Thrive! - December 2020

Thrive!

DECEMBER 20, 2020

Join us for Thrive!

It’s a virtual experience showcasing Cedar Valley businesses that can help individuals ages 50 and up age well and live happier, healthier lives.

Growing older is going to happen, but you can thrive by remaining active, eating better, sleeping well and maintaining a positive attitude and social connections to family, friends and support systems.

Find out how by participating in our virtual event, sponsored by the Courier and Western Home Communities.

Go ahead and Thrive!

Sunday, December 20 Participate at go.wcfcourier.com/Thrive

www.wcfcourier.com/bookshelf

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Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging connects people with services, support ‌A

re you turning 60 and thinking about the future?

Are you interested in joining activities to keep you active and healthy? Are you looking for ways to support older loved ones when you start to see them need a little extra help to remain in their home? Have you had a recent health challenge that requires some adaptations or additional assistance?

Then you need to connect with Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging.

The staff at NEI3A have a trusted reputation for helping individuals connect to services and support. The mission of the organization is to empower you to remain independent, providing support for family caregivers, health-based programs to promote active aging, nutrition services to enhance your health, and trained staff who work closely with social workers at affiliated hospitals to support a successful transition from a hospital or care facility to home to help reduce the risk of readmission.

During the pandemic, we have adapted our services to assist individuals in remaining at home and reducing their risk of exposure to the virus.

Being a caregiver can be a challenge anytime. Adding a pandemic into the mix can make the situation even more difficult.

To assist caregivers, we began offering four weekly support group conference calls. There is even a support group call for grandparents who are raising grandchildren.

Staying safe at home has caused many older individuals to feel isolated. To help combat this issue, we implemented weekly Facebook Live events featuring Tai Chi, food safety, nutrition information, medication safety review and caregiver stress management. To get you moving and

NEIA3 PHOTO‌

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging volunteers deliver a meal. active, we offer virtual Tai Chi and Seniors In Motion classes through Zoom.

We also are offering an interactive program to help you make better food choices called “Fresh Conversations.” This monthly program includes valuable information about health topics, recipes and new ways to stay active. We have also partnered with GrandPad, an easy-to-use tablet with special features for older individuals, which allows our staff to do reassurance checks on individuals and keep them

connected to family members.

Being a caregiver can be a challenge anytime. Adding a pandemic into the mix can make the situation even more difficult.

To assist caregivers, we began offering four weekly support group conference calls. There is even a support group call for grandparents who are raising grandchildren.

Getting proper nutrition is a crucial component of staying healthy. Our senior centers continue to be closed in compliance with social distancing and to

keep individuals as safe as possible. We changed our meal delivery method in an effort to keep not only meal recipients, but also volunteers safe. Weekly frozen meals are delivered through partnerships with local transit organizations still utilizing volunteers who feel comfortable assisting. We also partnered with local restaurants and grocers to get food to rural areas where meals were not offered in the past.

Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging serves 18 counties in

Northeast Iowa, including Allamakee, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Grundy, Hardin, Howard, Jackson, Marshall, Poweshiek, Tama and Winneshiek counties with regional offices in Decorah, Dubuque, Marshalltown and Waterloo.

If you are interested in any of these programs or would like more information about our services, contact us at 1-800779-8707 or visit us at www. nei3a.org.

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Windows, bath remodeling and more available from

CITY BUILDERS

‌W

indows do more than frame a view.

They insulate, minimize the cost of cooling and heating and protect a home’s contents, as well as add value and curb appeal. Whether windows are part of a new home or remodeling project or the replacing of existing windows, what customers want are windows “that really work. They want windows that make their homes feel more comfortable year-round, save money and look good,” said Dwight Wielenga of City Builders in Cedar Falls.

City Builders puts Starmark Composite windows by OKNA between your house and the elements. These windows have a reputation for structural and thermal performance which exceeds the highest Energy Star requirements. City Builders can measure, order and install new windows and dispose of old windows.

Wielenga said most people don’t know much, if anything about selecting windows or how to judge the overall performance of a window, including energy-efficiency. “You need to do some homework so you know what questions to ask and make sure see the actual window before you buy them. Look at the quality, read online reviews and ask for references,” he advised.

