LutherCare 60th

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

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1955 TO 2015

LOOK

INSIDE New Stonebridge development continues LutherCare’s legacy of care….. 1

LutherCare Village

Where it all began .................................................3 Celebrating 60 years of service....................3

AT STONEBRIDGE

New LutherCare group home offers specialized care .......................................5

TAKES NEW APPROACH TO SENIORS’ HOUSING

LutherCare offers spiritual care for all .....6

New Stonebridge development continues LutherCare’s legacy of care

BY KIRA OLFERT FOR SP SPECIAL PROJECTS

LutherCare Communities has been providing seniors’ housing, along with other community services, in Saskatchewan for 60 years this year. In late 2016, the organization will take a bold new step with the opening of LutherCare Village in Stonebridge.

Developed, designed and built in conjunction with Meridian Development, LutherCare Village will offer 159 suites for independent seniors as well as a

27-bedroom intermediate care home.

LutherCare Village will bring a new concept in seniors’ housing to Saskatoon. Where many seniors’ housing developments tend to isolate residents from the surrounding community, LutherCare Village will be fully integrated with the Stonebridge neighbourhood.

“This is why the name ‘Village’ is so appropriate,” said LutherCare Communities CEO Vivienne Hauck.

“Our residents will be part of an active, multi-generational community with

almost all the services they might need within a block or two. It will be a very stimulating environment in which to live.”

Some ground floor space in the LutherCare Village building has been set aside for commercial services. So far, tenants include the planned Stonebridge branch of Saskatoon Public Library and a commercial gym. A child day care centre is also planned for the site. Nearby services include a grocery store, financial institutions, medical CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

LutherCare Communities celebrates six decades of growth ........................................7 Luther Seniors Centre celebrates 30th anniversary.....................................................8

VISION Dare to Care: Building Healthy, Faith-Based Caring Communities

MISSION Our mission is to provide excellence in care, shelter and support in a nurturing Christian environment for all entrusted to our care.

LutherCare Communities 1212 OSLER STREET, SASKATOON |(306) 664-0300

www.luthercare.com

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offices and a coffee shop, to name a few.

LutherCare Director of Housing Kelly Peevers says, “this is something exciting and new for us, this chance to form even better connections with the community at large.”

Meridian Development was part of the project from day one, and President Karl Miller says it was “really important to us that our design help connect seniors with the wider community. We want this to be a place where people of all ages will gather and interact. With the library, the gym and the daycare, we’ve created that inter-generational space.”

Located on Hunter Road just off Preston Avenue, LutherCare Village has also been designed with a “campus of care” concept. As Miller explains, the location was carefully selected so that services like doctors’ offices, pharmacies, chiropractors, physiotherapists, dentists, x-ray labs, banks, grocery stores and restaurants are all within walk-

ing distance. “We secured the land and had it re-zoned for just this purpose.”

At the same time the developer was conscious they were designing people’s homes. Miller adds, “we worked hard to ensure that our building and our suites are unique, special and of a high quality.”

As for the partnership with LutherCare, Miller says, “It is great. We share a common philosophy and vision of how to do things for the community. It has been a really satisfying and enjoyable project to work on. It’s going to be really gratifying to watch people start moving in early in 2017.”

Hauck concurs. “We are very fortunate to work with Meridian Development on this unique opportunity, where two organizations come together, with similar vision and values. To have two organizations work together in a co-ownership arrangement is a first for LutherCare Communities.”

Peevers echoes that excitement.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

“Due to this relationship with Meridian, we will be able to continue to offer our same core services, but in a new and exciting environment. We will be able to bring the outside in, and tie together our LutherCare community with the wider neighborhood.”

He adds the prospective residents are excited about the LutherCare Village concept. “This is what seniors want today. They want to lead an active lifestyle and they want to learn new things. Communication with family and friends around the world is important and having the facility equipped with fibre optics enhances the current technology available (and) will support future communication possibilities. “Seniors housing has evolved a lot over the years and LutherCare Village keeps us on the leading edge.”

