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monday, may 19, 2014 | AlbertLeaTribune.com | Section B
senior living
Thorne Crest- Breaking New Ground In 2014! • Independent Living • Assisted Living • Rehabilitation • Health Care
Coming In 2014!
Artist’s Rendering – Entryway
★ New Wellness Center and Pool ★ New Assisted Living ★ New Memory Care ★ Redesigned Health Center & TCU ★ New Attached Heated Parking Garage Call Karen to tour the community.
Artist’s Rendering – New Lobby
(507) 373-2311 • www.ThorneCrest.net 1201 Garfield Ave. Albert Lea, MN, 56007
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Thorne Crest is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, a not-for-profit provider of senior health care since 1930.
Good Samaritan Society has
gone to the goats Billy came to Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea with Minni and Mocha, the two pygmy goats, as their “uncle.” Hannah Dillon/Albert Lea Tribune
Goats foster wellness in the Good Samaritan Society residents By Hannah Dillon hannah.dillon@albertleatribune.com
Besides the residents, there are three furry, fourlegged creatures that call Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea their home. For as long as anyone can remember, there have been goats at Good Samaritan Society, said director of recreation and wellness Stacy Johnson. The three goats that live there now — Billy, Mocha and Minni — have been living in the courtyard for just two years, but there have been many goats before them. Johnson has been at Good Samaritan Society for almost six years, and there have been goats in the courtyard for as long as she’s been there. The space the goats live has even been dubbed “the goat yard,” Johnson said.
Usually Good Samaritan Society only has two pygmy goats, but when Billy, Minni and Mocha were acquired two years ago, there was a caveat. Johnson said the two pygmy goats, Minni and Mocha, were found on Craiglist. When their original owner was contacted for a sale, Billy was also part of the deal — as their “uncle,” a friend that the two smaller goats had grown up with. These are also the most interactive goats that Johnson said she’s seen at Good Samaritan Society, and attributes that to the fact that they were raised on a family farm with children. The goats are affectionate and engaging and Billy can even be walked on a leash. As much as the goats seem to like to live in the goat yard, Johnson said the residents love having them as well. She
said the goats foster wellness within the residents. Having the goats around gives the residents a “sense of purpose,” Johnson said. They take ownership and pride in their barnyard pets, and Johnson said that the residents are the first to notify her if the goats’ water or hay is getting low. She said that residents can even have jobs taking care of the goats, such as feeding and watering them. This also contributes to their sense of ownership over the animals, and Johnson stressed that this is important to people living in long-term care facilities. Most residents like to sit and watch the goats play and will even bring their family to see them, excited to show off their four-legged neighbors, Johnson said. Having the goats is also important because it gives
many of the residents a way to reminisce about the past and to bond with others, as most of the people living there come from a farming background, Johnson said. The goats will be at Good
Samaritan Society for the spring and summer months. During the fall and winter, they go to live in a heated barn at a volunteer’s house until the weather warms back up.
Mocha, left, and Minni are two pygmy goats that reside at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea during the spring and summer.
Thorne Crest residents head to Hills Garden to pick out flowers
A Thorne Crest resident picks out flowers at Hills Garden. Provided
Thorne Crest residents and staff had a good time picking out spring plants at Hills gardens recently.
Page B2 | SENIOR LIVING | monday, may 19, 2014
Senior Center has plenty of activities for area senior citizens By Hannah Dillon
hannah.dillon@albertleatribune.com
It’s safe to say that there is always something happening at the Albert Lea Senior Citizen’s Center. Paula Juveland, Senior Center director, described a variety of activities that are open to the public that are put on by the Senior Center. There are a variety of day trips that the center takes. Juveland said that trips are taken to theaters and casinos throughout Minnesota and Iowa, as well as other destinations. One trip in specific that she mentioned was the Apple Run. The Apple Run trip heads towards Winona, and the participants make stops at apple orchards along the way, Juveland said. The center puts on special educational events
Some members of the Senior Center do Bone Builders exercises. Hannah Dillon/Albert Lea Tribune that are open to the public. These events are directed at seniors and teaches them a variety of things. Recently, the center held one of these events about organizing important papers. Juveland said that they held an event like this two
months ago and had such an overwhelmingly positive response that they decided to hold another last Thursday. There are some exercise groups such as Zumba, aerobics and Bone Builders. Juveland expressed that the center tries to keep people
moving, active and healthy. There are also other health-related events that occur at the Senior Center. There is a Parkinson’s support group that meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month, and Albert Lea firemen come every Thursday to do blood pressure readings. Both of these events are open to the public as well. Other than health groups, there are some recreational groups as well. Seniors can play bingo on Wednesdays and Fridays, 500 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Bridge on Thursdays. The center has pool tables, Internet-access computers and the Red Hat Society. Coffee and snacks are always available during business hours, and are available mostly to members only. Membership for the
Senior Center is $30 per year, per person, and lasts January through December. Members also receive a newsletter each month with the happenings at the center. The Senior Center can be rented out for any kind of event, and Juveland said
this opportunity is open to the entire community. For more information about membership or the Senior Center, call 507373-0704 or visit http:// www.cityofalbertlea.org/ departments/parks-andrecreation/albert-lea-senior-citizens-center/.