According to energy.gov, the U-Factor measures how well the window insulates, and the lower the U-Factor, the better the window insulates. You also may hear terms like R-value and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.

R-value measures resistance to heat flow but applies to specific parts, such as the frame or glass.

SGGC measures how much of the sun’s heat comes through

the window. National Fenestration Rating Council thermal performance tests on assembled units are a better indicator of a window’s overall performance.

Starmark solid compos-

ite windows are built from the ground up for strength, durability and energy-efficiency with a fully welded butt-joint sash system designed to last. Windows come in a wood-like matte finish in a variety of exterior colors, hardware options and custom configurations and shapes.

City Builders also offers bathroom remodeling services and exclusive products, including Luxury Bath Technologies infused with Microban for a simple and practical remodel or total transformation.

Sunrooms and enclosures, doors, siding, roofing, gutters, blinds and service are all part of City Builders’ products and expertise.

Call (319) 277-4000 for more information.

Call today for your home improvement project!

COURTESY PHOTOS

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| SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2020

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How position influences sleep Are you a back sleeper, a side sleeper, or a stomach sleeper? Everyone has a go-to sleep position, which affects the type of mattress that will allow us optimal sleep. If you’re sleeping on the wrong mattress for your body type and sleep position, you may toss and turn at night and wake up with aches and pains. But there are some things you can do to improve your sleep quality no matter what side of your body you sleep on. Don’t forget that a supportive pillow is also essential to a good night’s sleep.

Slumberland makes good night’s sleep their business S

leep is our business at Slumberland, so of course we are strong proponents of this nightly ritual. But for many people, sleep is a cause of stress. Those with insomnia begin to fret as the clock inches toward bedtime. Others find sleep an annoyance—an activity that keeps them from completing tasks.

There are many reasons to develop a healthy relationship with sleep — and some things you can do if you’re not getting a good night’s rest. If the “zzzz’s” elude you, read on. We’ll talk about:

Why sleep is important

Sleep plays a major role in your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. In short: Sleep affects everything. Without proper sleep habits, you are at risk for a variety of diseases, and your relationships can suffer, as well as your work and daily tasks. If you are reluctant to address poor sleeping patterns or insomnia, consider these consequences.

Illness and disease: Failure to get

enough sleep or inconsistent sleeping habits puts you at risk for major illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Without sleep, the body is put in a state of high alert, which increases the production of stress hormones and drives up blood pressure—a major cause of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, sleep-deprived people can develop issues regulating their blood pressure, which puts them at an increased risk for diabetes.

Obesity: Sleep’s influence on weight is so profound, it deserves its own category. People between the ages of 32 and 49 who sleep less than seven hours per night have a much higher chance of becoming obese.

Studies have shown that those who don’t get adequate sleep put on 33 or more pounds over the course of 16 years and have a higher body mass index than those who consistently sleep for seven hours or more per night. If you’re trying to lose weight, experts say sleep is more important than diet and exercise. Without consistent,

quality sleep, your metabolism cannot function properly.

Emotional imbalance: If your mom ever cut you off from sleepovers with your friends because you came home with “a bad attitude,” you know what we mean here. Lack of sleep triggers stress and anger. It can also lead to anxiety and depression.

Reduced cognitive function: Another no-brainer (no pun intended): Without sleep, your brain can’t function properly. A University of Pennsylvania study found that participants who slept a mere 4 to 6 hours per night for 14 consecutive nights showed significant deficits in cognitive performance. On a positive note, researchers think that sleep helps improve the memory. While you sleep your brain goes to work, processing the day’s learning into memory and re-energizing the body as a whole.

Did you know: If you stay awake for 17 hours straight, your decrease in overall performance (mental, physical, and emotional) is equivalent to a blood alcohol level of 0.05%.

Position 1: Dead Man’s Float In this position, the sleeper is on his/her stomach, with the head turned to the side, and arms beneath the pillow—similar to the dead man’s float in swimming.

The problem: Stomach sleepers tend to hyper-flex the neck and exert pressure on the nerves along the underside of the arms, causing pins and needles when you wake up in the morning. Additionally, the body’s weight compresses the lungs, preventing deep breathing.

