WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 | SENIOR LIVING | PAGE 1
SENIOR LIVING Thorne Crest Senior Living Community
HOLIDaY OPEN HOuSE!
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1201 Garfield Albert Lea, MN 56007
507-373-2311 • www.ThorneCrest.net Please enter community through Door a on Garfield ave.
being ‘a purposeful resource’
Andrew Schwarz, the new director of sales at Oak Park Place, stands next to a tree that is decorated year-round at the assisted living facility. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Sales director at Oak Park Place enjoying new position in health care industry By Sarah Stultz
sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com
After working for five years at Albert Lea’s Verizon store, Andrew Schwarz is now working as the director of sales at Oak Park Place. Schwarz, whose background is in sales, mortgages and real estate, said when people come to Oak Park Place looking for assisted living and memory care options for their families, he helps show them the facility and teaches them about the options available there. He also works closely with discharge planners and social workers and does outreach with other groups throughout the community, such as the Albert Lea Senior Center. “I think this is a good fit for me, personally,” he said. “This position is very geared toward being
a purposeful resource.” The Albert Lea man was working at the phone store off of Bridge Avenue when he found out about the position from a friend. He said he was looking for a change of pace in his life, interviewed with the organization’s corporate office and was offered the job. He started Sept. 9. He said he likes the opportunity the position gives him to get out and meet with people throughout the community and likes that he can be a resource for people searching for assisted living for their loved ones. “This position gives me the opportunity to connect,” Schwarz said. “Everyone communicates, but few connect. I’m trying to connect more on a personal basis.” He said perceptions of senior care facilities have changed over the years.
“This is a home away from their home,” Schwarz said. “We try to do our best to make it an environment where people are more of a name versus a number.” Oak Park Place is made up of The Grove Assisted Living and Autumn Lane Memory Care, a secured memory care community. It offers residents three meals a day, light housekeeping and helps them with transportation to things such as doctors appointments, among other responsibilities. He said his first few months have gone well and he thanked the others in leadership positions at the facility, who he noted are great to work with. In his spare time, Schwarz said he enjoys antique collecting and enjoys attending auctions and garage sales. He also likes to play Oak Park Place is on Bridge Avenue in Albert Lea. bingo at the American Legion.
Easy ways to volunteer and give back to your community Millions of people across the globe volunteer every day. Without the selfless efforts of volunteers, many charities would be forced to cease operations. In fact, a 2017 study from the charitable community membership organization Independent Sector estimated that the labor provided by volunteers is worth roughly $193 billion per year in the United States alone. But volunteering can be as beneficial for volunteers as it can be for the organizations they help. For example, Mayo Clinic Health System notes that research has indicated volunteering leads to lower rates of depression while providing individuals with a sense of purpose. Volunteering can be especially beneficial for adults over age 60, with the health system noting older volunteers experience greater
increases in life satisfaction and greater positive changes in their perceived health as a result of volunteering. With so much to gain from volunteering, it’s no wonder so many people across the globe volunteer. According to the United Nations Volunteers program, global estimates place the number of worldwide volunteers at 970 million. That’s nearly three times the population of the United States and more than 26 times the population of Canada in 2018. It’s never been easier to volunteer and begin helping your community. Adults and children who want to join the nearly one billion strong global volunteering community need not look far to get involved. The Corporation for National Community Service notes that the following are some
easy ways to volunteer in your community. • Serve meals at a local shelter or community kitchen. • Sign up to work as a tutor or mentor with a local afterschool program. • Help adults find the right professional opportunities by hosting a résumé writing/review workshop and conducting practice interview sessions. • Work in conjuction with a local food pantry to organize a food donation drive. • Volunteer to help the environment by working with local, state or national park services to beautify parks and/or a local community garden. • Work with a local emergency response organization to produce and distribute disaster-preparedness kits.
There are many ways to volunteer in the community. Provided • Help fellow community members save money by collecting and sharing information about free tax-preparation services. • Read to students or seniors — contact a local community or
senior center. • Volunteer at an animal shelter. When it comes to volunteering, the opportunities are as endless as the benefits of giving back to your community.
