Village Life Spring 2022
Excitement Surrounds Joining the Well-Spring Family ALSO INSIDE: The Village Wine Club Lifelong Friends Relocate to The Village from Coast Join our Friends Advantage Program
Creating and Expanding Our Family-like Culture One of the things I love most about The Village at Brookwood is the “family feel” that one experiences the moment they walk through our doors for the very first time – a memorable experience that is often recollected by both residents and team members. Just last week, I had the opportunity to interview an applicant who was interested in joining our team. “This place feels like home,” she said, as she was greeted with warm handshakes and friendly smiles by both residents and staff upon her arrival. She felt connected, instantly, with our culture. Creating an environment where relationships can be born, grow and thrive is not new to our community – it’s in our DNA. One great example of this spirit of camaraderie is found within the origins of our campus. The Village at Brookwood was founded by a local hospital system in Burlington, North Carolina, in 2003. Since the inception of The Village, the hospital system leaned heavily on their preexisting relationship with The Well-Spring Group, whose flagship is a nationally recognized Life Plan Community located in Greensboro, for guidance in serving the senior living sector. Naturally, this partnership has continued to evolve over time and, in the pages ahead, you’ll read about some exciting news that best positions our campus for growth in the very near future. As you can see, our culture is defined by the relationships that we are a part of – from our relationships with new employees, with strategic partners, and, finally, with you, the people we serve. We are proud of our “family feel,” and we are grateful for those who help create it. As you consider the future and begin making decisions about where to enjoy the next phase of your life, I hope you’ll choose a place that “feels like home.” If that’s what you’re looking for, please visit us … you won’t regret it. Michael Garland Executive Director
Spring is a time of new beginnings! We are so excited to welcome the following people who have chosen to make The Village at Brookwood their new home. Some have recently moved in, others will be arriving this Spring. Each new resident brings unique stories, personalities and talents to our campus, and we are grateful to have them as a part of our growing community! Ray and Kathy Hight Henderson, NC Jacque Jordan Apex, NC Veronica DeLario Mebane, NC Gretchen Major Vienna, VA Jerry & Judy Baskette Burlington, NC Ron & Flo Gray Midlothian, VA Doris & Wesley Whitely Roanoke, VA Jim & Sylvia Greenlee Durham, NC
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It’s Time for ‘Wine’ing … What better way is there to combine a love of lifelong learning with fellowship, fun, drinks and sometimes food than by forming a Wine Club? Once a month at The Village at Brookwood, residents come together in the Tavern to enjoy a few wines they have never tried before. “All the residents involved have a such a wonderful time,” said Arthur Gardiner, Assistant Director of Dining. Wine clubs are designed to provide customers with a series of wine bottles on a monthly or quarterly basis. While the first Wine of the Month Club was created in 1972, it was the turn of the century when the clubs began to take off, and by 2006, there were approximately 800 wine clubs in the United States. “The wine club was started at The Village at Brookwood when we saw how successful similar clubs were at restaurants, country clubs, and wine bars,” Gardiner said. Individuals who are part of the Friends Advantage Program, the waiting list for The Village at Brookwood, are also invited to participate in the club as a way to become involved in the community. The wine tasted during Wine Club is available for purchase at a much-discounted rate compared to retail and restaurant pricing. Club members also receive swag and other benefits. “We provide each member with a custom canvas wine tote, a wine journal, and a a wine tool,” Gardiner said. In addition, members receive: • Access to monthly wine tastings • Two to three bottles of wine to take home each month • Priority access to Wine Dinners
The Village at Brookwood started Wine Dinners for residents approximately five years ago as another avenue for food, fellowship and fun. Our dinners explore the regions of France, Italy, Spain and California. “These have been amazingly received by residents, and they often invite family and/or friends who live close by,” Gardiner said. “Our local sommelier, Julia Hunt, works with our chef to create the menu of four to five courses and wine pairings.” The Wine Club is an important source of feedback for the dining staff. “Throughout the year we need wine for many events,” Gardiner said. “By gaining firsthand feedback from our residents, we can make more informed decisions about what those wines will be. It is feedback that we would not have had access to otherwise.” The atmosphere in The Village Tavern during Wine Club is a bit more sophisticated and subdued — it’s a contrast to the rather lively energy Village residents have in the space during the rest of the week when they meet for cocktails, wine and beer before dinner or when cheering on their favorite basketball team. “During those times, tables get pushed together, Martinis get shaken, Manhattans get stirred, and laughter and good times ensue,” Gardiner said. “The Village has such a family atmosphere that there is never anyone sitting alone in the bar or the dining room.”