LutherCare CEO Vivienne Hauck says the LutherCare Village concept is also is in keeping with the history and mission of the organization, as well as with the foresight

LutherCare Village in Stonebridge was developed and designed with Meridian Development. The seniors’ housing project will foster interactions with the community by including space for commercial services. (Supplied photo)

of past leaders.

“When I think about LutherCare Communities and how we have grown, it confirms that the vision created 60 years ago is alive and flourishing today. Inspired by Rev. Bergsagel’s founding vision, generations of talented and caring staff members, supported by dedicated

leaders, volunteers and donors, have built LutherCare Communities into a multi-faceted organization serving a variety of needs in many different locations. Our continuum of living model helps to support our residents and clients in their nurturing and familiar communities even as their needs change.”

ABOUT THIS CONTENT: These stories were produced by StarPhoenix Special Projects to promote awareness of this topic for commercial purposes. The StarPhoenix editorial department had no involvement in the creation of this content.

LUTHERCARE COMMUNITIES ON YOUR 60TH DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY

LutherCare Home Help offers

providing extraordinary care, shelter and support to our seniors throughout Saskatchewan.

• Low minimums • Reasonable rates • No commitments • Flexible times • Wide range of services • Personal care services

As a valued partner, partner Meridian Development Corp. looks forward to continuing to work with you for many years to come, and the grand opening of LutherCare Village at Stonebridge in late 2016.

Phone your Home Help Coordinator today for a free consultation

(306) 664-0393

www.meridiandevelopment.ca

Home Help is managed by LutherCare Communities, provider of supportive services to seniors since 1955.

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Where it all began…

BY JENNIFER JACOBY-SMITH OF SP SPECIAL PROJECTS

Our mission is to provide excellence in care, shelter, and support in a nurturing Christian environment for all entrusted to our care.

– Mission statement, LutherCare Communities In March 1955, 58 residents moved into a red brick building at the corner of Osler Street and Monroe Avenue. Lutheran Sunset Home, as it was called, offered something rare in those days – a place where seniors could live independently while still receiving some support.

Seven years later the organization realized some residents required more care and 63 beds were added – 43 for nursing care. The nursing care beds allowed residents to stay in familiar surroundings even as their care needs increased. LutherCare calls it the continuum of living.

“And that continues today where a retired person can begin their journey as an individual or couple in an independent facility,” says Ivan Olf Olfert, Operations Lead, Health Services. “They could move into an intermediate care home as their needs increased and eventually they could become a resident of the Luther Special Care Home.”

In 1986, the facility expanded with an 80-bed addition on the same block as the Lutheran Sunset Home and changed the name to Luther Special Care Home. Two

Resident Irene Verrall loves her room’s large window which is situated low enough so she can enjoy the view from her wheelchair. (Photo: D&M Images.)

years later the original sections were revamped to create a secured neighbourhood for residents with dementia who are at risk of wandering away from the facility.

Once Luther Special Care Home became affiliated with the Saskatoon Health Region in 1994, the 129-bed facility began offering level 3 and level 4 care to residents. Luther Special Care Home also gained access to a network of information and expertise from other organizations within the Region.

“Residents may have a particular need,” explains Olfert. “Let’s say they need a specialized piece of equipment, then that conversation can happen with the Health Region or sister sites within the city to bring that equipment or expertise to help that resident.”

Staff and administration never lose sight of the fact, that while it is a health care facility, it is also home for 129 residents. There are afternoon sing-alongs, cof coffee row – just for the guys – and outings to interesting events.

Some of the most beloved parts of Luther Special Care Home are the simple things – like enjoying the view out the window.

“You can look out the window into the courtyard,” says resident Borgny Lokken. “It’s relaxing, too.

Down on the first floor, we hung up a bird feeder. Lots of birds have come now. They just crowd in there.”