Page 2 | SENIOR LIVING | WEDNESDAY, November 20, 2019
Residents enjoy Veterans Day ceremony at St. John’s
St. John’s Lutheran Community residents receive flag pins from the honor guard during a Veterans Day breakfast.
Honor guard members demonstrate folding an American flag during a Veterans Day breakfast at St. John’s Lutheran Community. Provided
Senior Spotlight: Arden “Ardie” Bergland
New men’s coffee group meets
Age: 84 Native of: rural Emmons Place of residency: Knutson Place Family: son, Brent Bergland, and daughter, Brenda Miller Education: Eighth grade — then I joined the United States Marine Corp. Former occupation: Wilson and Co. for over 35 years What is your favorite childhood memory? Riding horseback. I use to break horses to ride and drive covered wagons What is your favorite memory from adulthood? Riding motorcylces What would you say is your greatest accomplishment? Farming when my dad passed away. He passed away when I was Arden “Ardie” Bergland 10 years old. most about where you bingo and visiting with the What do you enjoy are living now? Playing friends I’ve made here.
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St. John’s on Fountain Lake hosted its first men’s coffee hour event Aug. 22. Provided
Easy ways people can give back to seniors in the community The strongest communities tend to be those in which members make a concerted effort to give as much as they get. Giving back to one’s community can foster strong relationships with fellow residents and ensure that everyone, including the less fortunate, is in position to live happy, healthy lives. Certain people in a community may be more vulnerable to issues that can adversely affect quality of life than others. For example, the National Institute on Aging notes that as men and women age, many are alone more often than when they were younger, leaving them vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness. Such feelings can prove very harmful to their health, potentially contributing to problems such as depression, cognitive decline and heart disease. Volunteering to help the aging members of one’s community is a great way to give
back, and such efforts can prove rewarding for both seniors and the volunteers who lend them a hand. • Pull an extra chair up to the dinner table. Many a meaningful connection has been made and maintained over the dinner table. Breaking bread with a senior from your community is a great way to foster such connections and provide an avenue for social interaction for seniors. Seniors who live alone might not enjoy cooking for one each night, but they might jump at the chance to eat dinner with a neighbor and even help prepare the meal. Invite a senior over once per week, encouraging them to share stories about their lives as well as how the community has developed over the years. • Help seniors manage their finances. Many seniors struggle to manage their finances, as laws regarding taxes and investing are subject to routine changes.
A little help in this area can go a long way for seniors. Adults who want to help but don’t know where to begin can do the legwork for their aging neighbors. Contact agencies such as AARP to determine if there are any financial assistance programs that can help seniors effectively manage their money and take advantage of agespecific perks, such as programs that may help seniors lower their energy costs. • Offer to help around the house. Seniors who reside in single-family homes may not be able to keep up with routine home maintenance. Neighbors who want to help can offer to mow the lawn, tend to the landscaping and tidy up inside. Keep an eye open for other issues, such as clogged gutters, that can be fixed easily but prove costly if they go ignored. Helping aging neighbors is a great way to give back and build strong communities.
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Wednesday, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 | SENIOR LIVING | Page 3
Senior Spotlight: Marilyn Nelson Age: 87 Native of: Albert Lea since 1956. She was born and raised in Clarkfield. Place of residency: Thorne Crest Senior Living Community Family: Five children, 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren Education: She is a graduate of Clarkfield High School and attended 1 1/2 years of nurses training at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis. Former occupation: She worked as a floral designer for Ben’s Floral. What is your favorite childhood memory? “My times spent at my grand- Marilyn Nelson ma’s farm with my cousins,” she said. to be good citizens and being a good wife to my husband What is your favorite of 63 years. memory from adulthood? I recently went on an AlasIs there a piece of advice kan cruise with my five chil- you wish someone had dren. Spending 10 days with given you or you would have listened to when them was so special. you were younger? Spend What would you say is as much time with your your greatest accomplish- family as possible; don’t let ment? Raising five children work replace relationships.
Thorne Crest Senior Living Community hosted its annual baked potato bar fundraiser to benefit the Freeborn County Humane Society earlier this month. All proceeds were donated to the Humane Society. Provided
What is the greatest lesson life has taught you? Love God, family and country. Be a true friend. What do you enjoy most about where you are living now? I love the environment here. The friendly staff and residents. It is really good to have all our needs met.