Members of the Senior Center play a round of billiards.
Volunteers of the Year awarded Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea is excited to announce this year’s Volunteer of the Year award to Dick and Jan Rierson. The Riersons have been tenants of Bancroft Creek Estates for 10 years and continue to be strong advocates for Good Samaritan Society. Their willingness to help others in need is shown on a daily basis. They enjoy picking weeds around the building, delivering newspapers to apartments, managing the facilities computer and puzzle room, helping during special events, and simply being a caring neighbor to other tenants in the building. Dick is also active in tenant meetings and enjoys being a voice for tenants at
Dick and Jan Rierson are this year’s award winners. Provided Bancroft Creek Estates. When they are not busy volunteering at Good Samaritan Society, the Riersons can be found volunteering at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert We are located behind Perkins Come Check us Out!
Of Albert Lea The Village has lots to offer! Maintenance Free Living...PLUS Car Wash/Appliances/Workshop/Guest Suite Exercise Rm/Tax Benefits Snow Removal
Monthly fee includes everything but: Telephone and low Gas/Electric bill
Village Cooperative of Albert Lea Joan Anderson...Resident Manager 2201 Stevens St. Albert Lea MN 507-373-3039
Lea or the Freeborn County Historical Museum. Genealogy, reading, puzzles, and photography are also interests of the couple. Dick and Jan have been married for 56 years and their love and passion for Christ is evident every day. They have three children and six grandchildren. Dick was an employee of Interstate Power Co. for 40 years. Jan is a lifelong resident of Albert Lea and Freeborn County. “We like all the people at Bancroft Creek Estates as well as the quietness of the building. It is truly stressfree living. Bancroft Creek Estates is country living yet close to the city,” said Dick and Jan about their home at Bancroft Creek Estates. Good Samaritan SocietyAlbert Lea is owned and operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. The Good Samaritan Society has more than 240 post-acute rehabilitation centers, senior living communities, and home health agencies across the country.
The Mayo Clinic Health System of Albert Lea’s chief administrative officer in March was awarded the Senior Healthcare Executive Regents award from the American College of Healthcare Executives.
MCHS of Albert Lea and Austin administrator receives award AUSTIN — Steve Waldhoff, chief administrative officer at Mayo Clinic Health Steve System Waldhoff in Albert Lea and Austin, has been awarded a Senior Healthcare Executive Regents Award from the American College of Healthcare Executives for his dedication and commitment to health care. Waldhoff has been the chief administrative officer at Albert Lea and Austin for the past 17 years, recently celebrating 30 years with the organization. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. from Central Michigan University. Stephen Pribyl, CEO at District One Hospital in Faribault, presented the regents award to Waldhoff on March 7 at the Minnesota Hospital Association Executive Leadership Institute meeting in Minneapolis. “As the current regent for the American College of Healthcare Executives, chapter Ppresident, I was honored to present Steve this award due to his long standing commitment and service to the College,” said Pribyl. “In addition, Steve’s involvement in
the Minnesota Hospital Association and local civic activities show his commitment to community. Having worked with Steve in Albert Lea for several years, we became and remain friends and he is a wonderful mentor.” Each year the Minnesota Regents for the American College of Healthcare Executives presents three awards, one of which is for the senior health care executive. Criteria for the Senior Health Care Executive Regents award include: • Fellow of American College of Healthcare Executives • CEO, chief administrative officer or other seniorlevel executive title within the organization • Demonstration of leadership ability • Demonstration of innovative and creative management • Executive capability in developing his or her organization and promoting its growth and stature in the community • Contributions to the development of others in the health care profession • Demonstration of leadership in local, state or provincial hospital and health association activities • Participation in civic and community activities
and projects • Demonstration of participation in American College of Healthcare Executives activities and interest in assisting the ACHE in achieving its objectives Mark Ciota, M.D., CEO at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin said Waldhoff has been an important leadership team member spanning over many years. “We are very fortunate to have Steve on our leadership team,” said Ciota. “He has provided excellent administrative leadership overseeing many major changes and continuous improvements throughout the years. He truly embodies the ideals of servant leadership and community involvement. We will continue to rely on his expertise as we navigate through health care reform.” The American College of Healthcare Executives is an international professional society of more than 40,000 health care executives who lead hospitals, health care systems and other health care organizations. The American College of Healthcare Executives strives to improve health care delivery and advance health care management and excellence through education and research.
