Living well with Stonehill
“Living well is sharing time together. We’re happy about that.”
– Pat and Karen Dillon Health Center Residents

A Legacy of Living Well.
“Living well is sharing time together. We’re happy about that.”
– Pat and Karen Dillon Health Center Residents
A Legacy of Living Well.
In November, Stonehill Communities expanded its campus and service offerings with the acquisition of Windsor Park Retirement Apartments from Joel Callahan/Callahan Construction, Inc. Windsor Park, located at 801 Davis Street, is a 79-unit apartment building offering affordable senior housing.
The purchase is an important way for Stonehill to not only expand service offerings, but also protect long-term financial stability.
“We have to adapt, “said Peggy Stockel, Stonehill Communities President and CEO, “The field of aging services is evolving as the population ages and individuals live longer. There is a growing need for more innovative solutions to help people remain safely in their homes. Our goal is to support, connect, or provide resources that will help achieve this goal. We can be a resource for the current tenants [of Windsor Park] and support them as health needs change.”
Windsor Park was originally built by the Sisters of St. Francis as Xavier Hospital in 1947. This iconic property with deep historical roots in this community served as a hospital until 1982. In 1989 it opened as a senior living apartment building. Stonehill Communities, also founded by the Sisters of St. Francis, is pleased to take on the care of this additional piece of the Sisters’ legacy.
There will be an Open House on April 24 from 3-6pm. Call 563.582.0646 for information.
Stonehill began offering licensed, on-site CNA classes for employees in September and is now in its third session. Eighteen employees have completed or are currently enrolled in a CNA class. Classes are taught by Stonehill nurses. This is an important way for us to grow the healthcare workforce to meet the needs of a growing adult population and remove barriers for our employees.
The CNA Classroom was made possible by a generous donation from the Schoen Family Charitable Trust that provided classroom furniture, technology, an AI manikin and three “beds” for resident care simulation.
In 2022, Stonehill raised funds to support brain health initiatives across campus. One of the initiatives put in place was Mental Health First Aid training. Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based, early-intervention course. Mental Health First Aiders are trained to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, as well as how to provide someone with initial support until they are connected with appropriate professional help. To date, 89 Stonehill employees and community members have been certified in Mental Health First Aid.
Are you ready to make new friends, try new activities, join an exercise class, and enjoy delicious dinners out every month? These are some of the many amenities included our new membership program, Living Well Together.
Living Well Together is designed specifically for older adults and offers the perfect opportunity to engage with a vibrant community and while enjoying the wide variety of amenities offered on our campus.
Living Well Together program members can enjoy Assisi Village activities such as listening to weekly music programs, playing cards, attending educational speaker events, and participating in engaging groups like book club, yarn club, and Man Cave.
Membership also includes access to our modern, 9,000-square-foot Wellness Center, which features a wide range of exercise equipment, a walking track, the Hydroworx pool, and a variety of yoga, strength training, and exercise classes.
Eating well is vital for maintaining health, and Living Well Together helps members with this. Members can choose five delicious meals each month to enjoy with other members and Assisi residents in our beautiful dining room.
For those seeking spiritual enrichment, the program offers daily Catholic Mass in our chapel. People of all faiths are welcome.
Resident Betty Hillary celebrated her 100th birthday in January. Betty has been a resident at Assisi Village since 2010.
Members can also engage in our weekly Mother’s Prayer Group or other spiritual programming led by our campus deacon.
View our monthly activities at stonehilldbq.com
Living Well Together is the perfect solution if you’re not quite ready to leave your home but are eager for a more active and engaged lifestyle. Memberships can be purchased on an annual or monthly basis.
To learn more about the Living Well Together program, please call Amanda Richard or Lisa Crawford at 563.583.8234.
Assisi Village offers independent living, assisted living, and assisted living memory care. For current openings or waiting lists, please call 563.583.8234 or email lcrawford@stonehilldbq.com.
The Health Center Activities team has reached the end of their busiest season. The residents genuinely enjoyed the Christmas Fair. It was a wonderful way for them to shop with vendors without having to leave the comfort and support of the Health Center.
