“It is such a blessing to be in a community. We always have people who can be an encouragement, listen to us, make us feel good about being alive.”– Carole Grubb Assisi Village Resident
Visitor Entrance
1 Administration Building Upper Level • Administrative Staff
• Human Resources
• Benevolent Foundation
2 Administration Building Lower Level
• Caregiver Resource Center
• Outpatient Therapy
• Stonehill At Home
In what year was Stonehill founded?
3 Health Center
• Long-term care
• Post-acute care
• San Damiano Chapel
4 Assisi Village
• Independent Living
• Assisted Living
• Assisted Living Memory Care
5 Wellness Center
Check your answer on page 12.
Padre Pio Dr. Windsor Ave. Windsor Ave. AssisiDr.After a formal application to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), Stonehill has been selected to participate in the GUIDE Model program. The Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model seeks to support individuals with dementia and living at home or in an independent/assisted living community and their caregivers. It will include case management, caregiver support services including respite care and a 24/7 support line, and screening for health-related social needs. GUIDE services will enhance the supports currently available through the Caregiver Resource Center. Once the participation agreement is finalized with CMS, we will begin preparations for a service start date of July 2025.
Each spring, we request the feedback of our residents, family members, and Wellness Center members regarding the service provided on our campus. This is a valuable opportunity for us to ensure all aspects of our service are in line with expectations and to discover areas for improvement. These surveys are collected by a 3rd party and cumulative results are shared with our team. We thank you for your input and for helping us enhance our services!
Stonehill recently joined the Iowa Health Care Association, a trade association whose goals include being a leading policy voice, improving quality and regulatory outcomes, developing solutions for workforce challenges, improving member reimbursement outcomes, being a powerful political voice, and supporting members in providing care. We look forward to networking with other Iowa aging services and healthcare providers, sharing resources and experiences, and working together to improve healthcare and aging services across Iowa.
Stonehill has applied for grant funding of $67,650 from Telligen Community Initiatives to assist with employee recruitment. If funded, the project will specifically address inclusive recruitment of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA’s). A task force with diverse representation would guide recruitment strategies of minorities into CNA classes with the ultimate goal of expanding the healthcare workforce and removing economic barriers for those interested in a career in healthcare.
Staying active, especially as we age, is essential to staying healthy. Exercise is imperative for our physical strength, but it can also help us sleep better, give us energy, promote mental health and delay or prevent cognitive decline. Even when we understand the benefits of staying active, sometimes the most difficult part is finding the motivation to “just do it.”
A new exercise class at Assisi Village, Music & Motion, is giving residents the motivation to keep coming back! The class offers residents an energetic way to sway to the music and move their bodies whether “Alexa” is playing ABBA, polka or country songs. Residents enjoy making music requests as staff members Sandy Koch and Lisa Tott guide them through the workout using drumsticks to play on large, rubber exercise balls, exercising their arms, legs and core. Residents get a cardio workout, improve flexibility, and have a great time moving and singing together. Residents say it’s a fun way to get moving and loosen up muscles, and they love the way Lisa and Sandy teach the class because they have so much energy and
Music and Motion has also been a hit in assisted living memory care. Volunteers Lou Oswald and Sherry Jacobs run the program. Lou moves around the group and plays his guitar and harmonica while Sherry helps residents use their drumsticks to beat on the exercise ball “drums.” Memory care residents look forward to the interactive, lively class that encourages everyone to move to the different beats and sing along. It is fun exercise that also encourages social interaction, mental stimulation and stress reduction. It’s hard to feel stressed or anxious when you’re laughing and having fun! The Music & Motion class in memory care is also open to the public and welcomes caregivers and their loved ones with dementia. Drop-in the first and third Mondays of the month at 1:00 pm.
View our monthly activities at stonehilldbq.com they get everyone to laugh and have fun.
