success of the community support this conclusion. Another fun bit of history related to Thorne Crest is how a portion of the campus used to be Saint Mary’s School and that the convent building still stands on the property today. While for many, there are many fond memories about Thorne Crest and its wonderful history, I can’t help but look forward to the future of Thorne Crest for both residents and staff.

In the next year we are beginning a project that will revitalize the campus and place Thorne Crest clearly at

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the forefront of senior living in Freeborn County.

Improvements range from a new Wellness Center and pool to a theatre, chapel, dedicated assisted living and memory care. In the Health Center we are shifting to a care model that has much more focus on person-centered care and introducing open dining. We are truly focused on resident choice.

Shanna Eckberg Thorne Crest Administrator

The Wellness Program continues to thrive throughout the campus with numerous classes running at all times of the day for residents and staff. The program has seen so much success and has becomes an integral part of the culture of the campus which is felt year round.

In 2014 we will be celebrating our 40th year! So much has changed in those years, yet one thing has remained the same; our commitment to providing the very best care and service to those who call Thorne Crest home.

We are proud of our beginnings and even more proud of what Thorne Crest is today. Stop by to take a tour or for a cup of coffee. We want to celebrate our 40th year with you!

Nutritional Needs Change as We Age

he aging process has many effects on the body and specifically the way it processes food and requires nutrition. As we age energy needs decrease leading to a lower calorie requirement. This can often lead to gradual weight gain over time. As the body continues to mature the proportion of lean body mass, made up of muscle, bone, and water, decreases. As a result the proportion of fat in the body increases. The stomach and intestines also change the way in which they process food. The production of acid and enzymes decrease leading to decreased absorption of nutrients, especially vitamin D, vitamin B-12, and calcium. A particularly vital organ, the liver, also changes over time, which can

result in decreased absorption of medications and supplements.

Interestingly, many of our senses begin to change and often decline, such as, taste, smell, texture recognition and analysis and temperature sensitivity. These changes translate to changes in the brain where the receptors that indicate hunger, satiety and thirst are weakened.

Studies show that a balanced diet providing adequate nutrition as well as physical activity are vital for good health. It is therefore important that Continued on Page 7

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Welcomes New Chaplain

haplain Julie Schaffer is excited about the opportunity to serve the residents and staff of Thorne Crest. Julie is no stranger to Minnesota and was raised in a large family in Western part of the state. After living for nearly 20 years in the Twin Cities she dreamed about moving back to her roots in a rural setting. She would often look for opportunities outside of the metro and when the Thorne Crest opportunity presented itself, she thought this might be her opportunity to make a move.

Julie’s most recent position was with ISC Hospice in the Twin Cities. She had been traveling to nine different care centers visiting the hospice patients and families. She also provided support to the memory care patients, assisted living residents and hosted Bible studies.

Julie’s educational background is extensive. She graduated from Northwestern College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Pastoral Care from Bethel Seminary. A key portion of her education has been Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and she has had three such experiences. Her first was at the University of Minnesota/ Fairview where she worked on the children’s unit and supported those in crisis. Her second CPE experience was in the North Metro at Mercy/Unity Hospital in orthopedics and oncology. Julie completed her third CPE experience at Bethesda Rehabilitation Hospital in St. Paul, MN. This involved a year-long residency in

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clinical pastoral education, patient and crisis support for the Healtheast system. Julie also has worked for Allina Health Care system in their hospice division and at Mercy Hospital. She is appreciative of the Julie Schaffer opportunities that Thorne Crest Chaplain have expanded her skill set.

Julie is thankful to be a part of the health care culture. She finds herself continuing to learn and to be refined personally and professionally. It was 20 years ago this month she came to faith in Christ. A verse that is special to her is Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait on the Lord will renew their strength they shall mount up on wings and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint.” For Julie, God is her source for strength and she has learned to draw from Him knowing that her righteousness is from Christ alone and not from anything else.

Julie enjoys spending her free time at the lake with her family. Julie has two grown daughters; Alicia lives in the St.Paul area and Kathleen is living in San Francisco, California. In addition to spending time with family, Julie continues to work on a counseling degree. She also enjoys exploring the outdoors, interior design, writing and photography.

Please stop by and visit with the new Thorne Crest Chaplain, Julie Schaffer.

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Find Senior Living

ith the myriad of choices in health care services offered today, choosing the right level of care for you or your loved one can be a daunting job. Home health care, independent senior living, assisted living, long-term care, skilled care-what do all these mean and which one is right for you?

Often the realization that you or your loved one needs additional help comes after a traumatic event. It might be a fall, a fracture, a stroke, or a diagnosis of a dementia-related disease like Alzheimer’s.