We were blessed this holiday season! Many family members, Wellness Centers, businesses and employees donated gifts for each of the residents. Thank you for bringing joy! In celebration of the season residents also performed in their annual Christmas pageant and enjoyed carolers, Christmas cookies, and cocoa.
Families are invited to join us during the Lenten season for various spiritual offerings including weekly Spiritual Sharing, Stations of the Cross, Reconciliation, and special masses on Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, and Easter. If you are interested in volunteering for the Stations of the Cross readings, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 563.690.9666.
We cannot forget Valentines Day! You can join your loved one for Sweetheart Happy Hour at 2:00 pm on 3rd Floor on February 14th. Residents and guests will enjoy sweet treats, cocktails, and bingo.
As Spring arrives we will be cleaning out our flower beds and preparing our gardens for fresh vegetables and flowers. If this is something you have done with your mom or dad
in the past you are welcome to join them in the backyard.
Here are a few Health Center operational highlights to celebrate from 2024:
• Stonehill has maintained an overall 5 Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (moving our Health Inspections score from a 4 Star Rating to a 5 Star Rating). We continue to focus efforts on enhancing our services and appreciate the resident/family collaboration to serve residents! Thank you for choosing Stonehill!
• The Health Center has recently resumed use of our Lower Level Household area (serving residents with Post-Acute care needs). During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, this unit was closed to create space to cohort residents with COVID-19. This area will resume operations (when needed) to provide care and support for those seeking services.
• In addition to beginning our own, on-site CNA program, Stonehill was also honored to have served as a nursing clinical site for all our local colleges and universities—Loras College, Clarke University, University of Dubuque, and Northeast Iowa Community College.
• We have continued engagement with local and state political leaders to advocate for aging services.
• Resident satisfaction score surveys conducted through third-party vendor for long term care (4%) and post-acute care (1.01%) improved in the area of recommending Stonehill services to others:
Fiscal Year 2023 (July 2022-June 2023)
• Long Term Care Average Score: 93%
• Post-Acute Care Average Score: 95.74%
Fiscal Year 2024 (July 2023-June 2024)
• Long Term Care Average Score: 97%
• Post-Acute Care Average Score: 96.75%
All of these great accomplishments would not have been possible without a strong community working together. We are looking forward to a great 2025!
In 2024, the Caregiver Resource Center continued serving area caregivers with support, programming, and advocacy efforts.
The Center served 120 new caregivers this year! In addition to our on-going Support Groups and Music, Movement, & Memory sessions, the Caregiver Resource Center hosted 18 Memory Cafés, which provided accessible programming in a relaxed and safe environment for people living with all forms of dementia and their caregivers.
Self-care opportunities for caregivers remained popular. Caregivers utilized the Wellness Center and Massage Therapy 372 times. We also partnered with NEI3A and the Shalom Spirituality Center to host our 2nd annual Caregiver Wellness Retreat with self-care workshops to provide relaxation and a day of renewal.
The Resource Library is also available and includes books, puzzles, games, and more on a variety of topics related to caregiving and chronic illness. The Center recently received a grant from the McDonough Foundation to purchase Dementia Simulation Kits. We will be planning programming using these kits this year.
All of this is made possible by the generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers. The Caregiver Resource Center has received a total of $84,800 in donations and over 380 volunteer service hours that has helped provide the on-going support programs and functioning of the Caregiver Resource Center. As we enter 2025, we are inspired to do more and reach every caregiver within our community to ensure they feel valued and appreciated for their strengths and challenges.
We will be adjusting the schedule for our caregiver support groups and offering a virtual support group.
• 1st Thursday of the month (2-3pm) - In-person support group at the Caregiver Resource Center
• 2nd Thursday of the month (2-3pm) - In-person support group at Asbury Public Library
• 3rd Thursday of the month (2-3pm) - Virtual support group
• 4th Thursday of the month (2-3pm) - In-person support group at Asbury Public Library
Please contact the Center for RSVP requirements or virtual support group information.
