Message From the CEO
Peggy Stockel President/CEO
Dear friends,
I am soon approaching my first year as President/CEO of Stonehill Communities. A priority this first year has been developing a strategic plan that expands Stonehill’s ability to serve beyond what we do today. Since I tend to be optimistic, I believe there is a great opportunity to provide care in various ways to meet the diverse needs and wants of those we serve.
Stonehill’s mission includes paying special attention to the poor and vulnerable—ensuring access to affordable care and health equity by delivering the same level and quality of care to everyone we serve. Stonehill will do this by recruiting and retaining a high-quality workforce and standardizing information technology and systems to improve care coordination and
optimize health outcomes. These strategies align with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Quadruple Aim. The Quadruple Aim is a framework based on four principles for delivering healthcare that are intended to improve population health outcomes at lower costs while improving patient and clinician experience.
Stonehill will continue to lead and work collaboratively to create a system that truly serves everyone and promotes the health of the community we serve. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to lead, guide, and support Stonehill’s long legacy.
God bless, Peggy
We, Stonehill Communities, in the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi, offer a continuum of quality lifetime care services in a dignified atmosphere.
Philanthropy Spotlight
Donors help make so many things possible in our community.
Have you considered the legacy you would like to leave someday? You can create a lasting impact with a gift from your estate. The Stonehill Legacy Society is a beautiful way to touch countless lives.
Many of you reading this are already donors and we are grateful. Would you consider extending your giving with a planned gift that is personally meaningful to you?
One simple way is to arrange a bequest from your will or trust(s). Contact your estate-planning attorney to create or amend the necessary legal documents. Below is an example of bequest language that might be used.
“I give, devise, and bequeath to the Stonehill Benevolent Foundation located at 3485 Windsor Avenue, Dubuque, Iowa, which has a tax identification number of 42-1337556, the sum of $_______, or _____ % of the residue of my estate.”
For more information on giving opportunities visit www.stonehilldbq.com/givingoptions.
2024-2025 Strategic Plans and Initiatives
Preparing for Future Needs and Sustainability
Stonehill Communities is blessed with a strong legacy, a dedicated team, generous donors, a strong financial position, and a commitment to meeting the community’s next need. We have been fortunate, especially in a challenging landscape. These blessings allow us to be forwardthinking, plan for sustainability, and respond quickly to trends in our industry while remaining a trusted service provider in our community.
Stonehill leadership staff, volunteer Board and committee members, and representatives from the Sisters of St. Francis leadership team gathered recently to review our position in the aging services and health care sector and preview upcoming initiatives as part of a strategic planning
educational and information session.
Stonehill is prepared for strategic growth over the next five years as we expand our home and community-based services, meet service gaps, and diversify services to ensure financial stability.
In the next twelve months we will see three initiatives come to life: the Living Well Together membership program, increased independent living options, and the GUIDE program.
The Living Well Together membership program is an emerging trend in other life plan communities across the country. It is a way to welcome community members to our campus, share our amenities with individuals
Initiatives
Sustainability
Peggy Stockel, President/CEO welcomes Stonehill leaders, Board and committee members, and representatives from the Sisters of St. Francis leadership team at a Strategic Planning Meeting.
who are not residents, and help independent adults live and age well. This program is expected to begin in the fall.
We take pride in offering a complete continuum of services that meets people where they are in life and provides the right care at the right time. One growth area we have identified is independent living that is more financially accessible. More information on this important initiative will be shared later this year.
GUIDE, Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience, as previously announced, is a federal model program that seeks to support individuals with dementia who live 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 needs. GUIDE services will enhance the supports currently available through the Caregiver Resource Center. Services will begin in July 2025.
Beyond these three initiatives, the strategic plan reaches out five years and includes a variety of growth areas that will continue to push Stonehill to the forefront of aging services and allow us to sustain our ministry of compassionate care and service.
We are excited by all the possibilities and will continue to build upon our legacy of living well. Thank you for joining us in this journey!
Tovertafel “Magic Table”
A generous donor has brought some “magic” to our memory care household in the Health Center.
The Tovertafel “Magic Table” is a unique activity center that facilitates social interaction, physical activity, and cognition. It brings moments of pure joy. Projected onto a tabletop, its has more than 40 games tailored to meet the needs of individuals with varying levels of ability. Residents use their hands to interact with projected images on the table.
Games include puzzles, music games, bread making, painting, word games, gardening, and Rummy. Activities has scheduled times to play games on the table and nursing staff are able to use it as a tool for redirecting residents as needed. Families are also welcome to use it.
“Both residents and staff are really enjoying the table and excited about it. It gives residents something to focus on, staff an activity to do with residents one on one, and is an easy way for families to engage together,” said Felisha Ruden, a lead Certified Medication Aide in the memory care household.
The Tovertafel was made possible by Dr. Allen Meurer and his children Virginia and Chris who made a donation to purchase the table in memory of their late wife/mother, Dr. Diane Sorenson, who was a respected Dubuque physician who herself suffered from Alzheimer’s.
Stonehill is one of only nine communities across Iowa to have a Tovertafel. Stonehill would like to purchase a second Tovertafel for the Assisted Living Memory Care household at Assisi Village.
Embracing Our Catholic Health Care Identity
This spring, an interdisciplinary group of Stonehill team members, volunteers, and board and committee members participated in an eight-week online workshop series titled “Foundations of Catholic Health Care Leadership” presented by the Catholic Health Association.