Hospice hosts 14th annual run/walk St. John’s Rehabilitation Program Senioravailable Seven Days a Week • Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Living • Newly updated OmniVR Therapy Program and Equipment • Accepting Medicare & Insurances • Sunday Morning Worship Service • Private Rooms July 2012 1/8 b/w
901 Luther Place Albert Lea
Albert Lea’s Hospice program, part of Mayo Clinic Health System – Albert Lea and Austin, will hold its 14th annual five mile run/ walk around Albert Lea’s Fountain Lake on June 14. Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds, with the run/walk from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. The registration fee for participating is $20 and additional donations are welcome. The registration fee does include a T-shirt, but registrations are due
by May 29 to guarantee a t-shirt and size. Registration/pledge forms can be picked up at the Hospice office on the Health Reach campus, 1705 S.E. Broadway, the Cancer Center and front information desk inside the medical center’s main campus, 404 W. Fountain St., KATE radio, Power 96 radio, and Mayo Clinic Health System locations in Alden, Kiester, New Richland, Wells and Lake Mills. Registrations will be taken the morning of the event.
Hospice care focuses on quality of life when a cure is no longer possible. It addresses the total physical, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals, while assisting their loved ones in providing care and support in comfortable, familiar surroundings. All money raised at this family-friendly five mile run/ walk will support Hospice’s patient, bereavement and volunteer services. For more information call Hospice at 507-377-6393.
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monday, may 19, 2014 | senior living | Page B3
SeniorPlace receives AARP award for driving classes OWATONNA (AP) — According to a national senior citizen organization, Owatonna residents are among the most active when it comes to making sure they are staying up-to-date on driving safely. Owatonna’s SeniorPlace was recently honored by the AARP Driver’s Safety program as a Top 100 host. For Owatonna’s Don Overlie, an instruction coordinator for all of southeast Minnesota, the award is something to be proud of. “It was based on the number of classes that were taught and the number of students that you had,” Overlie said. Last year, SeniorPlace hosted 30 AARP Driver Safety courses and reached roughly 660 participants, a total Overlie said was good for 12th place in the nation, where there are more than 18,000 host sites. “That’s big time. We were No. 12 in the entire country, including all of the territories of the U.S.,” Overlie said. “It’s the fact that people 50 years old and older are finding that there have been some changes in their physical bodies. There have been changes in the cars.”
There is an incentive to taking part in the AARP program, Overlie said. Each participant receives a 10 percent discount on his or her car insurance upon completing the course. A senior taking the course for the first time must take an eight-hour course. After that, the individual needs to take a four-hour refresher course every three years to continue to receive the discount. All of the course takes place in a classroom. Moez Manji, current lead instructor of the program for Owatonna, agreed that the program is important for seniors so they understand how things have changed on Minnesota roads over the years, adding the insurance reduction offers a good incentive. “There are a lot of new laws that they don’t understand and there are a lot of changes in physiology that you have to reinforce and reiterate,” Manji said. “One of the main reasons they come in is in our state, if the seniors take this class, they get that 10 percent discount.” Overlie said a lot of the course centers around
discussion on what has changed since those taking the class first learned to drive. “We go into such areas as the various things that happen as we age. Our eyes are not what they were when we were 20 years old. It’s just to make people aware of things,” Overlie said. “We also talk about the new laws that have been passed within the last few years.” Eric Anderson, assistant recreation director with the city of Owatonna, said the city is happy to have provided the facilities to allow so many seniors to learn about driving safely. “For SeniorPlace, we can look at it as a prestigious thing. We do a good job with a lot of the stuff that we do up there. This just shows at a lot of the hard work that goes in there,” Anderson said. “When you’re looking at AARP, that’s a national activity organization with that driver’s safety program. It’s good that we know a lot of people in this area are taking advantage of that, not only the course, but also taking advantage of getting the discount for their insurance when they get to do it.”