Lokken lived at Luther Tower, which is connected to Luther Special Care Home, for 12 years. After breaking her foot three years ago,

Lokken began using a wheelchair to get around and that meant a move to Luther Special Care Home. Lokken appreciates the Friday afternoons chapel times and Sunday morning church services, as well. “The caregivers – the staff – are very good. They get you up in the morning and put you to bed at night.”

Resident Irene Verrall loves the big windows in her room, which are low enough for her to enjoy the view – even though she’s in a wheelchair. For Verrall, the caring staff allow her to enjoy her retirement without worry.

“You don’t realize that some day you’ll get scared to be alone when something happens,” says Verrall.

“So that is a comfort.”

Olfert says part of what makes the facility so special is the ownership residents and families take to make it better.

Together the shared goal is to make LutherCare a preferred place to live and work.

Over the years, the facility has continued to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of residents. Yet, after 60 years, nothing about their mission statement has changed.

“It is quite a milestone,” says Olfert. “Luther Special Care Home is really where it all started. It’s a very large organization which provides service to hundreds of people daily and from its humble beginnings the organization has a lot to be proud of.”

Celebrating 60 years of service

BY DARLENE POLACHIC FOR SP SPECIAL PROJECTS

Rick Stalwick's roots in LutherCare go deep.

They were first planted when he was hired by Shoquist Construction to work on the Lutheran Sunset Home the company had been contracted to build at 1212 Osler

Street.

Stalwick grew up on a farm northeast of Domremy, SK, in a Lutheran family that relocated to Saskatoon in 1950 so the seven children could get a good education. Rick attended Saskatoon Technical Collegiate where, among other things, he learned drafting and carpentry.

It was those skills that prepared him for the work Shoquist was hiring him to do.

"Shoquist did its own millwork," Rick says, "and that's what I worked on, making windows and cabinets. I was paid $1 an hour."

The Lutheran Sunset Home was a 58-bed facility that, as he recalls,

cost clients $65 a month. It opened in June of 1955.

Once the nursing home was completed, Stalwick continued working with Shoquist Construction for a number of years, then moved on to other construction firms.

Eventually he became an independent contractor and went on

to amass an impressive building resumé that includes schools and churches.

Throughout the years, Stalwick maintained a close relationship with LutherCare, as the expanded institution came to be known. He served on the board of LutherCare CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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for fifteen years and was board chair for nine of those years. He was project manager for the renovations to the Luther Tower dining room and kitchen, and renovated the secure special needs unit on Temperance Street, as well.

In 2009, he built the intermediate care building adjacent to the Luther Heights complex. For this, he says, "LutherCare was its own contractor and I was the project manager."

It was at this point that Rick and his wife Vi sold their home and moved to Luther Heights.

"Rick was having his lunch over there all the time, as it was," Vi says, "so I said, 'Why don't we just move there?'"

Vi, too, has a long-standing relationship with LutherCare. She worked at both Lutheran Sunset Home and Luther Tower as a receptionist. One of her sisters was a nurse at Lutheran Sunset Home; another worked there in the pay-

Rick Stalwick and his wife Vi now live at Luther Heights, but their roots with LutherCare go back to when the very first foundation was laid. (Photo by Darlene Polachic)

roll office. Vi's father moved to the Lavik Centre in order to be close to his wife who was in the nursing home next door, and later lived in

Luther Tower.

The situation was similar for Rick's parents who lived in Luther Heights for many years.

"When my dad developed dementia, he went to the day program in the Luther Seniors Centre next door," he says, "and eventually he went into Lutheran Sunset Home.

Mother moved to Luther Tower so she could be with him."

Rick is still actively involved with LutherCare. At 80, he is currently the owners’ representative on the building team of the new Stonebridge LutherCare Village.

As such, he makes regular visits to the site to "check the progress and make sure the project is on schedule."

Rick and Vi are long-time members of Zion Lutheran church where Rick continues to be an active volunteer. At one time he served on the board of Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute (LCBI) in Outlook.

"Volunteerism is a strong part of Rick's life," Vi says. "It's a way of life for him and comes naturally from his faith."