The fix: It sounds abnormal, but don’t use a head pillow. Try raising your entire body by sleeping on a long body pillow, or place a head pillow under your hips. It is also recommended that stomach sleepers purchase a firmer mattress.

Position 2: The Soldier Like a little tin soldier, this sleeper sleeps flat on his or her back.

The problem: Back sleepers are prone to snoring. The position also causes one’s tongue to fall inwards and block the breathing tube.

The fix: Place a pillow under your knees and another small pillow under your lower back. If you suffer from sleep apnea (a life-threatening sleep disorder that causes brief episodes of breathlessness), and also are a back sleeper, consider purchasing an Adjustable Lifestyle Power Base foundation This gives you the ability to elevate your upper and lower body. This is also recommended for those people with heart failure, certain respiratory diseases, glaucoma, or gastro-esophageal disease, lower back pain, acid reflux and snoring.

Position 3: Sleeping Beauty Sleeping beauties sleep on their sides with the knees bent, the back slightly curled, and the arms folded.

The problem: None! This is one of the healthiest positions in which to sleep, as it complements the natural curvature of the spine.

The fix: To enhance your sleep, put a pillow between your legs to reduce stress on your hips, back and knees. An Adjustable Lifestyle Power Base foundation could also help reduce stress on your hips, back and knees.

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FREE SHIPPING TO YOUR DOORSTEP no minimum*

Stores are open!

Find a store near you online or shop by phone at 888-95-SLUMBER.

New!

a family-owned company

All

There’s just nothing like the feeling of relaxing in a soft, cozy recliner… Until you can’t get up! Those who need a little extra boost to get back on their feet will love having a lift chair.

Slumberland Furniture has a large collection of high-quality power lift recliners that make all the difference in comfort, convenience, and, of course, style. We even carry models with advanced features such as heated headrests, body massagers, and additional lumbar support to soothe joints and help ease muscle stiffness. The benefits of lift chairs aren’t limited to those who need assistance getting back on their feet. Those who have trouble sleeping, are recovering from an injury, or need to restrict their movement in bed after surgery find that a power lift recliner is a wonderful, practical place to lull themselves to sleep. At Slumberland, we know how tough it can be to balance budget, comfort, and style. That’s why we offer lift chairs for less, that look as great as they feel. addition to the room. Whatever features you are looking for in a lift chair, our knowledgeable Slumberland team members will be happy to help you find them at the right price.

Slumberland Furniture at College Square in Cedar Falls 6607 University Ave, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 (319) 235-0155 Hours: M-F 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm slumberland.com

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Treat your hearing loss safely SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO‌

‌A

t Concept, our patients’ health care has always been our top priority. Our clinics have remained open through the pandemic in the effort to continue providing seamless ongoing care to our existing patients, and we have implemented additional safety measures in each clinic to ensure the safety of our staff, patients, and all who enter our offices. Read on for updates we’ve made to our daily practices in our response to COVID-19.

Traditional office visits‌

We continue to offer in-person visits and have extended appointment times to ensure we can properly clean and disinfect all surfaces between appointments.

While dropping by without an appointment has always been an option at every Concept location, we now discourage walk-ins so we may limit the number of people in our offices at any given time and maintain proper physical distancing.

All of our staff wears masks (and gloves, when necessary), and we encourage pa-

tients to wear face coverings, as well.

in your car. Test results will come to your local Concept clinic through email, and Curbside maintenance will also be saving on the groundbreaking Hear X device. We recommend our appointments‌ patients make an in-clinic appointment Existing patients may now call and for your first fitting for your best results, schedule a curbside appointment. Once utilizing our remote programming option scheduled, we ask that you park in our for your follow-up needs. parking lot at your designated time, then call the clinic to let our staff know you Remote programming‌ have arrived. At that time, we will come This is done through a free smartphone to your vehicle to retrieve your devices to app you may install on your personal take back in the office so we may perform phone. To request remote programming, cleaning or programming updates. Once you will open the app and answer a few the devices have been refreshed, our staff questions about the issues you are expewill call you to retrieve your devices. riencing. Upon submission, your information is immediately sent to your provider, who will then go into your hearing WHO and FDA-approved device’s software to make the necessary curbside testing‌ changes. The new program is then sent Concept by Iowa Hearing clinics are back to the app. When you open the app the first in Iowa to offer World Health next, the new changes sync right to your Organization (WHO) and Food and Drug devices.

