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What is Going on at The Landing at Williamsburg Village?

2012-02-22T16:24:03Z

Ratcatcher’s Daughter

Once again, the Landing residents and staff are preparing for their 6^th annual melodrama. The cast of 12 residents and two staff will be presenting The Ratcatcher’s Daughter on Friday through Sunday, March 23-25 at 7:00 P.M.

The cast is supported by many other residents and staff who handle stage design, props, sound system, make-up, costumes, music, and ticket sales.

Rehearsals began in earnest January 1 with two hour rehearsals every Tuesday and Thursday and some Friday rehearsals thrown in for good measure. The stage, lighting, sound system, and costumes are rented. The Melodrama is supported through sponsorships from various businesses in Lincoln. As the Melodrama approaches opening night, rehearsals intensify!

This year’s show takes place in Death Valley where Auntie Hush, famous for her “Hush Mush,” runs an orphanage in an abandoned stagecoach stop. It is soon to be tossed out by the unscrupulous Whiplash Snivel, a city slicker. Will Sweet Lotta Bliss and Jack Sunshine (a wash and wear fur salesman) reunite? Can Death Valley Nell (the sheriff) keep the villain from turning the orphanage into a gambling casino?

Come and see for yourself! All Immanuel community residents are invited to attend our dress rehearsal for free on Wednesday, March 21 at 7:00 P.M. Tickets for the other performances must be purchased in advance and are $5.00. Please call Kay Anderson for any details at (402) 328-2218.

AgeWell Center at The Landing

WOW!! The AgeWell Center at The Landing has been busy, busy! The mild January weather, new residents, an increased community membership (approaching 500 members) and New Year’s resolutions have kept the wellness staff busy- and that makes us happy!

The Wellness Center has seen increased participation in all areas of the physical activity offerings. The exercise room visits hit an all-time high in January and visits to the warm-water pool were up. Pool users have open pool time when they can water-walk, do their own program or attend 1 of the 12 aquatic classes offered during the week. The classes offered in the aerobics room at The Landing continue to gain interest and attract new participants.

Popularity in the “low impact aerobics” classes has prompted us to us offer 2 additional class times (for a total of 4 classes per week). The “low impact aerobics” class is an energetic, upbeat class with easy to learn moves and steps- a fun way to get a great cardiovascular workout.

SilverSneakers® is another offering attracting more participants. The 45 minute class, offered twice a week, is an opportunity to have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of motion and improve performance of daily living activities.

In addition, Jazzercise Lite® classes and body toning classes have a loyal and dedicated core of participants.

Nicole Addison and Kelli DuVall, coordinators at the Landing, lead the majority of the classes in the aerobics room and the pool at the AgeWell Center and do a wonderful job of keeping the energy at a high level and motivating individuals to get and stay involved. Our part time wellness staff will lead evening and Saturday morning classes and do a great job of keeping the energy level up.

It is a great pleasure to assist our participants and we appreciate the opportunity to serve them every day!

Categories: AgeWell

Tags: Senior living, community theater, active aging, Lincon, Nebrasksa, Immanuel Communities, The Landing at Williamsburg Village

Dining at Immanuel Communities

2012-02-17T19:58:55Z

Let them eat meatloaf, beef stroganoff, bread pudding and a whole host of other favorites that come from Immanuel’s culinary and dining department. We are blessed to have such a talented and dedicated group of professionals that feed our residents on a daily basis.

The culinary department management team is led by Lead Executive Chef, Lisa Lantry from Pacific Springs Village and includes; Executive Chef John Drozek from Immanuel Village, Executive Chef Matt Bera from Lakeside Village, Executive Chef Mike Miller from The Landing and Kitchen Managers Cherise Eckel from Immanuel Courtyard and Tim Blair from Trinity Village. With a combined total of 176 staff, the Immanuel culinary and dining departments create and serve approximately 1,561 meals daily.