In fact, Rick's many years of volunteer service for the Lutheran

denomination and the community was recognized not long ago by Lutheran Theological Seminary which granted him an honorary Doctor of Christian Letters degree.

Perhaps it is understandable that Rick would view the benefits of living in Luther Heights from a contractor's perspective. While he remarks on the camaraderie among residents and the quality of the staff, he especially values the knowledge that the complex is well-built. "Luther Heights," he says, "is one of the best residences in the city."

As for LutherCare, "I value and admire the Christian ethics of LutherCare. Because of our church connection, my family has supported LutherCare since the early days when my parents would send money for the support of Lutheran Sunset Home.

"I believe the whole of LutherCare is run very professionally," he says." It has played an important part in the lives of both our families.

Congratulations LutherCare!

Congratulations LutherCare on your 60th anniversary.

Celebrating 60 years!

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New LutherCare group home offers specialized care

BY KIRA OLFERT FOR SP SPECIAL PROJECTS

This year, LutherCare Communities will expand its Community Living Division with the addition of a first in the city group home for adults with physical, medical and developmental disabilities.

Located at 1226 Temperance Street, the home will house four adults with high medical needs.

Group Home General Manager Janet Macnab says “these residents will be 100 per cent reliant on staff for their daily needs, and so we have put a lot of thought and planning into this.” Three of the residents will be moving home to Saskatoon from Valley View in Moose Jaw, while one of them is already residing in the city.

Macnab explains the planning has been a two-year process.

“There are so many things to

take into consideration. We need to make sure our space fits the needs of our residents, and so we will have a big open floor plan for ease of movement. We will have all of the latest tracks, lifts and mobility equipment, plus a room to clean it all. Our bathroom is huge, with a walk-in shower.”

Staff members will have very individualized training to learn how to provide one-on-one individualized care.

“We have partnered very closely with Valley View on this to make sure our staff are properly trained. We have visited Valley View a few times to meet and get to know the individuals and their needs,” explains Macnab.

She and colleague Becky Pawlichuk also spent time at a similar home in Osler. “We spent some time there watching how the staff interact with the clients and to get a feel for what we

will need to do, and to make sure we will be able to support our residents in a safe and healthy environment.”

The residence at 1226 Temperance will be home to the four individuals. “Meals will be cooked in the kitchen every day by staff members. Our residents will eat together at a kitchen table.

There will be baking and parties.

And we will have an open door policy for family members who will always be welcome. This is our residents’ home. We hope the families will view it as such. We know it can be hard to let others care for your family members.”

Elaine Cherkewich is one of those family members. Her 28-year-old son, Keegan, will be the first resident to move into 1226 Temperance. As Keegan has lived at home up until now, it was a hard decision to move him else-

where, and one not taken lightly.

“Even though it was not a decision that could be avoided given his high needs and our aging needs, we started working on finding a home that met his needs five years ago and truthfully this has been a difficult process,” she says. “It is not like you can one day say I think I can no longer care for him and here is a list of appropriate homes that you can choose from and feel comfortable with the care that the individual will receive. Seeing our son leave his home environment where he has been under our protection and guidance will perhaps be the most difficult day in our lives.”

However, she says “this new home fits well in the neighbourhood and is close to medical facilities if required. The homelike environment will be as close as we could get for a home-away-

from home. We are confident in LutherCare Communities’ ability to provide him with the care and support that he needs and appreciate that they welcome our input into his care and will hopefully continue to do that in the future.”

Macnab says the transition for the residents’ move from Moose Jaw will be as slow as necessary.

“It’s not just a matter of moving people from point A to point B. We recognize that Valley View was home for these people, and that the staff there is family. We want their move to be as painless as possible for all involved.”

Adds Pawlichuk, “Staff in these type of situations develop close relationships with the residents.

If you don’t feel that bond with your clients, you are in the wrong business.”

The new group home will officially open later this month.