Administration (FDA) approved curbside We have made the necessary changes to hearing testing. We are able to provide be able to provide great service through our patients a thorough evaluation right the COVID-19 pandemic, as we know

this is an especially critical time for you to hear — not just for your overall brain health, but to promote your best possible mental health, as well. We know that with the isolation that comes with staying home in the pandemic, depression is on the rise. Having an untreated hearing loss at this time can increase your depression rate (studies show this has doubled since before COVID-19 hit the United States), and is expected to continue increasing until it is safe to return to regular interactions.

With current modes of communication being limited to watching television, having Zoom and FaceTime calls with friends and family, or the little communication you may have with your loved ones at home, it is especially important to keep your hearing health performing at its best.

Contact Concept by Iowa Hearing Aid Centers at (855) 552-6822 with any additional questions related to your hearing health, or to schedule your appointment now.

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ManorCare delighted by ducklings

FOSTERS PHOTO‌

Charles and Sarah Foster and their children.

Right mattress important for health, well-being ‌When Sarah Foster went shopping for a bed in Arizona after relocating there for a job, she found much more than a pillow-top mattress. She found her future husband, Charles.

Five years later, the couple moved back to Sarah’s hometown of Cedar Falls and brought with them their dream of owning a bed store. Charles and Sarah aim to provide quality products and service to make their customers feel right at home from the moment they walk into the store.

The Fosters Difference‌

Our mission is to provide a superior experience through quality sleep products that fit the customer for their optimal sleep performance. We strive to build long-term relationships with our clients and a commitment to the community through a team of caring employees.

tress for you. Our motto is simple,” says Charles Foster.

“We want you to feel comfortable and welcome, while finding the best bed for your lifestyle, because every night is important.”

‌WATERLOO – Patients at ManorCare Health Services have been physically separated from their loved ones since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown began in March. So they flocked together this spring to watch over a mother duck and her four ducklings.

“It’s an enclosed courtyard, so it’s drawn a lot of attention from our patients with the weather being nicer and people wanting to be outside. The ducks give them some joy and entertainment and makes them feel like they’re helping,” said Erin Boehmer, admissions director for ManorCare, 201 W. Ridgeway Ave. Residents ventured into the courtyard to sit on sunny days or gazed out the windows to watch the ducklings’ antics.

The ducklings kept their distance, but appeared unafraid of their admirers.

Residents befriended the waterfowl family when mama duck flew into the courtyard in early May to lay her eggs. The

COURTESY PHOTO‌

Mama duck keeps a watchful eye as her ducklings enjoy a bath in the ManorCare Health Services courtyard. doting duck brooded over her hatchlings and flew in and out to feed her offspring, much to the delight of onlookers. Until the ducklings are 35 to 40 days

old, they lack fully formed feathers.

Since there is no water source in the courtyard, residents regularly provided the fowl with fresh water, although the plastic container usually became a tiny tub for the four ducklings.

“They are entertaining and so, so cute,” said Boehmer.

This isn’t the first time a duck has turned the courtyard into a nesting site, she added.

There are 73 current longterm care and post acute skilled care patients at ManorCare.

Reopening after COVID-19 will be a slow process based on state and federal protocol, Boehmer said, but in the meantime residents engage in window visits and phone calls with family members and exchange pen pal letters with their Partners in Education, Kingsley Elementary School.

In addition, the staff’s children have drawn and colored pictures and write back and forth with residents.

Searching for a Better Nights Rest?

Let ushelp!

Why buy from us?

Fosters Mattress takes pride in providing quality products, and service that makes you feel at home.

“On average, a person spends one-third of their life in bed. It is important to your health and well-being to find the right mat-

319-260-2114

8 | Sunday, December 20, 2020

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5 things to know about joint replacement surgery during COVID-19 BRANDPOINT

‌I

f you’re suffering from joint pain and considering a joint replacement, you’re not alone. Chronic, debilitating pain that requires joint replacement affects nearly one in four adults in the United States, according to the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative. But unfortunately, many people wait years to move forward with surgery, enduring significant pain and negatively impacting their lives.