The culinary department has several large initiatives that they are currently focusing on. Lisa Lantry explained, “We are in a standardization mode. We are working toward standardized recipes, menus and purchasing.” Lantry explained that it in an effort of being more fiscally responsible. “In this economy, our residents are not getting increases in their income and may have taken hits in the stock market—they are concerned about their finances. We like to run a lean operation so we don’t have to pass so much of an increase on to our residents”.

Just as each of our residents and our communities are unique, Immanuel’s chefs are as unique. They are all excelling in different areas. “For example”, Lantry said, “Chef John, Assistant Chef Roger Hill and Dining Room Manager Shannon Hill at Immanuel Village has done an amazing job of bringing the PACE project on board. Many people don’t realize that in addition to the normal daily dining that takes place at Immanuel Village, Chef John and his team are also responsible for the daily meals at the PACE Center in Council Bluffs, IA.” “Chef Mike at The Landing continues to exceed resident expectations and, along with Dining Room Manager Kim Williams provide special events that would compete with the best fine dining restaurants anywhere.” “When the noro virus struck Lakeside Village over Christmas, Chef Matt and Dining Room Manager Kathy Lewis could not have worked together better to make sure that residents had the same meal quality and selections while being served in their apartments.” “Kitchen Manager Tim and Dining Room Manager Victoria Ewald at Trinity has made great progress in their focus on resident satisfaction and enhancing the resident’s dining experience.” “Let us not forget about our newest member of the team, Immanuel Courtyard’s Kitchen Manager, Cherise who has really taken a “hold of the reigns”. Cherise and Dining Room Manager Maria Rios has done a great job of involving the residents to improve their dining experience and is able to actually offer menu choices.”

Lantry explained that in an effort to standardize recipes they are developing a ‘traveling road show’ that they will bring to all of our communities, and the residents will be able to participate in a blind taste test and have input on favorites recipes.

“This team is really coming together beautifully to share best practices and help each other. The collaboration is amazing and we are all excited that Immanuel has made dining services a priority,” Lantry said.

Categories: Connie Chisholm

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Giving Hearts

2012-02-08T16:43:53Z

Giving Hearts

It all started as a result of a Goodfellows article in the Omaha World Herald. This story featured the Dupree family who were really struggling to not just make ends meet, but to simply survive. It described a family that just two years prior was healthy, owned a home and a savings account and had good jobs. Then a series of events that included the loss of jobs, their daughter being diagnosed with cancer, heart attacks, and with the savings completely gone, a home foreclosure.

This story prompted Whitney Green, Assisted Living at Immanuel Courtyard Cook to take action. In true Whitney fashion, she placed flyers and copies of the story in the common areas and break rooms throughout Immanuel Courtyard and the Home Office. The note read, “This family’s situation touched my heart and I want to help them and I am taking donations—anything will help out. Thank-you, Ms. Whitney”. A simple note was all it took and a genuine Immanuel Courtyard collection was underway. On December 17th, Whitney delivered the collection of several bags of groceries and a monetary donation of over $100 to a very grateful Dupree family. Whitney stated, “I was really overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity. Everyone at the Courtyard trusted me with their donations and that made me feel great.” She went on to say, “I really appreciate the support this program has gotten”. Although Whitney downplays her roll in the success of the Giving Hearts program by giving credit to her co-workers, it is evident how much this program is a part of her. It is evident by the way her eyes light up when she speaks about it.

What was started by touching one person’s heart has grown into an entire program to help those in need. The Courtyard Giving Hearts program has been created by organizer, Whitney Green and her assistants, Linda Huey, Teresa Redd and Pam Johnson to collect donations and personal items throughout the year. Their brochure reads, “Why Wait Until Christmas?” The program requests staff to donate their loose change into a donation box located in the Courtyard’s break room, and encourages visits to the clearance racks when shopping for clothing and toiletries. Special clothing and toiletry donation boxes are going up throughout the Immanuel Courtyard and Immanuel Village campus. The program will also include a special food donation drive from September through December.