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
Modifications to vehicles can make driving safer for seniors research and education association, says roughly 90 percent of seniors don’t take advantage of simple, often inexpensive features that can greatly improve safety and extend their time behind the wheel. Here are some considerations. • Cushions and seat pads: Cushions do more than just alleviate hip and back pain while sitting. Cushions and pads can raise drivers up and improve their line of sight over the dashboard. Swivel pads can make it easier to enter and exit the car as well. • Adaptive cruise control: This feature can adjust speed automatically to maintain a consistent space between vehicles. • Adaptive headlights: These headlights, also known as steerable headlights, can improve visibility by changing the direction of the light beam with the movement of the steering wheel. • Pedal extenders: Extenders help short drivers reach the pedals while maintaining a safe distance from the steering wheel and potential airbag deployment. • Hand controls: Whether one has sensory changes in
the feet from surgery or a medical condition, adaptive hand controls can move the “pedals” up to the steering column. • Blind spot warning and other sensors: Today’s cars can be equipped with any number of sensors that can detect oncoming traffic, cars to the left or right of the vehicle, items or cars behind the vehicle when reversing, and even if the vehicle has drifted out of the lane. These are all great safety features for any driver, but may be especially helpful to seniors. • Parking assist: Parking assist technology can steer the vehicle into a space with little input from the driver. • Voice control: Avoiding distractions and keeping hands on the wheel is enhanced by voice controls, which can be set up to do things like turn on the radio or adjust climate control. • Convex mirrors: Special mirrors increase the field of vision. Seniors have many tools available to make driving safer and more comfortable, which can prolong their years behind the wheel.
What to know about funeral financing According to Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage, the average funeral costs between $7,000 and $10,000. It can be easy to overlook planning for such a large expense, and many people may think their funeral costs will be covered by their life insurance policies. However, that isn’t always the case and certain complications can arise. Sometimes insurance policies become invalid if payments have not been made. Policies may have liens on them, or some named beneficiaries may no longer be alive. This can
Thorne Crest recognized for fundraising for Alzheimer’s Walk
Thorne Crest Senior Living Community was named the Top Fundraising Facility for the second year in a row in the 2019 Albert Lea Walk to end Alzheimer’s. The event was on Sept. 14 at Frank Hall Park in Albert Lea. Thorne Crest was also a sponsor of the event and staff donated time planning and working at the walk. In total, over $50,000 was raised locally by the Freeborn-Mower County fundraiser. Provided
According to Hartford Auto Insurance, the number of accidents involving older drivers actually decreases as age increases. Provided
Driving provides an almost unrivaled level of independence. The ability to travel beyond a neighborhood or even one’s hometown without a chaperone is probably what excites new drivers so much and makes them eager to get their licenses and cars. Senior drivers also may define their independence by their ability to drive. Few things diminish senior dignity and independence faster than losing the ability to drive. Despite popular misconceptions, seniors are some of the safest drivers around. The experts at Hartford Auto Insurance indicate that the number of accidents involving older drivers actually decreases as age increases. It’s the risk factors like medical conditions, medication usage and reduced physical function that increase the risk for accidents and injuries involving older drivers. Thanks to technology and some other well-designed devices, seniors may be able to continue driving longer than the aging drivers of years past. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a nonprofit
Raising money for the animals
stall the process as issues are worked through. In addition, it can sometimes take between six and eight weeks for beneficiaries to receive life insurance policy payouts. Since many funerals take place within a week of a person’s death, it’s unlikely that surviving family members will be able to finance funerals with life insurance payouts. In addition, some policies may not be assignable, which means the benefits cannot be assigned to go to a third party who will file the claim for you (i.e., the funeral home or an assignment company with
which the funeral home partners). It’s important to determine if an existing policy is assignable and to take appropriate measures if it is not. Individuals may want to consider burial insurance or preneed funeral insurance. Another option is to use preplanning services, which allow people to prepay for funeral expenses and make planning decisions regarding the services and burial so that family members will not be tasked with financing and/or planning a funeral during a difficult time in their lives.