Sometimes the realization comes slowly. Maybe you are having trouble keeping up the house or carrying out your daily living activities. For some people, it’s simply the desire to not have the home maintenance, or wanting to have someone around if something does happen. No matter what you find your needs are as you age, there are options available to you.

For the individual or couple who manages well at home or needs minimal assistance, an Independent Living Apartment may just be the answer. At Thorne Crest, Independent living apartments are all newly renovated! When you select an apartment, you also have the opportunity to select the cabinet color, the flooring, the wall color and more! It is designed by you! You’ll enjoy amenities such as a beautiful dining experience daily with, what we are told, is some of the best food in town! Transportation is provided for appointments, and many social opportunities. Many activities are happening everyday. Residents often say “I just wish I would have come sooner!” And if you find that you need some extra help, we can provide services right in your apartment. We have nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day. For Independent living apartments, Residents pay a “Buy-in” (accommodation fee) and a monthly

service fee-but at the end of the occupancy they will receive 90% of their accommodation fee back. With these beautiful modern one and two bedroom apartments, this option has been very popular Rehabilitation at Thorne Crest since changing using the Omni VR system to the 90% refundable accommodation fee. It’s a great way to preserve part of your estate while enjoying your Golden years in your beautiful apartment home.

When more help with the activities of daily living are needed, an Assisted Living Apartment could be the best option to ensure the health and safety of a loved one while maintaining privacy and independence.

With assisted living, help with personal needs such as bathing and medication administration is offered in a private apartment. At Thorne Crest, our nursing staff is there to help when needed while residents maintain the level of independence they desire. In addition, our assisted living residents enjoy three delicious meals a day along with snacks, a variety of activities to keep them as busy and active as they desire to be. In Assisted Living, residents pay a monthly fee depending on the level of care they receive.

The highest level of care offered at retirement communities is the Health Care Center, also known as long-term care. This is the level of care most

That Is Right For You people think of when they hear “nursing home.�

Even at this level, the care provided can vary greatly, depending on the needs of the individual. In most cases, help is provided by nursing staff for activities such as bathing, dressing and dining. However, at Thorne Crest, our goal is to help residents achieve and maintain their highest level of mobility and functioning for as long as possible. Therapy as well as specialized equipment is provided to help residents continue to enjoy the daily activities they have become accustomed to.

When Rehabilitative Care is needed after a hospital stay, Thorne Crest has you covered! Our Transitional Care Unit, also known as the Rehab area, or short stay is a small, home like environment with separate entrance, separate dining and the very best state of the art rehabilitation services. The Omni VR system is the worlds first 3D virtual rehabilitation system designed specifically for aging adults for rehabilitation purposes. The technology is an important tool for physical, occupational and speech therapists to help make therapy more fun and rewarding for patients. Highly skilled therapists work one on one with you on a variety of therapeutic activities and exercises specifically selected for your

individual challenge or condition. Its easy, fun and very effective in helping you to reach your therapy goals, and get you back home as quickly as possible.

Whether you are in need of physical, occupational or speech therapy you can count on the team to get you back home, stronger and feeling better quickly.

Whether you or loved one are just beginning to think of senior housing options or you need to make a decision quickly, it pays to know what is available and appropriate for your needs. The more informed you are about your choices, the easier the transition to a new home will be. And that is something you can feel good about. For more information, please call Karen and 507-373-2311 or visit our website at www.ThorneCrest.net

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Is There a Centenarian Gene?

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Several recent studies have shown that longevity does run in families. Indeed it seems that the chances of reaching your 100th birthday increase dramatically if one or more parents has already gotten there. These same studies also indicate that even if they do not reach the milestone of becoming a centenarian, the children of centenarians seem to age better, and live longer, healthier lives than people who's parents died in their 70's. All of this then begs the question is there a "centenarian gene"? Researchers at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine think so, and they may have actually found it.

discovered that their offspring had significantly larger LDL particles then those in the control group.

Heart Disease is the number one killer of people in the United States.

Einstein may have discovered such a mutation. The gene in question regulates the size of lipoproteins in the body. One such lipoprotein is cholesterol. There are two types of cholesterol. HDL the so-called "good", and LDL, the so-called "bad" cholesterol. The mutation to the gene causes it to make HDL and LDL particles larger then they would normally be. It has long been known that people that produce larger LDL (bad) cholesterol particles have lower incidence of heart disease. The theory being that the larger molecules are too big to escape the bloodstream and form plaque on the arterial walls. According to the study, centenarians were three times more likely than the control group to have the mutation. Furthermore, the researchers

Of course we are far from having all of the answers as to why some people live healthy lives well into their tenth and eleventh decades, say researchers. But these findings are bringing us that much closer to understanding the role that genes play in longevity.