This delay has worsened in the current climate of stress and fear of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, 48% of people reported they postponed elective joint replacement surgery due to fears and concerns stemming from COVID-19, according to a recent U.S. survey of 1,200 people comprised of joint replacement patients, candidates and their caregivers, conducted by Wakefield Research and commissioned by a leading medical device company Zimmer Biomet.

Informed by the results of this survey, Zimmer Biomet recently launched Don’t Let Pain Gain on You, an educational resource aimed at informing and empowering those living with joint pain to make informed decisions about joint replacement surgery in partnership with their healthcare professional.

Although joint replacement is typically considered an elective surgery, it is an important tool in restoring people’s mobility and helping to enhance their quality of life. If you are considering joint replacement surgery and feeling hesitant during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are five things to consider:

1. Quality of life.

Relief from debilitating pain is the number one benefit of joint replacement surgery. “Unfortunately, I have many patients who are suffering greatly from joint pain but have canceled or delayed their planned joint replacement procedures due to concerns stemming from COVID-19,” says Dr. Mark Klaassen, orthopedic surgeon.

“While this concern is understandable, it becomes a quality-of-life issue. I do my best to encourage people to proceed as soon as they feel comfortable, so that they can achieve relief from chronic, debilitating joint pain and move forward with their life.”

Discussing all potential benefits and risks with your own doctor to determine the right time for you is important. Expectations and achievable level of pain-relief and mobility can vary depending on your specific pre-operative condition and activity level.

2. Talk to your healthcare professional about an outpatient procedure and digital health platforms.

Ask your surgeon about your potential to have an outpatient surgical procedure so that you may be able to be discharged on the same day of surgery and recover at home instead of spending additional time in the hospital — which may be particularly appealing during the pandemic.

Additionally, you can ask your healthcare professional about technological innovations in joint replacement surgery such

as robotics and digital health platforms that are available in some locations, for appropriate patients.

3. Understand the safety protocols in place to help minimize exposure to COVID-19.

If you are concerned about your safety at this time, it is important to realize that there are state mandated protocols and guidance in place to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure.

4. Consider your caregivers For many people suffering from severe joint pain, family members and caregivers are often a critical part of the process, so don’t forget to consider the impact that continuing to delay your joint replacement surgery could have on them.

Data shows that caregivers of people with joint pain can face a decrease in their quality of life and an increase in stress as they bear added responsibilities or household duties.

In fact, according to Zimmer Biomet’s survey, 56% of caregivers wished their loved one would move forward with surgery more quickly even during the pandemic in order to relieve their physical pain and the negative impact on quality of life.

While caregiver responsibilities may increase during your recovery, completing your surgery might not only help you get back on your feet but also help relieve your caregivers of extra burdens.

BRANDPOINT PHOTO‌

5. Delaying joint replacement surgery can lead to additional pain.

Zimmer Biomet’s survey also found that those who have postponed their elective joint replacement surgery due to COVID-19 related concerns report that their daily lives have been impacted, citing increases in pain (71%), mobility changes (58%), and worsening sleep (36%).

Talk to your surgeon about what’s right for you. Whether you’ve put off your joint replacement surgery or haven’t yet scheduled, now may be the time to take action to resolve your joint pain, so you can get back to enjoying your daily life.

If you have chronic, debilitating joint pain, consider taking action to address it. For more information, visit DontLetPainGain.com.

PATIENT HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. To learn more about our short-term rehab services following a hospital stay, contact us at manorcare.org/Waterloo

319.234.7777

© 2020 HCR Healthcare, LLC

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Improve habits, health with mindful eating

‌M

any of us have struggled with maintaining healthy habits throughout this tumultuous year.

Boredom and stress eating have increased, along with weight. With 2021 approaching, the New Year is a new time to focus on improving lifestyle habits — nutrition inBETH cluded.

BARBER Mindful eating is one of the best ways to start improving eating habits. By focusing attention on aspects of eating such as taste, texture, aroma and even speed, it is possible to get more enjoyment out of lesser amounts of food. The following tips can help guide mindful decisions and keep eating habits in check.