Volunteer Sherry guides Assisted Living Memory Care residents in Music & MotionHappy Mother’s Day to all of the special ladies in our lives! We will be having some wonderful opportunities for families to join their mothers and other loved ones for events this month. On May 7th we will host a Mother’s Day social at 1:30 pm in the Coffee Shop featuring music by Janet Lieb. On May 15th at 2:00 pm we welcome the Lemon
Sisters as our special music entertainment for Mother’s Day. Also in May we will be planting flowers, which were started as seeds last month. As a result of some wonderful donations, we were able to purchase three wheelchair accessible raised garden boxes for our backyard and memory care patio. These flower beds will make it much easier for the residents to use their gardening skills, get up close, and smell the flowers while they get their hands dirty! Family, friends, and volunteers are welcome to join us to assist the residents and get their hands dirty too!
For Father’s Day this year we will be offering the men a backyard BBQ at 11:30 am on June 18th. We will also have special music entertainment from The Dubuque Music Men on June 15th at 2:00 pm. The Music Men is an a capella barbershop choir.
In July Stonehill will celebrate its 46th anniversary along with employee appreciation week. As part of our celebrations we are having a Summer Festival on July 31 at 1:30 pm. Jonny Lyons & the Pride will be performing. This band comes to us from Chicago and has played many large venues including opening for country music stars at the state fair. We will also have the Vesperman Farms
Ice Cream Truck here that day. Each of our residents and staff will get a free scoop of ice cream to enjoy while listening to the band. All Stonehill residents, families, caregivers, home care clients, Wellness Center members, employees, employee families, and our assisted living neighbors at Alverno and Windsor Park are invited to attend. Say some prayers for beautiful summer weather on that day!
Each year, the Stonehill Health Center is surveyed by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing to ensure we are meeting all the State regulations and standards. This survey contributes to our Five Star rating with CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services), our ability to have CNA and nursing students training on-site, and our partnerships with our accountable care organizations through MercyOne and UnityPoint Health.
During the survey, State inspectors come to our campus to review our policies and procedures in nursing, environmental services, and dining services; observe resident care and support services; interview residents, family members, and staff; and verify regulatory compliance.
The Health Center’s last survey was in June 2023, so we are now in our window of eligibility for our 2024 survey. Our team has had exceptional reports in the past and we expect the same this year, but there is always some nervousness as we prepare for this “test” of our organization. As always, we encourage you to bring any and all concerns or feedback to a Stonehill team member. The more we know the better we can serve the residents!
Toni enjoys a visit from a baby goat. What a special visit! Sue helps with planting for centerpieces for the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.
Health Center residents participate in a Jazzercise class with Shelly Rehfeldt.
May is Mental Health Month, a perfect time to consider your mental wellness. By prioritizing a loved one’s needs, caregivers often sacrifice their own physical and emotional health. Caregiv-
ers can feel overwhelmed by anxiety, isolation, exhaustion, or guilt. This can lead to depression. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. A report from the Family Caregiver Alliance found that 4070% of caregivers have symptoms of depression.
We all have negative thoughts or feelings from time to time, but if you are experiencing any of the following, it is time to reach out for professional help.
• Lost interest or pleasure in usual activities.
• Have difficulty thinking or concentrating.
• Notice changes in appetite and weight.
• Physical symptoms that do not respond to
treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and pain.
If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed in a caregiving role, the Caregiver Resource Center is here for you. We have support groups where you can speak with or hear from others who understand what you are going through. We can work with you to develop a self-care plan. Education, engagement, and health opportunities are also available. And, if needed, we can help connect you with a licensed counselor or therapist in your service area. We welcome your call at 563.690.9679 or email at jkoopmann@stonehilldbq.com.
Stonehill At Home offers services to keep older adults as safe and independent as possible in their homes. In addition to caregivers who can help with activities of daily living, we offer the Lifeline emergency alert system. With Lifeline you receive help with the press of a button, or when a fall is automatically detected (if fall detection is part of your plan). You can talk with a Lifeline responder any time of the day or night through
the two-way communication device. If help is needed, you can determine if you want Lifeline to contact your responsible party or if emergency services need to be called. Stonehill can help you get enrolled and manage your Lifeline subscription. We have team members to install, troubleshoot, and handle the billing for your lifeline subscription. We are available Monday through Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm for installations and to assist with questions about the equipment or billing. Learn more at 563.690.9765.