Many of you may not know Whitney, but she is someone you would be honored to call your friend. “Whitney exemplifies the CHRIST promises daily here at Immanuel Courtyard. Her twenty years of service to this organization is commendable and is our community’s blessing. Giving Hearts is a program that she has helped to create that takes the CHRIST promises to the greater Omaha community. She is a great asset to Immanuel Courtyard and I look forward to watching this program blossom and grow”, said John Croghan, Immanuel Courtyard Administrator.

If you have any questions about the program or would like to find out how you can help the Giving Hearts program, please call Whitney Green at 402-829-2907.

Categories: Connie Chisholm

Tags: seniors, active living, seniors and music, chime chior, joyfull bells

Erna Clanton Recognized by LeadingAge.

2012-02-08T16:25:55Z

We are very excited to pass along the good news at Immanuel Communities. A very special, longtime resident, Erna Clanton, from Immanuel Village, an Immanuel Community has been recognized in the HONORABLE MENTION category in the LeadingAge's Celebrate Age
Exhibit. Erna is acknowledged for being a shining example of someone who is living life with extraordinary zest. She is making a difference by sharing her musical talents, serving others and making her part of the world a better place to live.

Erna Clanton was born in 1920 with gift of song and made a career out of this passion. Music continues to be an instrumental part of Erna’s life at Immanuel Village where she has lived for 14 years. At the age of 92 years of age, Erna is still shaping lives with the Chime Choir and as Immanuel Village’s Choir Director. She uses her gift of music to heal and delight.

LeadingAge is a national association of 5,600 not-for-profit organizations dedicated to expanding the world of possibilities for aging. LeadingAge’s Celebrate Age award winners are being honored at The 2011 LeadingAge Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington DC, a national conference that marks the 50^th Anniversary of the association, October 16-19, 2011.

We are so very honored to be the place that Erna calls home.

Categories: Connie Chisholm

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My Journey with Mom and Myself

2011-08-19T16:16:47Z

I recently had my own personal experience with helping my Mother through a health crisis. My Mother lives in a small community in central Nebraska and I got a message at my office that my Mother had suffered a heart attack and was being transferred to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Even though I am in the senior housing business I was not prepared to take the personal journey. After successful open heart surgery, my family needed to make a decision regarding where my Mother would go for her cardiac rehabilitation. Since I live in Omaha and I also have a sister residing in Omaha we felt it was best to have my Mother come to Omaha for the rehab. My brothers live in the same community as my Mother but they are both employed in agricultural related companies and we were concerned about their availability to be with my Mother during her rehab. So, my sister and I drove the three hours to Kearney and buckled up my Mother in our car and drove to Omaha. Mind you, we are travelling the interstate with an 82 year old woman, who has just had heart bypass surgery. The trip was a bit scary but my Mother was a trooper. We arrived at the rehab facility and my Mother was admitted for her two – three week stay. Even though I have knowledge and experience in senior care I was not ready for how sad I was to see my Mother in a wheelchair in a small room with a roommate she did not know, with an aide who approached her wanting to know if she was hungry and did she want to go to the dining room. The dining room was filled with mostly skilled nursing residents. My Mother looked around the room and asked me “Why did you bring me here? I don’t know anyone who lives here and I don’t know how often you will come visit me and I’m in a place where they call supper – dinner time.” My sister and I found it interesting that everyone in Kearney referred to meal times as dinner and supper instead of the “big city” term of lunch and dinner and my Mother found comfort in that language. My Mother’s spirits were very low as she tried to blend into the Omaha rehab facility so we made the decision to once again buckle Mom up in the car and head to our small town hospital. I am happy to report that my Mother is in much better spirits as she recovers in a community that calls lunch - dinner and dinner- supper. I have a new realization that my decision should have been based on my Mother’s personal preferences and not solely on the fact that Mom would be closer to my sister and me.