Plan meals ahead of time so that you have the ingredients you need. Keep chopped up fruits and vegetables at eyelevel in your refrigerator.

Evaluate your hunger scale level. The hunger scale starts at 1 and ends at 5. Start preparing meals when you are a little bit hungry (hunger scale level 1-2) so you don’t eat as you are cooking.

Drink 2 cups of water prior to the meal. Doing so may calm you down when you’re hungry.

Try to avoid skipping meals. When our hunger scale level reaches the highest level of 5, we tend to reach for convenience foods to quell our hunger quickly. Convenience foods tend to be higher in sugar and fat.

Develop a routine of eating three meals a day to limit snacking in between. Balance lean protein (skinless chicken, turkey, eggs, nuts) and complex carbs (vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains) at mealtime so that you remain full to the next meal.

Start with a salad plate instead of a dinner plate. Fill half of the plate with fruits

and veggies. These fiber-rich sources will fill you up on fewer calories.

Eat slowly throughout the meal. Set your fork down between bites and chew your food thoroughly. When you feel like you have had enough to eat, stop. Quit before you feel full, stuffed or sick from eating.

Take small bites. Concentrate on the food’s smell, taste, texture, etc. Savoring food often results in eating less.

Try not to label foods as “good” or “bad,” as this can lead to binge eating and other unhealthy eating patterns.

Limit portions to ½ cup per serving of most foods to keep moderation in check. Use a ½ cup measuring cup and measure out the portion before you go to the table.

Limit distractions, including television, at the dinner table. Distracted eating can lead to overeating.

If you feel like you use eating to deal with feelings other than hunger — such as boredom or stress — try calling a friend for support, keeping your hands

busy (painting, doing a puzzle, reading, hobbies), or taking a walk around the block. For more support, ask your Hy-Vee dietitian about the Begin program for weight loss.

Beth Barber, RD, LD, received her bachelor of science degree in dietetics from Iowa State University in Ames. She joined Hy-Vee in 2011 as dietitian for two Waterloo Hy-Vee locations. After a two-year expatriate assignment in France, she returned to Hy-Vee to build a Healthy Meals and Simple Fix freezer meal program. She specializes in weight loss education and offers nutrition consultation packages to help clients achieve their own goals.

Barber is available at Ansborough Avenue Hy-Vee in Waterloo Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. Evening consultations are available by appointment.

Please note that the schedule may change due to nutrition programs and events. Please call ahead to ensure her availability at 2333266.

Moving Forward with Care

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO‌

Caring Transitions helps in later-life transitions Caring ‌ Transitions of Northeast Iowa is the Cedar Valley’s only senior move management company specializing in later-life transitions.

Caring Transitions offers relocation services, downsizing assistance, total home and property cleanouts and estate

liquidations.

Caring Transitions provides a one-of-a kind online auction experience providing a liquidation option during these uncertain Covid-19 times.

Call 242-7819 for more information or visit us online at www.caringtransitionsofnortheastiowa.com.

Empowering you to age with confidence!

Connecting you to services to remain independent Promoting active aging with health based programs Providing caregiver support

2135 Commercial Street Waterloo, Iowa 50701

319-242-7819

caringtransitionsofnortheastiowa.com

Enhancing health with nutrition services

Your Connection to Aging Services!

800-779-8707 • www.nei3a.org

10 | Sunday, December 20, 2020

GET THE FACTS Traditional Medicare plans do not cover dental.

That’s okay, because Delta Dental of Iowa does. See how affordable personal dental plans can be for you and your family.

CONTACT US TODAY TO LEARN MORE

833-335-8219 | deltadentalia.com

Must be a resident of Iowa to apply.

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Assisted living employees work hard to help residents thrive LINDA BOWMAN

Chief Communications Officer Western Home Communities ‌

‌CEDAR FALLS — When your mission statement is to assertively create fulfilling lifestyles, employees go the extra mile to make sure residents enjoy the best quality of life possible.

So assisted living teams at Western Home Communities had to pivot hard and fast when life as we knew it came to a screeching halt nine months ago.