We are also making changes to Memory Café for this year. We are moving away from the standard “Memory Cafe” structure and reinventing this program as “Mindful Moments.” The program will meet from 10:3011:30am on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. One monthly session will be an activity and the other will be a group outing experience. Some activities and outings will include: Easter egg decorating, gardening, a trolley ride, walking at the River Walk, a picnic, and pet therapy. See schedule and details at www.stonehilldbq.com/caregiverresourcecenter/mindfulmoments/
In July, additional support services will be available for caregivers and individuals with dementia through the GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) program. We will be sharing more information on this program and how to enroll later this spring.
For caregiver support, information, or program RSVP’s, please contact Taylor Hummer, Community Resource Coordinator, at 563.690.9679 or thummer@stonehilldbq.com.
The Stonehill Benevolent Foundation, founded in 1989 is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, that assists with fundraising for Stonehill Communities. One of its primary purposes is to ensure that no resident of Stonehill Communities is turned away because of their inability to pay for services. Through appeals, campaigns, events, and other giving programs, the Stonehill Benevolent Foundation helps to connect individuals and organizations with the unique needs of residents on our campus and the older adults we serve through home and community-based services.
In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Stonehill received special permission from the State of Iowa to offer Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) classes on-campus through our partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College. When that regulatory waiver ended, the Stonehill team began to consider developing a licensed CNA course of its own. With a growing older adult population, ensuring we had sufficient staff to meet their needs continued to be a concern. Stonehill began developing its own curriculum and working with the State for program licensure. The next thing that was needed was a modern, dedicated space for learning. Stonehill began to look at renovating and equipping a classroom with technology, furniture, and clinical training environments. The Schoen family stepped in to help. Their $50,000 grant from the Schoen Family Charitable Trust funded the renovations, technology, setup, and even a medical training manikin equipped with AI voice response.
“When it came to this grant, this was a no-brainer. Our mission with the Trust is supporting education, health, wellness, and family. Stonehill checks all those boxes,” said Dan Schoen.
The third CNA class is now in session and Stonehill expects to offer up to eight classes throughout the year. Through the Employee Scholarship Fund, Stonehill covers the cost of the class, materials, and certification testing for Stonehill employees.
“We had this dream and it wouldn’t have been possible without our donors,” said Peggy Stockel, CEO.
Matt and Kara Dodds
Matt was born and raised in Dubuque. After living out of state for several years, he returned to his hometown in 2003 with his wife Kara and their two boys, Trenton and Tyler. Matt is the Chief Operating Officer at Dupaco, where he has worked for the past 22 years. Matt also serves on the Stonehill Benevolent Foundation’s Board of Directors. Kara is a teacher and currently teaches English as a second language to adults at NICC. She is also the casserole coordinator for Convivium’s community casserole program and volunteers at Stonehill.
Matt and Kara have both felt the impact of Stonehill in their lives. Matt has had several family members who have lived at Stonehill and benefited from its continuum of care services, including a grandmother who was living in the Memory Care unit during the pandemic. They are beyond grateful for the love and compassion she received from Stonehill’s staff at a time when they couldn’t physically give that to her.
Kara’s mother lives with Alzheimer’s, so they have firsthand knowledge of the critical role caregivers play.
“We understand how difficult and demanding caregiving can be. The Caregiver Resource Center is an invaluable resource for anyone providing care within our community.”
When the Caregiver Resource Center opened at Stonehill, Kara volunteered by sitting with individuals with Alzheimer’s while their caregivers attended support groups. She also is a Community Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association and gives presentations to increase understanding of this disease.
For Matt and Kara, philanthropy is at the heart of their Catholic faith. They feel called to serve. Giving is one way for them to help ensure that the most vulnerable members of our society are supported.
“We aim to follow in the footsteps of our parents and grandparents, who modeled philanthropy and care for others. Whether through financial contributions or by giving our time, we believe we must do our part to build a stronger community.”
Through their contributions, Matt and Kara are working to ensure that Stonehill can continue to serve future generations of families.
“Stonehill, with its model and values, contributes to what makes Dubuque special. It is important to both of us to do our part to support its efforts.”
Our Monthly Giving Club members support the daily operations and ministry of Stonehill Communities. It is an easy way to give an amount that fits your monthly budget and also makes a big impact over the course of a year. Once it’s set up, monthly giving is an automatic process. No need to remember a schedule, no time required, no postage. Just making a difference!