The group joined with representatives from Catholic health organizations across the world to talk about the importance of ministry and mission, Catholic social and moral tradition, ethics, whole person care, and discernment. The workshop highlighted a shared identity with other Catholic health care organizations in that we are all called to:
• Promote and Defend Human Dignity
• Attend to the Whole Person
• Care for Poor and Vulnerable Persons
• Promote the Common Good
• Act on Behalf of Justice
• Steward Resources
• Act as a Ministry of the Church Stonehill’s mission, services, and values are in alignment with these directives. We promote and defend human dignity through the compassionate care and service we provide on our campus and in the community. Our person-centered care addresses all aspects of wellness. We support the long-term health needs of older adults regardless of their financial circumstances. We are continually responding to changing needs and working to meet the next need in the community to promote the common good. We are advocates for equity and the rights of older adults. We are committed to our value of stewardship, taking responsibility for the resources entrusted to us and continuing a tradition of faith and service.
This guided conversation and collaboration invited our team to thoughtfully reflect upon the people engaged in and affected by our services, the good that is brought about by our ministry, and the unique gifts and benefits of our Catholic identity.
Meet Our Dedicated Staff
Join our team! View openings and apply online at www.stonehilldbq.com/careers/current-openings or call 563.690.9624.
Tierra Fair
Hospitality Cook
Member of Stonehill team for 2 years.
Why do you choose to work at Stonehill?
I love working at Stonehill because it reminds me of working with my grandparents, who are and were dear to my heart. I really love the residents!
Describe yourself in three words: Loving, Caring, Sincere
Rachael Rhomberg
Certified Medication Aide
CNA and CMA Certification from Northeast Iowa Community College
Member of Stonehill team for 25 years
Why do you choose to work at Stonehill?
I choose to work at Stonehill because I love the relationships I have formed over the years, not only with the residents, but with their families and my co-workers. I respect everyone’s teamwork in caring for our residents!
Describe yourself in three words: Caring, Hardworking, Reliable
The dedicated leadership of Stonehill Communities work to ensure the values of compassion, hospitality, reverence, and stewardship are felt throughout the campus. We are committed to a culture of exceptional service to others. Our philosophy supports investing in our staff so they may give their very best to residents, families, and one another.
Tammy Reichel
Receptionist
Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Loras College
Member of Stonehill team for 37 years
Why do you choose to work at Stonehill?
I love the residents and my coworkers. Stonehill Communities feels like home and is my home away from home.
Describe yourself in three words: Authentic, Empathetic, Diligent
Deacon Dave Roth
Chaplain
Ordained Deacon
Member of Stonehill team for 6 months.
Why do you choose to work at Stonehill?
I really like what I am involved in on a day-to-day basis. It is something different every day. Everyone I have interacted with seems to really like it here. People are happy. I walk around the building and see lots of smiling faces.
Describe yourself in three words: Humorous, Faithful, Servant
5 Signs It May Be Time for Assisted Living
As parents and other loved ones age, we may begin to see signs that they could use some help. Maybe they have had a fall, are forgetting appointments or aren’t keeping up with the house or meals. Sometimes these situations are temporary as a result of an illness, a change in medication, or other hardship; but sometimes they are indicators of an ongoing need. Some signs that it may be time to consider assisted living include:
1. INCREASE IN FALLS AND FRAILTY
Frequent falls and increased weakness may be signs of a health decline. Additional help may prevent a serious fall-related injury.
2. CHRONIC HEALTH PROBLEMS
Chronic health conditions may require ongoing monitoring or care that may be more than they can provide for themselves.
3. FORGETTING TO TAKE MEDICATIONS
If you notice your loved one is not taking their medications or you find pills on the floor, they may no longer be safe on their own.
4. DIFFICULTY HANDLING DAILY LIFE ACTIVITIES
If your loved one struggles with cooking, cleaning, taking regular showers, getting dressed, or using the bathroom, it usually means it is time for more assistance.
5. LONELINESS AND ISOLATION
Has your loved one stopped visiting friends or participating in social activities? Do they seem lonely? Unfortunately, as people age, they lose many connections and may isolate themselves. Decreases in mobility, vision, or hearing, also become barriers to participating in events or engagements outside the home.
Learn more about assisted living by calling 563.583.8234 or visit www.stonehilldbq.com/how-we-care/assisted-living/
What is a Memory Café?
A Memory Café is a unique social program for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other brain disorders and their caregiver, spouse, or partner. Memory Cafés are offered across the country with varying activities and structures, but all center on the concept of offering a safe, welcoming social gathering that promotes connection, engagement, and enjoyment specifically tailored to individuals with cognitive impairment.
What does a Memory Café include?
Memory Café is a 1-hour program that includes coffee and a light snack, social time, a guided activity or outing, and a game. Each session has its own theme. When and where are programs held?
Stonehill’s Memory Cafés are the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month from 10-11:30 am. They meet in the Hills & Dales LifeTime Center on Stoneman Road in Dubuque.
Who leads the Memory Café?
Memory Cafés are facilitated by Stonehill employees and volunteers. Additional volunteers are welcome!
Participants visit the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens during a Memory Café session.
What is the cost to attend Memory Café?
Participation in Stonehill’s Memory Café is free due to generous grant funding from Iowa Health Link and Wellpoint, Iowa’s Medicaid managed care organizations. Participants are asked to RSVP for each session to ensure adequate materials are prepared.
Participants play a dice game at the June “Summer Picnic” Memory Café.
Night
Darkbird Taphouse Tip
Thursday, August 1, 2024 | 5:00-9:00 PM
Join us for a social night out to benefit the Stonehill Benevolent Foundation. Tips on food and drink purchases will be donated to support Stonehill Communities programs and services. The evening will also feature live music by The River Jax, a 50/50 raffle, and networking with Stonehill team members. All are welcome! Find, like, and share our event on Facebook to help spread the word!
3485 Windsor Avenue, Dubuque, Iowa 52001