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Next Steps As a premier Life Plan Community — also known as a continuing care retirement community — in Alamance County, The Village at Brookwood has provided residents with a relaxed and friendly culture and close-knit community since it first opened its doors in 2003. Originally developed and sponsored by Alamance Regional Medical Center (ARMC), The Village became part of Cone Health when ARMC was acquired in 2013 and has been managed by Greensboro-based The Well-Spring Group since August 2017. Now, Well-Spring has entered into an agreement to acquire The Village at Brookwood from Cone Health with a commitment by the health care system to continue to meet the community’s health care needs. “Well-Spring is the local operator of this thriving Life Plan Community, and its sole mission is to provide a healthy, active and safe living environment for seniors 4
in our area,” said Preston Hammock, senior vice president at Cone Health. “This expertise — along with their commitment to the same communities we serve — makes The Well-Spring Group the ideal organization to lead The Village into an exciting new chapter and ensure The Village will remain a thriving community well into the future.” The Village at Brookwood and WellSpring are non-profit corporations. The acquisition will allow Well-Spring to replace Cone Health in governance of The Village as the non-profit parent organization. “Well-Spring was honored to take on the day-to-day operations of
The Well-Spring Group Will Acquire The Village at Brookwood!
The Village more than four years ago,” said Steve Fleming, president and CEO of The Well-Spring Group. “We view our next chapter with The Village as a continuing community partnership, and we are proud to welcome The Village into the Well-Spring family.” The Village at Brookwood was launched by two community leaders — Dr. Jo Watts Williams and Ralph Holt, Jr. — after Memorial Hospital of Alamance closed in 1995. Today, the community sits on that former hospital’s site and offers a full continuum of care services for older adults, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory support. As home to 247
We view our next chapter with The Village as a continuing community partnership, and we are proud to welcome The Village into the Well-Spring family. Steve Fleming, President and CEO
residents from North Carolina and beyond, The Village is in an ideal location to offer an array of lifestyle options, according to Michael Garland, Executive Director of The Village. “Burlington is a city brimming with vitality — from the world-class Elon University to arts events at the Paramount Theatre, parks, lakes, and great restaurants,” he said. “We have so many of the things that people seek in a well-rounded living experience, and Well-Spring is excited to become part of the fabric of this amazing community.” Under Well-Spring’s umbrella, The Village gains nationally recognized expertise in Life Plan communities. “Our successful model for exceeding the needs of an evolving and diverse group of older adults promises to elevate even further what residents of The Village have come to expect in their community,” Fleming said. Life Plan communities serve the residential and health needs of older adults from independent living to whatever the future holds — whether that is assisted living, skilled nursing care or memory support. Well-Spring’s flagship operation opened in 1993, the result of efforts led by a coalition of nine faith organizations that envisioned a need for a continuing care retirement community. With aligned missions, the relationship between Well-Spring and The Village makes a great deal of sense. “Over the past 28 years, our Life Plan Community in Greensboro has honed an approach to senior living that is among the best in the country,” Fleming said. “We offer an environment that marries both hospitality and health care delivery to individuals committed to making the most of their retirement years, and we do this in a way that provides them and their loved ones peace of mind. “That’s what a Life Plan Community is all about,” Fleming added. “And that very specialized expertise is what Well-Spring can provide The Village at Brookwood.”