Your monthly gift can be designated to support the area of Stonehill that matters most to you. You can help ensure residents receive high quality, compassionate care regardless of their financial circumstances; fund resident entertainment and activities; support employee scholarships or appreciation events; or give unrestricted gifts that allow us to use the funds for emerging needs.
Monthly gifts can be processed from a credit card, debit card, or direct Electronic Funds Transfer from a bank account. All account information is encrypted and secure. Even though it is automatic, your recurring gift is flexible. If you want to make a change to your amount, update information, or even skip a payment you can do that at any time by contacting us.
Enroll online at www.stonehilldbq.com/monthlygiving/ or contact us at 563.690.9660.
Stonehill offers scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs to employees continuing their education and advancing in their careers. The Employee Scholarship Fund covers the costs of on-site Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) classes, certification tests, scholarships for advanced nursing education and licensure, as well as tuition and certification cost reimbursement for other departments. On average, the cost for a CNA class and exam is $1,000, class to advance from a CNA to a Medication Aide is $500, and a scholarship for a semester nursing class is $5,250.
These funds are an important part of our workplace culture that supports growth and advancement as well as promoting employee retention. It is also an important recruitment tool, removing barriers for individuals wanting to begin healthcare careers and encouraging them to choose Stonehill. Expanding and enhancing the workforce is a priority as we work to meet the needs of the growing older adult population. In 2024, Stonehill paid out $71,000 for employee continuing education!
Our goal is to raise $500,000 for the Employee Scholarship Fund by September 2028. To date, $126,000 has been generously donated for this purpose.
If you or a loved one have received care or services from Stonehill, this is a great way to show appreciation for a staff member or team who made a difference for you. Gifts can also be made in memory or honor of a loved one.
For more information on giving options, please contact Tracy Connolly, Director of Community Relations and Mission Advancement at 563.690.9660 or tconnolly@stonehilldbq.com
We have hit a milestone, 150 active volunteers! 153 to be exact. We are so grateful for these folks who give their time, energy, and expertise to further our mission.
The great thing about volunteerism is that you can choose when and how much you want to participate. We have volunteers who are on campus several times a week and others who help out when they can.
There are always volunteer opportunities on our campus, so please consider learning more about our program by contacting Sarah Candee, Volunteer Coordinator.
We are in need of volunteers on Mondays and Thursdays to help transport residents to and from our on-site beauty shop and in-house clinic appointments at the Health Center. Another volunteer role where we always need an extra hand is escorting residents to outside appointments via Stonehill transportation when residents prefer or require a travel companion.
Save the Date! Our annual volunteer appreciation gathering will be on Tuesday, April 22nd. More information to come.
A few current opportunities include:
1. Memory Care Activities Assistant
Assist staff in conducting resident activities in the Assisted Living Memory Care household.
2. Resident Companion
Visit 1 on 1 with residents at the Health Center or Assisi Village.
3. Stations of the Cross
Read one or more of the Stations of the Cross during weekly observances at the Health Center throughout Lent.
4. Resident Escorts
Transport/accompany residents to Beauty Shop or clinic appointments within the Health Center or to off-site medical appointments.
See current opportunities and apply online at www.stonehilldbq.com/volunteer or call 563.690.9666.
Karen and Pat are lifelong Dubuque residents who now call the Stonehill Health Center home. Karen became a resident in 2019 following a post-acute stay as her healthcare needs progressed due to Alzheimer’s disease. This past year, Pat, challenged with his own health concerns related to COPD, moved in as well.
Pat and Karen have been married for 62 years. They appreciate being able to spend more time together now that they are both residents.
They met as teenagers when Karen was in high school. Pat delivered papers for Norton News Agency and would see Karen at the bus stop on 3rd Street as she waited to go to work at Mount Carmel. He offered to give her rides to and from work. They started going to school dances and events together and were married in August 1961. They had two children and now have four grandchildren.
Back in their career days, Karen worked as a bank teller, cashier, and volleyball coach. Pat was the President of the John Deere Union for 21 years. Pat was an avid hunter and fisher, and they played a lot of volleyball together.