“It’s not been easy for anyone, but it has been amazing to watch relationships between employees and residents grow,” says Ronda Eick, RN, BSN, senior director of assisted living. “Residents care so much about those who are working, as if they’re family.

They’re genuinely concerned about them.”

Perhaps that’s only natural when you watch employees go above and beyond during the most difficult circumstances.

Some have shown up during their off hours, making the rounds outside with their pets or babies to visit with residents.

Others have helped create memorable moments in a safe way. One resident who turned 90 had a birthday celebration with his son; they enjoyed burgers and beer from Gilmore’s Pub, sitting eight feet apart at a long table in a private living room.

On Thanksgiving, dining services provided a special meal of turkey with all the trimmings.

Visitors couldn’t enjoy it this year, as they usually do, but staff delivered many homemade treats to residents that family dropped

off after stopping by for window visits.

“I thought that was a good compromise,” Ronda explains.

“We have to protect our residents’ health but connecting with their families remains vitally important to their well-being.”

In-person visits can still happen at least once a week for 30 minutes; an online calendar makes scheduling simple and convenient. Everyone wears masks and stays six feet apart as they catch up. Visits can end with a hug, though, for visitors willing to don additional personal protective equipment provided by Western Home Communities.

When they can’t visit in person, leisure services professionals offer extra video chats or phone calls, and they send emails to families with photos of their family members to show what they’re doing that day.

“I loved our thankful wreath project,” says Hollie Beem, leisure services coordinator at Thalman Square, which offers specialized memory support in assisted living. “It was so fun to help residents talk about what they’re thankful for and then share that with their families.”

At Stanard Family Assisted Living, lead leisure services coordinator Natalie Jones helped one family overcome a communication challenge. The son wanted to get his dad a phone for the hearing impaired so they could engage in conversation more easily.

“It was great,” Natalie recalls.

“The son called to say thank you because it made such a difference for all of them.”

WHC PHOTOS

A provider wears a face mask and shield while working with a masked resident in the wellness center.

Clive Cook works on a fall craft at Windhaven Assisted Living.

Marlys Karkosh had a Victory Garden in the 1940’s when she was a youth 4-H member. Her The leisure services team now blue-ribbon quality yield this focuses on small groups activ- summer included fresh lettuce ities. It requires more time and through mid-July. planning to repeat an event in several spaces. That makes the residents individually, taking job more chaotic, Natalie says, short walks or stopping by for a but she sees an upside: Some chat. residents who didn’t engage “I think at Thalman we have prior to the pandemic are more tried to step back and focus on the willing to gather in their hallway little things like sharing a cup of in a smaller group that is safely coffee, a conversation, a fun joke, distanced and masked. a simple craft, a silly game,” HolCoordinators also find them- lie says. “What makes the day a selves spending a lot of time with little better while staying healthy

and safe.”

Chaplains continue to offer spiritual care, leading Bible studies for small, socially distanced groups or counseling and praying with residents who request it. At Windhaven Assisted Living, a weekly advent lighting program includes hallway Scripture readings and hymns to make the Christmas season meaningful.

“I’ve never felt such a sense of responsibility,” explains Haley Bell, lead leisure services coordinator at Windhaven Assisted Living. “Residents depend on us more than ever to keep them engaged and have a quality of life. I’m never sure if I’ve done enough. But we care and we are trying our very best to give residents something to look forward to each day.”

Haley encourages families to stay hopeful and positive. She says every outreach to a resident is important, whether it’s a phone call, video call, window visit, email or old-fashioned letters and cards.

“All of those things are so meaningful and can make a huge difference in someone’s day.”

12 | Sunday, December 20, 2020

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Windhaven Assisted Living continues to provide the best care for residents.

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Western Home Communities has been a trusted partner in care for our residents, their families, and our healthcare community.

We’re here to help older adults navigate the new normal and are vigilant in our continued efforts to keep them safe.

As the world around us continues to change, one thing is constant: our care and dedication to the safety and well-being of our residents.

To learn more about how Western Home Communities is creating a safe environment for older adults needing assistance, visit WesternHomeCommunities.org/assisted-living or call Maria Murphy at 319-277-2141.