Fast Facts About the Next Steps
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Cone Health, a leading health care organization, partnered with The Well-Spring Group in 2017 to bring in specialized expertise in operating a Life Plan Community. This next step in the evolution of the relationship between The Village and Well-Spring makes strategic sense for all organizations involved.
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The boards of Cone Health and The Well-Spring Group approved the agreement, and state regulatory review by the N.C. Department of Insurance has been conducted and approved. Expected closure date is sometime in June 2022. Since Well-Spring has been overseeing operations at The Village at Brookwood for more than four years, residents are likely to see very little change in operations.
Team members, including the Executive Director, as of the date of closing will remain in their current roles.
The Village will retain its logo and continue to be called The Village at Brookwood.
The boards of The Village will be merged with Well-Spring’s.
Residents of The Village will continue to provide input on operations via the Residents Association, as well as one-on-one input and feedback.
Cone Health and The Well-Spring Group have activated a detailed and robust transition plan. Well-Spring is committed to significant growth in a long-term strategic plan, including expanding the number of residences at The Village and repositioning existing health care units for a more enhanced residential feel.
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From Coast to Coast to Burlington Longtime Friends Find Full Inland Life After Relocating from N.C. Coast When people have been friends for over 50 years, it’s very easy for them to make others feel like you’ve known them that long, as well. At least, that’s the case with Sandy Belcher and Judy Hartsook! From the time they met at Washington State University, they were fast friends. It helped that they were both studying psychology. After achieving their PhDs, Sandy and Judy both did internships at a veteran’s hospital on Long Island. Sandy had never been to the East Coast. “It was culture shock!” she says, laughing. After interning, the two decided to head back to the area they loved near the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound. They pooled their resources to open a joint practice in a suburb of Seattle and make a home further out of the city in the mountains. When it came time to retire, they knew they needed to find a new location. There was only one doctor within 30 miles of their country house, and the city housing market had exploded in price. Judy originally grew up in Greensboro, and her immediate family was still there. While they didn’t want to be quite that close to home – “we wanted some adventures” – they found a subdivision that had new homes being built on the inlet side of Ocean Isle Beach. The two enjoy golfing and loved that the Outer Banks offered “golf galore” with some 30 courses spread throughout 30 miles. 6
“We went down to the beach and had a lot of fun for about 10 years,” Sandy says. She also points out that while the only blood-relative family she has left is a niece, Judy’s family has taken her on as their own. At one point, Judy’s sister Pat presented Sandy with an adoption certificate, and she regularly introduces Sandy as her sister.
“This community is committed to being a community. The people here really like each other, which is a big plus.”
After a couple of major hurricanes, Sandy and Judy decided to look for somewhere a bit more inland, preferably with no maintenance. While they did separate research, as fitting for two clinical psychologists, Judy Hartsook they both decided on The Village at Brookwood in Burlington – and not just because Judy’s cousin Russ McNeal was already on the wait list. They liked The Village because it’s like a tiny town, they point out. Brookwood checked all their individual boxes, and they realized that by once again combining resources, they could afford a wonderful two-bedroom apartment, complete with a den for extra space and visitors. And they even ended up moving in before Russ and his wife, Mary! “This community is committed to being a community,” Judy says. “The people here really like each other, which is a big plus.” “But we don’t get into each other’s business too much,” Sandy adds. “You can still maintain privacy.” “You don’t have to be social if you don’t want to be,” Judy points out, with Sandy quickly adding, “but it’s hard not to be!”