As we prepare to soak up the summer sun, let’s remember to prioritize sun safety. Taking care of ourselves helps maintain good skin health, prevents premature aging, and preserves skin quality. UV radiation also affects eye health and immune function. Without proper protection, the delicate skin around the eyes is impacted and excessive exposure increases your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Although we receive Vitamin D from the sun, prolonged exposure can impair the immune system’s ability to repair and regenerate. Finally and most importantly, proper skin protection decreases the risk of skin cancer. Try these tips to protect yourself in the sun this summer and be well!
We have a wide variety of opportunities available over the spring and summer months. In May, we will be putting together a schedule of Master Gardeners to help keep our campus looking beautiful. In addition, if you love the outdoors and are not blessed with a green thumb, do not fret. We have multiple opportunities that will get you outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Resident walks, visiting the chickens in the backyard, and visiting with residents outside are just a few easy ways to make a big impact on someone’s daily happiness.
In June and July we will have several outdoor concerts. It is great to have helping hands to escort residents from their rooms to the concert area. We will also need help serving ice cream at the Summer Festival on July 31st. Then, please bring a chair, sit, relax, socialize and enjoy the concert and fellowship. We would love for you to help in any way you are able!
A few current opportunities include:
1. Volunteer Engagement Committee
This group meets the 1st Tuesday of every month from 1011 am to brainstorm ideas for monthly activities on various seasonal or wellness topics.
2. Office Assistant
Provide office support in the Caregiver Resource Center including computer work, phone calls, mailings, and miscellaneous tasks.
3. Memory Care Activities Assistant Assist staff in conducting resident activities in the Assisted Living Memory Care household.
4. Resident Companion
Visit 1 on 1 with residents at the Health Center or Assisi Village.
5. Musician for Music & Motion 11am-noon at the Health Center and 1-2pm at Assisi Village on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month.
5. Activities at Alverno Apartments
Bingo calling on Mondays from 1-2:30 pm or leading an exercise class Tuesday-Friday 1-1:30 pm.
See opportunities and apply online at stonehilldbq.com/volunteer or call 563.690.9660.
Walking is a fundamental activity of daily living, and it plays a significant role in maintaining independence and quality of life for older adults.
Unfortunately, age-related changes such as muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and reduced sensory perception can increase the risk of falls and injuries. That’s why it’s essential to take proactive steps to address these challenges and promote safe walking and balance.
With our complimentary VST Balance Screening, which utilizes AI and machine vision technology, our therapy team can precisely identify balance deficits and provide reporting to your physician or offer interventions specific to individual needs.
Some practical strategies to enhance mobility and reduce fall risk include:
1. Strength Training: Regular exercises targeting the lower body muscles, such as squats and lunges, can improve stability and reduce the risk of falls. Start slow and be safe as you begin new exercises. These activities can be done with support of a wall, railing, or chair.
2. Balance Exercises: Simple activities like standing on one leg or walking heel to toe can enhance balance and coordination. These activities can be done while using a cane or walker, or holding on to a wall or piece of furniture.
3. Flexibility Workouts: Stretching exercises for major muscle groups improve flexibility and range of motion, aiding in safe movement.
4. Proper Footwear: Choose supportive shoes with non-slip soles and adequate arch support to minimize the risk of tripping.
5. Home Safety Measures: Remove tripping hazards, install grab bars, and ensure sufficient lighting to create a safe living environment.
By combining these strategies with objective assessments like the VST Balance Screening, older adults can proactively maintain mobility and independence as they age. At Stonehill Communities, we are dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality physical therapy services tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Our team of skilled therapists is committed to guiding you through your rehabilitation journey with compassion and expertise. Contact us today at 563.690.9637 to take the first step towards restoring or enhancing your mobility and improving your quality of life.
Carole has been a resident of Assisi Village for 10 and a half years and lives in one of the Independent Living Villas. She was drawn to the Dubuque area by the Sisters of St. Francis and moved here in 2013 from South Carolina. She loves being part of a community.
“It’s amazing to be in a place with so many lovely people. I think that helps with living well.”
Carole is very involved at Assisi Village. She is a member of the Welcoming Committee for new Assisi Village residents, she assists with caring for the Chapel, and she leads a mothers prayer group. She enjoys gathering with her friends and neighbors for an exercise class or to hear a musician or speaker. Carole also serves as a volunteer member of Stonehill Communities’ Ethics Committee.