At the Health Center Pat and Karen participate various activities, gatherings, and exercise programs. ”We have friends here. Every time we come out, there’s someone we know.”
They also appreciate the care they receive. “The staff are nice people and caring. They give all their attention to you.”
Two new spiritual programs are inspiring residents at the Health Center and Assisi Village. Both programs are facilitated by Deacon Dave Roth. The Saint of the Month program features information on the life and background of a saint and how they became recognized as a saint. Residents have learned about Saint Dismas, Saint Francis of Assisi, and Saint Stephen in recent months.
“I try to find interesting stories that can inspire people,” said Deacon Dave, “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. Most of the saints were people like you and I who were driven by something, to do what they did, or they found themselves in the circumstances.”
Spiritual Sharing is an opportunity for open discussion about individual practices of faith, doctrine, and traditions as well as questions to consider. Topics have included Christmas traditions, how do you live your faith, who has been an inspiration or mentor to you in your faith?
Carole Grubb is a regular participant in this program at Assisi Village, “Deacon Dave makes it easy for us to share by starting the discussion. He then listens and builds upon what we say.”
Deacon Dave encourages residents of all faiths to attend, “It is a great way to engage people in community. It’s an opportunity for people to share their experiences, share their faith, and share themselves. Everybody has a faith journey.”
Are you retired and looking for a way to stay active while giving back to your community? Join the team at Stonehill Communities! We’re looking for caring individuals in multiple roles, including home caregivers, cooks, nurses, and more.
As part of the Stonehill family, you can enjoy flexible scheduling that fits your lifestyle and a free membership to our Wellness Center.
Applying is easy. Visit us today at www.stonehilldbq.com/careers or call us at 563.690.9624 with questions.
We are the only Dubuque nursing home with a 5-star CMS overall rating and 5-star staffing!
3485 Windsor Avenue | Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Please join us at one of these upcoming events for family members, friends, and the community.
Thursday, February 27
4:00-6:00pm Assisi Village
1001 Assisi Drive Dubuque, IA 52001
Join us for an open house to learn about the community, amenities, and apartments available at Assisi Village including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Assisted Living Memory Care. You can also learn about the Living Well Together membership program that welcomes you to meals, activities and more at Assisi Village.
Thursday, April 3
6:00pm Steeple Square
101 E 15th St Dubuque, IA 52001
Join us for a fun night of NCAA tournament and other March-themed trivia and support Stonehill’s continuum of health and wellness services. Registration required. Teams of up to 8 players are welcome.
Register online by 3/27 at www.stonehilldbq.com/trivia or call 563.690.9660 with questions.
Thursday, April 24
3:00-6:00pm
Windsor Park
801 Davis St Dubuque, IA 52001
Stop in to see this addition to Stonehill’s campus, meet some residents, and learn about the affordable senior apartments and amenities offered at Windsor Park.
Stonehill’s transportation department provides approximately 180 trips per month. Transportation is provided for resident medical appointments and activities outings.
When it comes to maintaining independence and safety while navigating your environment, selecting the appropriate mobility aid is crucial. The right device can help improve your balance, reduce the risk of falls, and promote greater mobility. Here’s a guide to help you determine which mobility aid might be best suited to your needs.
Cane A cane is a great option if you only need slight support for balance or to relieve pressure from one leg or hip. It is lightweight, portable, and offers increased stability, particularly when walking on flat surfaces. Canes come in different styles, such as single-point or tripod, and can be used by those with mild stability concerns.
Walker For those who need more support than a cane offers, a walker provides a sturdy option. It gives you more stability and is ideal for individuals with limited balance or strength. Some walkers are equipped with wheels, making it easier to glide along, while others have rubber tips for better grip.
Four Wheeled Walker with Seat If you need extra support and want the option to rest while out and about, a wheeled walker with a seat could be the perfect solution. These walkers are equipped with wheels for easy movement, and a built-in seat allows you to stop and rest whenever needed. This type of walker is beneficial for people with fatigue issues or those who experience difficulty walking for long periods.