The Study

The researchers took a look at 213 people between 95 and 107, and their children. For comparison, they looked at 258 spouses of their offspring Actually what the researchers “What the researchers discovered and their neighbors. discovered is not a naturally is not a naturally occurring gene The lead researcher occurring gene that is linked to that is linked to old age, but a in the study, Dr. old age, but a gene mutation gene mutation that seems to Barzilai, noted that that seems to lengthen lives. lengthen lives.“ there have been The research was published in numerous studies that the Journal or the American Medical Association, have looked at the risk factors linked to JAMA. According to the results of the study, the developing diseases common to old age. But this is one scientist found that a gene mutation that can lead to of the few studies that have tried not to identify risk exceptionally long lives, can be passed along from one factors of obtaining certain disease as we age, but to generation to the next. look at why certain members of the population do not A Positive Mutation acquire these conditions, especially among the Most genetic mutations are at their least benign, at their exceptionally old population. Studying the genetic make-up of centenarians and their children, he said worst harmful. But there is the rare genetic mutation gives us a way to identify why these people show a that gives that organism an advantage. That is the very remarkable absence of age-related diseases. driving force behind evolution. The scientists at

Dr. Barzilai believes their results to be significant because they mean that the mutation of the lipoproteinmanufacturing gene is clearly associated with living longer. Even more interesting, finding the same mutation in both the centenarians and their children suggests that the mutation may be inherited. So in that respect we may have found a gene that is at least in part a factor in living to 100.

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Active Lifestyles Contribute To A Healther You

ccording to the Department of Health and Human Services, prescription drug use is rising among people of all ages, and use increases with age. Five out of six people 65 and older are taking at least one medication and almost half of the elderly take three or more. If you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, you can take a pill for it. If you have diabetes, you can take a pill. If you have trouble sleeping or are depressed, you can take a pill. Sounds simple right? If you have an illness, just take a medication for it. Well, it’s not that simple. Many medications also come with a myriad of side effects. And in many instances, these side effects are being controlled by a second or third medication!

One way you can reduce the number of prescription drugs you are using is by using just one treatment that has very, very minimal side effects. This treatment is called daily exercise. It has the potential to control, eliminate or prevent many illness or ailments. Exercise is truly a form of medicine.

Exercise has the potential to: • Reduced blood pressure • Reduced cholesterol • Prevent or slow diabetes • Prevent or slow arthritis • Prevent cancer • Prevent bone loss

Nutritional Changes, from Page 2

seniors, and care givers alike, take special note of changes in desire to eat, diet needs and energy levels.

At Thorne Crest one of the key benefits our residents experience is a consistently balanced diet through a wide variety of dining choices. Because we specialize in senior health care, and are familiar with many traditional issues that can stem from poor nutrition, our dining services program is continually monitored and updated to meet the needs of residents. We often create individual dining programs to address particular nutritional requirement for residents for short term needs, or programs to help resident on an ongoing or permanent basis.

• Improve muscle strength and endurance • Increase joint function • Increase mobility • Improve cardiovascular function • Help maintain healthy body weight • Ease activities of daily living • Reduce insomnia Weston Hulst • Increase energy levels Thorne Crest Wellness Director • Increase brain function • Increase self-esteem • Release endorphins (the “feel good” hormones) • Reduce stress and anxiety • Boost immunity • Increase productivity • Improve relationships • Help us feel connected with our body • Improve overall quality of life

Whether you are in your 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and beyond, it’s never too late to participate in this magical treatment. Make a positive change in your life and commit to an active lifestyle. Taking the daily dose of exercise is the way to go! ~Weston Hulst

By continually monitoring the nutrition of residents and taking steps to manage health issues related to nutrition, we are often able to help residents achieve and maintain a better level of health and a more enjoyable lifestyle. And, in fact, some studies show good nutrition can reduce the onset of certain diseases.

If you have any questions about our nutritional programs or dining services please feel free to contact Thorne Crest Dietician Anne Harguth or Dining Services Director Edie Arnold at 507-373-2311.

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

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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.

Need Rehab?

Here is what people say about Thorne Crest Rehab & Recovery: • Newly remodeled private rooms • Physical, occupational and speech therapy • Small, comfortable home like setting

“I was at Thorne Crest for

rehab and appreciate all the care and help from the staff. Their smiles and encouragement made healing so much easier.

Thank You.”

“Your nursing staff and everyone at Thorne Crest is great!” for more information call (507) 373-2311

Thorne Crest will be celebrating our

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in 2014!

Watch for additional details in upcoming ads, mailings and newsletters!