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LutherCare offers spiritual care for all

BY DARLENE POLACHIC FOR SP SPECIAL PROJECTS

“The best service the church can render the aged is to offer them a home that will best minister in the spirit of Christ, providing the best care to body, mind and soul.”

This statement by Rev. Knut Bergsagel, the first Superintendent and Chaplain of the Saskatoon Lutheran ‘home for the aged,’ described the aim of the organization then, and continues to describe it now, says LutherCare Director of Mission Rev. Renita Falkenstern.

“It encapsulates our on-going vision to build healthy, faith-based, caring communities, and our mission to provide excellence in care, shelter and support in a nurturing Christian environment for all entrusted to our care.”

Falkenstern says one of the ways spiritual care is offered informally is through residents who show love and care to one another. This is evidenced in a devotional book put together for the 60th anniversary. It contains entries written by staff, residents and volunteers, and paints a picture of a genuinely caring community.

A number of trained volunteers, many from Luther Tower, also function as spiritual care visitors who pay weekly visits to individual residents. Falkenstern terms this ministry a win-win situation that “communicates God's grace and unconditional love for the person through the gift of the visitor's presence.”

“At LutherCare, we look at the whole person,” she says. “We want people to know they are a child of God and a person of worth, and that we care. Our staff is there to provide support and an environment to help them age well and live life to the fullest.”

LutherCare has four chaplains serving in Saskatoon in its housing, intermediate care, group homes and long-term care facilities. Visitation, in hospital or at home, is an important aspect of the work. The chaplain offers spiritual care through Word and sacrament, and by just being a presence: walking with, listening to and supporting them in times of loss and grieving.

Spiritual care services also include worship services, hymn sings, and faith-based

Health Services

Seniors’ Community Housing Services

Accredited by — Accreditation Canada —

— Accredited by CARF —

Special Care Home

Seniors’ Housing

Luther Special Care Home 1212 Osler Street Saskatoon SK S7N 0T9 (306) 664-0300

LutherCare Village at Stonebridge (coming early 2017) 250 Hunter Road Saskatoon, SK (306) 664-0316

Community Day Programs ograms (CDPs) Daily CDP Program The Luther Seniors Centre provides a therapeutic day program for participants with irreversible dementia. A referral is required from the Client Patient Access Service of Saskatoon Health Region.

Tending to residents’ spiritual needs continues to be part of LutherCare’s mandate, says Rev. Renita Falkenstern, Director of Mission. (Photo

by Darlene Polachic)

discussion groups which take place on a regular basis.

Another avenue of spiritual care is Parish Nursing. “We currently have several staff who are taking parish nurse training to better incorporate spiritual care in their nursing practice. We are a faith-based community,” Falkenstern says, “a social service organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, but we are not restricted to Lutheran people or those of other Christian denominations. Regardless of resident's religious tradition, we will befriend, listen and journey with them.” She says the greatest religious diversity LutherCare sees is amongst the staff.

“I do an orientation for new staff to let them know that while we are rooted in the Christian tradition, we are open to everyone. We have a place for all here. We respect them, and they are welcome to be who they are.

“We offer a Blessing of Hands to honour the work and vocation of staff, “because God works through their hands.

“Christian values are universal human values. We operate by the Golden Rule and the 'Love-Your-Neighbour-As-Yourself' principle.”

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Luther Heights 1802 Alexandra Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 8A6 (306) 664-0377

Luther Seniors Centre

Luther Place Outlook 408 McTav McT ish Street Outlook, SK S0L 2N0 (306) 867-9955

Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1800 Alexandra Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 3C7 (306) 664-0368

Luther Riverside Terrace 915 Saskatchewan Crescent West Saskatoon, SK S7M 0M7 (306) 664-1250

Weekly CDP Programs The weekly Community Day Programs serve seniors living in the community who can benefit from increased social interaction. Participants may register directly by contacting the numbers listed below.