Ultimately, the best mobility aid for you will depend on your individual needs, balance, strength, and lifestyle. Consulting with a healthcare provider or physical therapist can help you make an informed decision to ensure you stay active and safe while maintaining independence.
Whatever mobility aid you choose, our team can help you learn to use it safely and effectively to prevent falls and accidents. For more information on Outpatient Therapy options, referrals, and insurance coverage please call 563.690.9637.
Home is more than one’s place of residence. It is the place at the end of a long day that we all rush to get to, the place we struggle to leave when the alarm goes off on those cold winter days. Every dent in the door, ding in the wall, smell that lingers from the weekly homemade cinnamon rolls and scratches on the floor are all cherished memories. Moments created and shared with family and friends serve as a collection of one’s life. Home really is where our story begins and it is no surprise that it is where most older adults want their story to end.
92% of older adults surveyed by the American Advisor Group reported they prefer to live out their later years in their current home verses a facility. Great news! With support from Stonehill At Home this is a very achievable goal. We can provide 24-hour, one-on-one care for those needing physical, cognitive or end-of -life care. For those of us lucky enough to maintain good health in our later years, home care can provide support to help you maintain your independence, prevent falls, and gain peace of mind so you can enjoy living your highest quality of life in the comfort of your own home.
Learn more at www.stonehilldbq.com/how-we-care/homecare/ or 563.500.6237.
As the dust of the new year settles, some of us may have found we have lost our way with our new year goals or are needing some extra support to keep going. Now is the perfect time to try our new service, health coaching. Health Coaching is an opportunity to have our ACE certified health coach, Mallory, walk hand-in-hand with you and help you stay on track. Whether it’s exercise, nutrition, stress-management, or anything else related to a healthy lifestyle, we are here to support and guide you. Health Coaching appointments are 1 hour in length and can be done in person, via video chat or over the phone. Sessions can be purchased in 4, 8, or 12-session packages.
Want a customized exercise plan to pair with your coaching? Bundle our health coaching sessions with personal training! Bundles start at $140.
Our professional staff are here to help with whatever you may need. Call the Center at 563.690.9640 or stop by during staffed hours for more information or to enroll.
In every community, there are individuals whose presence leaves an indelible mark on those around them. In our community, that person is none other than Patricia Oppelt—a 90-year-old dynamo whose kindness, dedication, and unwavering spirit have been a cornerstone of our shared home for the past two decades. Pat moved into our community 20 years ago, bringing with her an infectious warmth and a strong sense of purpose. It wasn’t long before she became an integral part of our lives, not just as a neighbor but as a true friend and mentor to many.
One of Pat’s most cherished roles is her volunteer work in our community Chapel. Over the years, she has poured her heart into making the Chapel a welcoming sanctuary for everyone. She also greets each visitor with a warm smile and a kind word, creating an atmosphere of peace and acceptance that resonates deeply with residents and visitors alike. Her efforts extend far beyond the Chapel. Pat has a reputation for going above and beyond her fellow tenants. Whether it’s delivering a package or lunch to someone feeling under the weather, organizing a card game, or simply lending a listening ear, Pat’s acts of kindness are countless. Her selflessness and compassion have earned her a special place in everyone’s heart.
At 90 years young, Pat is a shining example of vitality and grace. Despite her age, she remains active, enthusiastic, and deeply engaged in our community. When asked about her secret to staying so vibrant, she credits her love for helping others and her belief in the power of connection.
“I’ve always believed that we’re here to make life a little brighter for one another,” Pat says. “This community has given me so much over the years, and I’m grateful to be able to give back in any way I can.”
Pat’s legacy of kindness and her unwavering commitment to others remind us all of the importance of community and the impact one person can have. As we celebrate her 20th anniversary as a resident, we honor not just her longevity but the countless ways she has enriched our lives.
Here’s to Pat—our Chapel’s guardian angel, our neighbor, and our friend. May her kindness, dedication and compassion continue to inspire us for many years to come.
We have apartment openings at Windsor Park! Learn more about the apartments, community, and amenities at www.stonehilldbq.com/how-we-care/windsorpark or call Kris at 563.582.0646.