Categories: Roxann Rogers Meyer, Marketing and Sales director

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Father's Day

2011-06-06T15:33:23Z

Father’s Day Gift Letter

Every early June we start to think of Father’s Day approaching. The newspapers are full of ads for stuff to buy Dad for Father’s Day. Stuff like newest lightweight fishing poles or the latest and greatest tents on the market or a new shiny outdoor grill. What to get Dad for Father’s Day? My Dad always said ‘Don’t get me anything; it’s the thought that counts.” So, I thought I would give my Dad his Father’s Day gift in the form of a letter.

Dear Dad,

Let me start by saying Happy Father’s Day. I feel a little cheesy writing you a letter as a gift for your special day, but I do have a couple of thoughts for you on this Father’s Day.

My first thought would be to thank you for all the years you worked tirelessly to raise your four children. I know for many years you felt over your head yet you didn’t give up, you kept plugging away. I can’t count the number of vacations you worked through just to make extra money. The money that was used so the rest of us could go on a little vacation or get new school uniforms or even to pay the mortgage or grocery bill. You didn’t know it back then, but you were giving your children one of the greatest gift you could give….a great example of a strong work ethic.

My second thought would be to tell you how smart I think you became in my adulthood. In my teens, I was sure you just didn’t get it. You didn’t understand what it was like to be my age. How could you possibly know anything about anything going on in my life, you hadn’t been my age in like…. forever. I think I was in my early twenties when I realized you weren’t so backward after all. Maybe I should do what you had been telling me to do all along….start listening. Maybe you did have something you could tell me. I think I even said to you “Holy cow, when did you get so smart?” I know you are smiling now just thinking about it.

My final thought for this Father’s Day would be to tell you how I miss you. How not a day has gone by in the last seven years that I haven’t thought about you, missed you and wondered what you would be doing to make me crazy if you were here. You strived to drive me crazy and get me all charged up and yes, I did the same. I wonder what you are doing, who you are seeing and how have you been. I think about all the fun you would be causing if you lived at Immanuel Communities. You would be back in the kitchen telling Chef how much black pepper to use, though it already tasted great and I am sure you would have made lifelong friends with all the Med Aids, though all you would do is give them a hard time.

Dad someone we know passes I want to tell them to tell you hello from me, but then I think, oh, you already heard me. I want to tell you all the great things that happen in my day or the goofy stuff happening in the family, but you already know that too. I love the fact that I can say anything I want to you and you can’t say anything back. Finally I get always to have the last word. I am happy you are where you are, in heaven, watching over us. Please continue to do so we still need all the help we can get.

I will close this Father’s Day gift letter by saying that I still have several more thoughts to give you, but they can wait until next Father’s Day and there isn’t a darn thing you can do about it.

Happy Father’s Day-I’ll be thinking about you!

Categories: Connie Chisholm

Tags: Father's Day, Dear Dad, Father, Letter to Dad

The Landing Scholarship Program

2011-05-31T16:06:09Z

The Landing Residents Award $25,000 in Scholarships to Student Employees

Residents of The Landing at Williamsburg Village continue to support their student employees with college scholarships. During their third annual Scholarship Tea May 15, members of The Landing’s Scholarship Committee honored 15 students with scholarships of $1,000-$2,000 each. Award amounts are determined by each employee’s years of service and hours worked.

According to Ken Neff, chair of The Landing Scholarship Committee, the decision to honor students with the scholarships “comes from our own life experiences and recognizing the value of education.”

A Scholarship Committee of six residents formed the program in 2007, and awarded the first scholarships in 2008. The Scholarship Program is funded solely by volunteer contributions from The Landing residents. Once collected, funds are turned over to Lincoln Public Schools Foundation for disbursement. Since its inception, $62,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded.

Categories: Connie Chisholm

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Well Workplace Award

2011-05-25T20:48:23Z

Immanuel is a Gold Well Workplace!

Immanuel has recently been recognized for our quality and excellence in employee wellness and has been designated as a gold well workplace. A “Well Workplace" is an organization fully embracing its responsibility of maximizing the health and well-being of its employees. There are four possible designations of the Well Workplace Award – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Gold Well Workplaces recognizes organizations that develop comprehensive programs producing results. These programs are a strategic and integral part of the business.