It’s never too early for adults to think about estate planning. Estate planning is an important part of money management. While it’s easy to think of estate planning as just a way to dictate how your assets are allocated after your death, estate planning also can protect people and their money should accidents or injury make them incapable of managing their finances on their own. Some familiar terms may come up when people begin planning how they hope to transfer their assets. Two more common terms are wills and trusts. Understanding the distinctions between the two can
Not all “news” sources are created equal
help people as they begin not dictate who they want to serve as guardians in estate planning. their wills.
What is a will?
The online financial resource Investopedia notes that wills are legally enforceable documents that dictate how people want their affairs handled and assets allocated in the wake of their deaths. Wills should include a host of information, including who a person wants to assume guardianship of their minor-aged children should they pass away. This is especially important information to include in a will, as surviving relatives may have to go to court to contest guardianship if parents do
What is a trust?
A trust is a relationship in which another party is given authority to handle a person’s assets for the benefit of that person’s beneficiaries. When making a trust, a person will need to designate someone as a trustee, who will be tasked with distributing assets in accordance to the terms dictated in the trust. There are many types of trusts, and working with an attorney who specializes in estate planning can help men and women determine which type of trust, if any, is best for them.
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Page 4 | SENIOR LIVING | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019
Recognizing veterans at Oak Park Place
Residents look on during a ceremony for Veterans Day at Oak Park Place.
Washington Avenue Apartments 608 South Washington Avenue Albert Lea, Minnesota
Quality, Subsidized Apartments for Seniors ages 62 and Better • 1 BR apts. • Accessible apts. available • Rent based on income • Window treatments
• Laundry room on each floor • Elevator service • Community dining room • Outdoor patio w/grill • Pets Welcome!
Residents take part in a Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 12 at Oak Park Place in Albert Lea. Provided
Oak Park Place residents who are veterans are honored at a table in the facility. Veterans include Ruth Perry, C.E. Vollum, Allen Borkowski, Ervin Mathison, Rodney Wedin, Terry Beighley and Harry Vinge. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Who should consider buying life insurance?
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Life insurance is one of many components of estate planning. Statistics from the insurance industry groups Life Happens and LIMRA indicate that 70% of Americans consider life insurance a necessity. However, 41% of respondents in 2017 did not have any life insurance. Even though most people deem life insurance important, it is not necessary for everyone. Determining if you are a good candidate for life insurance involves doing a little research. These qualities often make life insurance a smart move.
You’re married or in a
committed relationship depend on you, life insur- debts, advises the online If you are married or in a relationship in which your partner depends on you financially — even if just partially — it is smart to have a life insurance policy. This way your significant other does not have to rely entirely on his or her income to pay off debts or maintain the quality of life you currently enjoy. Many households cannot function without two incomes. Life insurance can ensure financial burdens do not rest entirely on the shoulders of surviving loved ones.
ance is a must-have. If your spouse and children could not continue their standard of living on one income, then life insurance can fill in the gap or pay for future plans, such as college educations. Even if you are a stay-athome parent, your contribution to the household still holds weight. Should you pass away, your spouse will have to pay for tasks that you would normally perform, such as child care, cleaning services, cooking, and transportation.
financial resource Nerd Wallet. When business owners pass away, their heirs might be able to use life insurance payouts to pay off estate taxes or fund a buy-sell agreement.
You want to leave an inheritance
If you do not have a vast accumulation of assets, investing in permanent life insurance can provide a small sum of money to heirs upon your death. A life insurance policy is a wise investment for You own a business people whose survivors Entrepreneurs benefit could benefit from some from life insurance since financial assistance in the You have children If you have children who it can help pay off business wake of their deaths.
When life offers the gift of time... how will you spend it?
W
e’re a senior living community with a big heart, a welcoming smile and a single purpose. We exist to help you write the very best next chapter of your life. Whether you are looking for a place with activities and friends close by, or you need a helping hand, we have what you need.
ALBERT LEA
1615 Bridge Avenue Albert Lea, MN 56007
www.OakParkPlace.com/communities/albert-lea
CALL 507-373-5600 TO SCHEDULE A PERSONAL TOUR.