Young at Heart Monday, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

McNaughton Place 302 6th Avenue North, Saskatoon TEMT (T vel, Eat, Meet, Talk) (Tra Tuesday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Luther Special Care Home 1212 Osler Street, Saskatoon LiveSmart Thursday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Clinkskill Manor 115 19th Street East., Saskatoon For more information or to register for one of the weekly Community Day Programs, please call: (306) 664-0345; or (306) 664-0331

Group Homes (Saskatoon) ❑ 619 1st Street East ❑ 1506 9th Avenue North ❑ 1906 Alexandra Avenue ❑ 1910 Alexandra Avenue ❑ 1914 Alexandra Avenue ❑ 1929 Pembina Avenue ❑ 1226 Temperance Street (306) 664-0388

Home Support Program ogram

Luther Tower 1223 Temperance Street Saskatoon, SK S7N 0P2 (306) 664-0355 Trinity Tower – Estevan 737 Second Street Estevan, SK S4A 2S4 (306) 634-7307 Intermediate Care Homes ICHs are located within or near to: ❑ LutherCare Village at Stonebridge (Early 2017) ❑ Luther Heights ❑ Luther Riverside Terrace ❑ Luther Tower For information, contact the housing manager at the numbers listed above.

Resident Support Advocate Services Professional counselling for LutherCare residents (306) 664-0357 Wellness Services Wellness clinics/ foot care (306) 664-0358

Home Help Community-wide, feefor-service home support (306) 664-0393 Wellness Services Staf training Staff (306) 664-0358 Training Room Rental Fully equipped training/ meeting room at 1800 Alexandra Avenue, Saskatoon (306) 664-0308 Family mily Housing Luther Family Housing Heritage Way Saskatoon, SK S7H 5N8 (306) 664-0377 SAS00333670_1_1

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

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luthercare communities celebrates six decades of growth

by Jeannie armstrong SP SPecial ProjectS editor

It’s been almost 100 years since the concept of a home designed to provide care for the elderly was first envisioned for Saskatoon.

The year was 1917, and the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America (NLCA) had just established a ‘Canada District.’ “The first president of the Canada District was Pastor J.R. Lavik. Within the first year, he committed the church to establishing a home for the aged,” says Bryan Tastad, Director of Development with LutherCare Communities. “It was part of the church’s founding vision.”

Seventy years ago, in 1945, the church purchased a block of land in Saskatoon, near the University of Saskatchewan campus, bordered by Wiggins Avenue, Temperance Street, Munroe Avenue and Osler Street.

“Part of the land was designated for a seminary. The west half of the block was seen as the location for the home for the aged,” says Tastad.

The Luther Theological Seminary was constructed first, opening in 1948. That same year, the NLCA became known as the Evangelical L theran Church (ELC).

“Following completion of the seminary, they turned their attention to the construction of the home for the elderly, which became known as Lutheran Sunset Home,” says Tastad.

A board of directors was formed in 1950 to plan, finance and build Lutheran Sunset Home. “The funds were raised through a combination of government funding, donations and a loan from the church,” says

On March 28, 1955, Lutheran Sunset Home welcomed its first residents. Since then LutherCare Communities has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of the community. (Supplied photo)

Tastad. “The cost of construction totalled $200,000.”

With the funds in place, sod was officially broken on April 5, 1954. The selected contractor, Shoquist Construction, commenced work on the project.

Just 51 weeks after the official sod turning, the first six residents moved into Lutheran Sunset Home on March 28, 1955, welcomed by the first superintendent and chaplain, Rev. Knut Bergsagel.

Initially, the retirement home accommodated 58 guests. Residents had to be able to live independently, as care was not provided. At that time, long-term care was considered to be the purvue of the provincial government.

Within seven years, the board of directors realized that the aging residents of Lutheran Sunset Home were in need of increasing levels of care. The capacity of the home was increased by 63 beds, including 43 for nursing care.

The new nursing wing and chapel were dedicated on May 8, 1963. “That was really when we began to develop

Congratulations LutherCare Communities on your

the concept of what we call a ‘continuum of living,’ where we provide support and care for people even as their needs change,” says Tastad. “By providing this level of care on site, it allows residents to stay within the community, even though their needs are changing.”