“The variety of opportunities pretty much gives everyone the chance to find a place where they are comfortable and where they can get to know one another. That changes the whole dynamic of living. We always have those people here who can offer encouragement, listen to us, make us feel good about being alive.”
On April 18 we welcomed back some recent post-acute residents for a lunch and social visit.
It was great to see them again, check in, and tell them about ways Stonehill can support their health and wellness at home.
We look forward to the next party in July!
The values of compassion, hospitality, reverence, and stewardship established by the Sisters of St. Francis guide us in our daily operations and spiritual care remains an important part of Stonehill’s health and wellness services.
Residents attend Mass in the San Damiano Chapel with Fr. Jean De Dieux Felix Kayiranga
Meeting the spiritual needs of over 200 residents in two buildings is a big job, and it takes a team to coordinate Mass schedules, presiders, rosary, Communion services, Ecumenical Services, individual and family visits, Lenten and Advent activities, adoration, bible study, and other spiritual activities. Stonehill’s Pastoral Care team includes representatives from various Stonehill departments and volunteers.
Deacon Dave Roth joined the Stonehill team in February. He has taken responsibility for scheduling priests for our daily Masses, ensuring the San Damiano Chapel is prepared, providing blessings, and visiting with residents and families. He tries to visit with each new resident and those going on Hospice or palliative care. He is also a resource for families whose loved ones are near the end of life or have passed.
Volunteers also play a large role in providing spiritual care for residents. At the Health Center, volunteers lead the rosary, schedule musicians and lectors, and distribute Communion to residents who are unable to attend Mass in person. At Assisi Village, volunteers run prayer groups, bible study groups, and prepare the Chapel for Mass.
In addition to Catholic services, we also offer Ecumenical Services at both the Health Center and Assisi Village once a month through a partnership with St. Peter Lutheran Church.
“Spiritual wellness is an important part of healthcare. I’m blessed to have a part in it,” shared Deacon Dave.
Please join us at one of these upcoming events for family members, friends, and the community.
Wednesday, July 31 1:30 - 3 pm
Health Center Back Parking Lot (under the sky bridge)
3485 Windsor Ave Dubuque, IA 52001
Family and friends are welcome at our Summer Festival featuring an outdoor concert with Jonny Lyons & the Pride and the Vesperman Farms Ice Cream Truck. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the summer afternoon and live music!
Monday, July 29 10:30 am
San Damiano Chapel
Stonehill Health Center
3485 Windsor Ave Dubuque, IA 52001
Celebrate Stonehill’s 46th Anniversary with a special commemorative Mass. A social reception will follow in the Coffee Shop.
Thursday, August 1 5-9 pm
Darkbird Taphouse
7305 Thunder Valley Dr Peosta, IA 52068
Join us for a social night out and support the Stonehill Benevolent Foundation! Tips received during the event will support Stonehill programs and services.
Stonehill Franciscan Services began in 1978, however the history of Stonehill Communities can be traced back to 1878, when our founders, the Sisters of St. Francis, arrived in Dubuque, Iowa. Prior to opening Stonehill Communities, the Sisters of St. Francis operated an orphanage and home for the aging.
In this inaugural edition, we would like to thank the many supporters Stonehill Communities has had over the years. Some incredible individuals and organizations have been giving generously since 1976, before the doors of the Health Center even opened!
Your generosity makes it possible for Stonehill to continue to serve the residents, wellness members, and caregivers across our continuum. Donations assist in many ways, renovations to our campus being one important way you help impact those we serve. Over recent years, we have been able to add on to our campus with a renovation to Assisi Village and the addition of new outpatient therapy and Caregiver Resource Center spaces. This spring we need to renovate part of the original building. While many resident areas were previously remodeled, the third floor needs renovations to the nurses’ station and medication storage areas. Your support will help ensure nurses and staff have what they need to provide the best quality services to residents. Your support will have a lasting impact and touch countless lives. Gifts can be made at www.stonehilldbq.com/donate. Thank you!
• Safe, Secure Environment
• Specially Trained Staff
• Activities to Support Individual Interests and Abilities
Call 563.583.8234 for a tour or questions.