Brain games at Oak Park Place
Residents at Oak Park Place participate in “Brain Fitness,” a program to keep their minds sharp. Hannah Dillon/Albert Lea Tribune
Thorne Crest residents look back
Joyce Nixon, with Jan Jerdee & Company, presents 150 years of aprons and stoves to residents of the Thorne Crest Retirement Community. Hannah Dillon/Albert Lea Tribune
Parenting advice is a gift to the givers at Minn. care facility HARMONY (AP) — The scrapbook of parenting advice given to Leslie Elsbernd by residents of Harmony Health Care and Rehab is as much a gift to those who gave the advice as the mother who received it. Elsbernd is the physicians assistant at the nursing home on the south side of Harmony, as well as three others in the area. When her daughter, Claire Sophia, was born on Sept. 20,the Harmony staff and residents threw her a baby shower. Diapers, stroller, clothes? All were rejected. Instead, the staff decided to ask the residents, who have centuries of experience raising children, to offer their advice. “It was kind of a group decision,” said dietary manager Shelly Dolley. “We wanted to do something different.” The staff also wanted to get the residents involved. “I thought it was very interesting, and it would be helpful,” said resident Rachel Skaalen who volunteered. “You need all the help you can get when you’re a new mother.” Darliene Ask also was
eager to help.”We all had children,” she said. “I was really touched,” Elsbernd said. “I couldn’t believe they went through the trouble. ... We have a wealth of knowledge sitting here on the south end of Harmony.” Some of the advice is down-home practical, such as using peppermint to get rid of colic. Most, however, were much broader, such as buy her pretty clothes, take a lot of pictures, play with her, hug her, enjoy her. “It’s all big-picture types of things,” Elsbernd said. And she appreciates that. “For me, I can get caught up: did she eat enough, small details,” she said. “It’s nice to have wisdom, focus on the big picture sometimes.” She admits some of the advice might seem dated, such as buy pretty clothes or take lots of pictures. But think about it — many of the residents grew up on farms during the Depression, when children didn’t have a lot of pretty clothes, she said. Few farmers had cameras. Unlike today’s photo-mad selfie culture, a black-and-white photo
was rare, a thing reserved for a birthday or first communion. So that advice made sense, she said. She was touched by that. But perhaps the people most touched were those giving the advice, Elsbernd said. Just being asked to help was a gift to them, she said. Many feel that being older they are no longer valuable, no longer can help or have nothing to offer. Being asked “was pretty special to some of these people,” she said.
Wise words
Advice given by Harmony Health Care residents • “Spoil the child and take care of her, sing to your child when rocking her to sleep.” • “Don’t stress about going by the book. If you love her and rock her 10 more minutes, what’s the difference?” • “Don’t get excited every time she cries. It’s good for her to cry sometimes, it gives her exercise.” • “Love her. You can never give them ‘enough’ love and attention. And you can’t spoil them.”
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Hey! Oak Park Place residents answered with “words that have ORE in them.”
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Everyone enthusiastically answered as different questions were asked.
308 7th Avenue • Ellendale, MN • (507) 684-2881 2210 East Main St. • Albert Lea, MN • (507) 373-2461 217 West Division St. • New Richland, MN • (507) 465-8015 www.BonnerupFuneralService.com
Page B4 | SENIOR LIVING | monday, may 19, 2014
St. John’s Lutheran Community enjoys tea for Mother’s Day
Family, friends and residents celebrate Mother’s Day with tea.
St. John’s Lutheran Community residents and staff join in the Mother’s Day festivities. Provided
A collection of vintage hats, jewelry, purses and furnishings bring back memories.
Assisted Living...
Cancer support group potluck There will be a potluck and dirty bingo at Mayo Clinic Health System’s Cancer Support Group at 6 p.m. next Monday in Room 20 of the medical center in Albert Lea. Bring a dish to pass, your own table setting and a dirty bingo item.
Residents enjoy tea and lunch served by St. John’s volunteers and staff.
The group strives to provide support, hope and friendship to the cancer family: patient, caregivers, family members and all those touched by cancer. For more information call the Cancer Center at 507-379-2050.
with helping hands built-in
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!
Oak Park Place features assisted living apartment homes with licensed nursing staff on call 24-hours. Planned activities and amenities are customized to individual needs. A wide range of floor plans are available, from cozy studios to deluxe twobedroom apartment homes. To learn more about our Assisted Living options and to schedule a personal tour, Call (507) 373-5600.
Apartments available NOW!
CALL tOdAy!
For more information:
(800) 466-7722 x231 www.accessiblespace.org
Senior living Jan 2014 2x10 b/w
Independence when you want it, assistance when you need it.
Albert leA: 1615 Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea, MN 56007 Assisted Living • Memory Care www.OakParkPlace.com