The next major milestone in LutherCare Communities’ history was the construction of the 22-storey, 195-suite Luther Tower, at 1223 Temperance Street. Construction on the senior citizens’ high-rise development began in the summer of 1975, and the first residents – James McQueen and Meta Kliewer – moved in on May 31, 1978.

“By that time, most of the original Lutheran Sunset Home was a care facility. Luther Tower became the centre of independent living,” says Tastad. A variety of support services enhance independent living at Luther Tower, including dining room services.

“We created a campus of care that included Luther Tower and Lutheran Sunset Home, designed to accommodate independent living

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Luther Heights seniors’ residence.”

Today, LutherCare Communities is continuing to address the needs of an expanding seniors’ population with the construction of the innovative LutherCare Village at Stonebridge.

Reflecting back over the past six decades, LutherCare Communities has taken a leadership role in providing a continuum of care for Saskatoon residents. “The scope of care we provide has evolved, but our principles and values have remained consistent,” says Tastad.

He says the volunteer Board of Directors of LutherCare Communities is constantly assessing areas of need within our community. That diligent attitude has led to the development of innovative programs and services serving different sectors of the population.

“We’ve expanded into different areas of care, such as the Luther Seniors Centre which began to provide a day program for adults with dementia in 1985. Luther Family Housing was introduced in 1989 to provide quality housing for low-income families. Currently, 30 families are being assisted by this program, subsidized by Sask Housing. In 1995, we opened our first group home for younger adults with physical or intellectual challenges. That program has continued to grow; this year we will open our seventh group home, which will provide care for individuals with specialized medical needs,” says Tastad.

“Our Board of Directors has been very effective and has maintained a strong leadership role that has guided LutherCare throughout the past six decades.”

LutherCare Communities 2015 board of Directors

Congratulations on 60 Years

of Serving our Community!

60th Anniversary!

right through to level four care,” says Tastad.

The 1980s and 1990s were a period of intense activity for LutherCare Communities, with the opening of Luther Seniors Centre in 1985, Luther Family Housing in 1988, Luther Heights and Trinity Tower in Estevan in 1989, and Luther Place Outlook in 1997. In the early 1990s, a number of changes altered the landscape for seniors’ housing and care.

Lutheran Sunset Home became affiliated with what is now Saskatoon Health Region.

At the same time, the criteria for admission to a special care home began to rise so that only those requiring level 3 and 4 care could get in.

“That created a gap between independent living and long-term care.

LutherCare Communities saw that gap developing and our response to it was to start creating intermediate care homes. They are licensed as personal care homes and designed to care for seniors who can no longer live on their own safely, but don’t yet qualify for subsidized long-term care,” says Tastad. “Because they are either right beside or right inside our seniors’ housing locations, they allow people to stay in that same community and get the extra care that they need.”

In 2000, a 15-bedroom intermediate care home opened across the street from Luther Tower. That same year, LutherCare was involved in the development of Luther Riverside Terrace, a 155-suite residence at 915 Saskatchewan Crescent West. “In 2009, we opened our third intermediate care home at 1904 Alexandra Avenue, right beside the 120-suite

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Chair – Al Scholz ViCe-Chair – Vern Bachiu SeCretary – Joyce Beckett exeCutiVe Committee memberS at Large – Mark Hedlin and Karen Wright

DireCtorS Mary Ellen Andrews Barrie Bergsma Allan Grundahl Monica Kreuger Margaret Lissel Bill Nelson Larry Tehse

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Wednesday, November 4, 2015

A Legacy of Creating Faith-Based Caring Communities LutherCare Communities has been helping Saskatchewan seniors lead active, fulfilling and dignified lives since the first residents moved into the original Lutheran Sunset Home in 1955. Today, LutherCare owns or manages quality seniors’ housing locations throughout Saskatchewan, offering a wide array of floor plans, supportive services, meal plans and rental or life lease options.