Judy and Sandy
“It’s amazing we can stay so active,” Sandy says. Besides using their shared passion to start a women’s golf club at The Village, they also serve as floor reps, welcoming new residents and creating events, celebrating birthdays and triaging issues to management on behalf of their neighbors. While Sandy and Judy very much enjoy the events at The Village community, they’ve also been very involved with Life@Elon, a program for continuing senior education. Elon University also offers other artistic entertainment, from student recitals to African dancers to lectures from experts in lots of fields, all just 10 minutes away from The Village. “When we lived at the beach, we had to travel to get to a performing arts center,” Sandy says. “Now we have all kinds of performers coming right here where we live, and even more available at Elon.” Judy echoes this idea, mentioning just how many groups travel to talk to Village residents, including students from UNCG and Greensboro Opera. “You can almost get
overwhelmed” with the activity options, she says. They also keep active on their own, recently attempting to add the ukulele to their list of skills and creating a dinner club with friends. Judy and Sandy love just how friendly The Village at Brookwood is. You can be as social as you want to be, and enjoy a wealth of activities, from the arts to fitness. Whether you’re looking for individual activities or to find your niche here within the community, Sandy and Judy have plenty of advice. Just say, “Hi!”
To learn more about all that The Village at Brookwood has to offer, contact us to schedule a personalized tour:
(336) 570-8440 (800) 282-2053
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The Doctor Will See You On Campus Now! The Village is committed to keeping residents healthy and active through a whole-person approach to wellness. As a part of our ongoing effort to provide the best quality care for our residents, The Village has expanded the on-campus offerings to include:
NEW Eye Care | Routine eye exams aid in the detection and treatment of glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and other vision changes. Our on-site optometrist can also prescribe, maintain and repair eyeglasses.
NEW Podiatry | It’s easy to take healthy feet for granted; however, foot problems tend to be among the most common ailments. Our podiatrist can diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, as well as assist with maintenance of your feet.
NEW Dermatology | On-site dermatology services, provided on a monthly basis, include skin exams, evaluation and treatment of skin conditions, biopsies and more.
Hearing Aid Clinic | A free hearing aid clinic is offered each month, with services provided by a local audiologist who is available to check and clean hearing aids and answer questions.
Vial of Life | This special bottle holds your personal medical history, insurance and medications information and is used by first responders/EMS while assisting in an emergency. Our annual Vial of Life event keeps all your info current.
Dental Care | Keeping your teeth, gums and mouth healthy contribute to better overall health. Residents can see a dentist who visits on a regular basis.
Health Clinic | On weekdays residents can see a healthcare professional right on campus! The Health Clinic, staffed by a Registered Nurse and a Certified Nursing Assistant, offers in-person visits or can assist with virtual visits with your personal physician. In addition, The Village offers a daily check-in service, access to on-site mental health care, a comprehensive wellness center with heated saltwater pool, home health care, fitness classes and more. 8
ero Z is Better
Sometimes a
Than an
A
Congratulations to The Village at Brookwood’s Health Care Center team for earning a “Zero Deficiency” rating! Our Health Care Center is regulated by the Division of Health Services Regulations (DHSR) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). During annual recertification surveys, a team reviews systems and processes; interviews staff and residents; observes nurses completing medication passes and resident care; reviews of infection control practices and protocols; and other operational components.
Attaining a perfect score — zero deficiencies — is one of the highest accomplishments that all administrators and skilled facilities strive for. In addition, skilled nursing facilities that are certified with Medicare or Medicaid are part of a five-star rating system designed to give seniors and their families a clear picture of a community’s quality. The result of a facility’s survey is averaged into the overall five-star rating. Because The Village at Brookwood received zero deficiencies, we will maintain our overall five-star rating.
popu T lar. R his semi n eser ve yo ar is high ur se l at ea y rly!
You’re Invited Exploring Your Retirement Journey … Every Step of the Way
The Village at Brookwood invites you join us for a FREE informative seminar and luncheon designed to help you navigate the many choices that lead to a fulfilling and secure retirement.