On Thursday, April 21 Immanuel was honored at the Wellness Council of the Midland Annual Luncheon. Immanuel once again achieved the Gold Well Workplace designation, and has maintained this level for over 13 years! Immanuel renews its designation every 3 years and completes a comprehensive application process. This application consists of 7 benchmarks of result-oriented workplace wellness programs that include: capturing CEO support, creating cohesive wellness teams, collecting data to drive health efforts, carefully crafting an operating plan, choosing appropriate interventions, creating a supportive environment, and carefully evaluating outcomes. Congratulations to the Immanuel Wellness Team for your excellent work in Employee Wellness!

Categories: AgeWell

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“A UNIQUE CULTURE” The Landing’s Wait Staff by Ray Tiemeyer

2011-04-13T20:22:00Z

“F A M I L Y!” was the word, used over and over by wait staffers in their scholarship interviews. The word slipped into their answers more often than “career.” Asked what do you picture yourself doing at age thirty they answered “Having family. Starting a family.” Have you traveled? ”Yes, with family.” Hobbies? “I just like to be around my family and friends” Colbi’s expression was, “My family is a huge thing in my life.” What will you remember most about your work here at the Landing? Haley’s answer was basic: “I came here age 15 alone. I knew no one. Now this is like a whole new family. It is like I’m serving my family. I worked at other places before and I liked them, but this one I’ve loved.”
Brothers and sisters are important family too. A sister’s dedication to medical patients inspired Taylor’s desire to be an RN.
Erica had a twin sister, Emily, to whom she was very close, but she lost her to an auto accident 18 months ago. Asked what her sister’s career plans had been, Erica felt privileged to answer for Emily, “A Dermatologist!”
The next question to the students: What has been your greatest surprise? “The studies are so hard!” UNL student Anna had been reading up to 75-pages-a-night assignments last year; this year, 98 pages. She knows she has many more years of work ahead to become the pediatrician who can “make children well.” In her sponsorship pledge for one 5-year-old impaired child, she danced 13 hours non-stop in the recent marathon dance fundraiser.
With Community College having no dorms, Taylor was surprised by how much time apartment work takes—washing dishes, cleaning windows, paying utility bills, food shopping and preparation, all in addition to the 24 hours of classes a- week, and doing volunteer services, which in her case takes 2½ hours daily as Scott Middle School’s coach. Then to her Landing work and back to the apartment to learn for nursing the functions of 206 bones and 639 skeletal muscles.
Katie also said she had expected college studies to be hard but not as hard as they are. Yet the grade averages of the applicants stay high around 3 and reaching 4.3. Quick minds, long hours, and dedicated work are standard aptitudes for The Landing’s team, but money is not that apt, especially when one medical school text book can cost $700.00. Asked what will you be doing this summer, Ryan answer: “Working! That’s for sure!”
Taylor has been trying to patch together some dollars. He won a Landing scholarship last year but he needed more bank in his bank account to start classes. He has been working full time ever since here at The Landing, and, with his good money management he has now made enough to start an applied science unit at community college. His greatest dream is to become a veterinarian, which explains his 10 hours a week volunteered at the humane society.
Elizabeth could use a scholarship to study law because Christopher Maly at Lincoln High has helped her to notice that “opportunity levels” are made unattainable for many people. Her readings in history and political science, and service at the Nebraska Historical Society, also quicken her awareness. On the light side, “Liz” on some evenings teaches the servers a new tune with a beat that will “stick in their heads” and enliven their work. “Tunes are always coming down from Liz’s head,” Haley says.
Haley also keeps a tune in her head for carrying trays on her shoulders. She uses the beat for a little two-step, double step, and tray-carry. Residents probably haven’t noticed the feat, but the other staffers have and try not to miss each rare try. Tray-carrying is life-on-the-edge anyway. Water carafes and coffee cups tip easily. Tip-over-dousings usually occur just inside the kitchen door where peers express sentiments. The really rare catastrophe is the crash of an entire tray. One server listed “learning how to clean up broken glass” as a job benefit.
Tony also has a “passion for music.” He can”compose on a 70-key keyboard wired to a 104-key computer.” Recently he was in New Orleans being “overwhelmed by Dixie Land Jazz and Creole.” He also plays the Australian didgeridoo. How does he picture himself at age 30? “Working at Duncan Aviation in radio communications.”
A.J. is the one who described the team as a “unique culture.” He observed “how smoothly the past year’s personnel changes had gone.” He noted “how well the wait staffer’s teamwork held together. They worked because they enjoy producing as a team.” AJ’s worthy goal is business management.
Speaking of family, Ryan is the son of Dawn, The Landing’s pastry chef. Ryan was asked what his favorite pastry is. Official answer: “Peanut Butter Delight.”