LutherCare’s seniors’ housing locations are fully accredited by CARF Please contact any one of our CARF. locations to discuss your seniors’ housing needs.

Early Luther Seniors Centre staff who gathered to celebrate the 20th anniversary in 2005 were, left to right, Sylvia Mills, Irene Beck, Joyce Beckett, Rev. Gene Grant, Vivienne Hauck, and Maureen Deeks.

(Photo: LutherCare Communities)

Luther Seniors Centre celebrates 30th anniversary

BY DARLENE POLACHIC FOR SP SPECIAL PROJECTS

In the early 1980s, the executive director of Lutheran Sunset Home, Paul Blomkvist, proposed the establishment of a program developed in Scandinavia for people with irreversible dementia. Rather than becoming isolated because of their incapacities, clients could spend six to seven hours a day for up to five days a week at a care facility where they could participate in planned programming with people of similar ages and abilities.

Blomkvist and the board negotiated the purchase of Richmond Heights School on Alexandra Avenue from the Public School Board for the centre. Joyce Becket became the first director.

Her job was to oversee renovation of the school and hire and train staff.

“This was the first daycare centre in the province specifically for people with irreversible dementia,” she says. “We opened on March 4, 1985, with three participants. It took almost a year to build up to the 20 per day caseload we envisioned.”

Programming provided activities supportive to the participant’s level of cognition – music, group crosswords, art, current events, dancing, games like shuffleboard, baking and simple woodworking activities.

“We provided lunch and coffee breaks, and had a lovely gazebo outdoors where we sometimes had barbecues.”

A fulltime psychiatric nurse worked on site, and a social worker provided education and support for families. Nurses administered medications prescribed by the client’s doctor. A chaplain held worship services once a week and did hospital and follow-up visitation.

“We had a multi-disciplinary team that met to plan individual participant care following their

initial assessment,” Beckett says. “Our goal was to meet the psychological, physical, and spiritual needs of each person. Clients were not forced into activities, but were encouraged to be present because the stimulation of others participating gave them the sense they were part of the group.”

Marilyn Cooper worked at the Seniors Centre for 12 years as the on-site nurse-in-charge before becoming its current director. “I absolutely loved it,” she says.

“The Centre operates on the same basic criteria as it did in the beginning, assisting participants in enhancing their self-worth and dignity by providing social interaction and enabling them to maintain existing skills.

“We are also here to support family members and give them respite. During the time their loved one is attending the Centre, we offer caregiver support groups.”

She says the primary difference today is in the activities offered. With increased community support, participants are often referred to Luther Seniors Centre later in the disease process.

Thus, the programs are modified to meet participant strengths. Activities include board games, quizzes and gardening. Participants also enjoy reminiscing groups, stretching exercises, baking groups and sing-alongs with volunteers who play instruments – “anything to stimulate memory.”

Cooper adds, “The program’s effectiveness is quantifiable. This is a happy place. Participants have a common level of dementia and are very accepting of each another. They can choose to be involved in activities or not. There’s room enough for them to walk or pace in safety, and they’re able to reminisce over and over again to an impartial person in a safe environment.”

For caregivers, she says, the break is often enough to enable them to carry on for a few more days.

See a LutherCare Seniors’ Housing Location Today!

Luther Heights 1802 Alexandra Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 8A6 (306) 664-0377

Luther Riverside Terrace 915 Saskatchewan Crescent West Saskatoon, SK S7M 0M7 (306) 664-1250

Trinity Tower – Estevan 737 Second Street Estevan, SK S4A 2S4 (306) 634-7307

Luther Place Outlook 408 McTavish McT Street Outlook, SK S0L 2N0 (306) 867-9955

Luther Tower 1223 Temperance Street Saskatoon, SK S7N 0P2 (306) 664-0355

LutherCare Village at Stonebridge 250 Hunter Road Saskatoon, SK (306) 664-0316 Coming early 2017 SAS00333671_1_1