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 8 - 8:30 am
Light breakfast and coffee
8:45 - 10:15 am
Overview of Retirement Living and Care Steve Fleming, President/CEO, The Well-Spring Group and past Chair of the National Board of LeadingAge
10:15 - 10:30 am
Break
10:30 - 11 am
Strategies for Selling Your Home in Today’s Real Estate Market Amber Harvalias, Owner and Listing Agent, The A Team
11 - 11:30 am
It’s More Than A Move: Downsizing From Your Home Beth Wenhart, Marketing and Sales Director, Carolina Relocation & Transition Specialists
Noon - 1 pm
Lunch – Created by our talented culinary team
1 pm
Let’s Explore! Tours of The Village
Space is limited for this free seminar! To attend, please register by April 26:
(336) 570-8440
1860 Brookwood Ave., Burlington, NC 27215
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Life Around The Village
The 4th Annual Fall Cruise-In was a delight for residents and guests who turned out to enjoy a colorful array of classic vehicles AND honor our veterans.
Three of our friendly canine residents take their humans for a walk. They highly recommend this pet-friendly community!
Residents Candace and Linda enjoy a casual lunch in The Bistro.
Follow us on Facebook! Search for The Village at Brookwood. 10
Residents Sue and Lee get in a little afternoon treadmill workout in the Wellness Center. The 2021 Merry Market was a huge success! More than 30 vendors were joined by Santa, A Capella singers, dancers, and Victorian-era-clad carolers. More than 400 guests were treated to hot chocolate and cookies … and made generous cash and gift donations to Christmas Cheer, a local non-profit agency!
Keep Allergies Under Control It’s that time of year for outdoor allergies, also known as seasonal allergies, seasonal allergic rhinitis or “hay fever.” Hay fever is a chronic disorder caused by an allergic reaction to substances such as pollen, dust mites and pet hair. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include sneezing; stuffy, runny nose; red, itchy, watery eyes; cough; headaches; and fatigue. These symptoms may not seem very critical, but they can negatively impact the quality of life for older adults and, left untreated, may further aggravate other chronic health issues. If you have fever, sore throat or body aches, you may have the flu or a cold, not allergies. Medications to treat seasonal allergies include over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants. However, the most common allergy-relief prescription is not recommended for people over 65. Antihistamines can increase blood pressure and interact with other medications to cause severe side effects. As with any medication, you should always consult with your doctor to find a safe allergy solution.
Another common allergy remedy is flushing out your nose and sinuses with a saltwater solution in order to wash away allergens and soothe swollen nasal membranes.
Stay Informed & Stay Inside
While it is nearly impossible to prevent allergies, the best way to control seasonal allergies is to control your exposure to them.
Regularly consuming foods that are rich in vitamin C can help fight inflammation, as can ginger, walnuts, apples and green, leafy vegetables.
Be Proactive Spring Cleaning Keeping your home clear of allergens can help relieve some of your discomfort this spring. Clean and vacuum regularly and remove unnecessary clutter to minimize dust.
Use Air Conditioning and a Dehumidifier Keep your windows closed and rely on the A/C to keep your home comfortable and allergen free. A dehumidifier can help mitigate mold, another allergen.
Wash Your Hands & Clothes When you come inside, be sure to wash your hands to remove pollen. Change your clothes and put them in the wash as soon as possible.
Pay attention to the pollen levels in your area so you can stay inside on days when airborne allergens are high.
Eat Well
How We Can Help The Village at Brookwood utilizes high efficiency filters that remove 90 percent of particles in the surrounding air. In addition, The Village stresses cleanliness to combat allergies and the communication of viral germs. Environmental and dining services at The Village have regularly received health sanitation ratings in the 99-100th percentiles. In addition, everything you need — exercise, dining, shopping and social activities — is easily accessible, so you can spend minimal time outdoors when allergens are high!
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PRSRT STD US Postage
PAID
Winston-Salem NC Permit No. 319
1860 Brookwood Avenue Burlington, NC 27215
Ready to learn more about a vibrant retirement lifestyle at our premier Life Plan Community? Contact Betsy or Clark today to...
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