Categories: Connie Chisholm

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A Centenarians...What's That?

2011-04-08T12:33:38Z

Being able to say you are 100 years old is something to sets your sights on. A goal that is not always achievable or is it? Well, in October, of 2009, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated there were about 104,099 centenarians, a number that is increasing steadily, and is predicted to more than 300,000 by 2030. With the everyday living enhancements and improved medical care the US population is actively living longer.

We are fortunate to have four such residents in our communities. We have two living at Trinity Village: Mildred turned 100 years of age and Inga 101 years of age. We have one living at Immanuel Village: of age and Gertrude, 102 years of age.

When asked the secret to their longevity, Mildred said, “I was a physical education teacher and have always been an active, outdoors person, or it could be that my mother fed me well.” Inga is more definitive, she said, “It is good old, Norwegian stock, I am full blooded Norwegian, my parents came to America in 1905.” Gertrude said, “I guess it was good care, my mother was not and excellent cook, but she was a wholesome cook.”

In any case, they all have such great stories to tell. Mildred originally from New England, and avid swimmer, has virtually traveled the world: Holland, Switzerland, Venice and England (more than once) just scratch the surface. At one point, she spent a month in South Korea traveling around with her son. Mildred is a bell collector from Omaha where she and her husband of 56 years owned a Donut Shop on 13^th & Polk Street until 1975. Gertrude received her teaching certificate after passing 17 exams in addition to attending her senior year of high school. She was married in 1930 and raised two children; as son, who became a college professor and a daughter who became a nurse. Gertrude has 9 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

What was the world was like around the time these amazing ladies were born?

The average life expectancy in the United States was forty-seven, average wage was twenty-two cents an hour and the average worker made between $200 and $400 per year. It’s a good thing that a pound of sugar cost four cents, a dozen eggs, fourteen cents and a pound of coffee, fifteen cents. Our American flag contained only 45 stars. Arizona, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska hadn't been admitted to the Union yet. The entire population of Las Vegas, Nevada was only thirty. It was just a distant desert community was inhabited by a handful of ranchers and their families

People were probably ailing more because insulin and antibiotics hadn't been discovered yet. Husbands didn’t have to run their wives to the hospital when they went into labor because more than 95 percent of all births took place at home. We were thirsty as canned beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented yet.

Finally, and this is hard to believe, there was no Mother’s or Father’s Day.

Categories: Connie Chisholm

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The Mixer

2011-04-01T13:12:44Z

The Mixer

Several years ago at Christmas time, the big dilemma as it is every year, was what to get Mom for Christmas. Dad was no help, he was never good at selecting gifts for my Mom and my two brothers…seriously, no help.

On the quest for the perfect gift I asked myself, “What does Mom like to do? What is she really good at?” She didn’t collect anything; she didn’t really have any hobbies. Judging by my pants size, she was a fabulous cook. My mother was especially skilled at baking. In fact, her cookies were so good that at the end of the long weekend’s home from college, she would send me back to school with a large bag full of cookies. I would arrive back on campus and I would have a gaggle of girls waiting…waiting for the cookies. Well, daddy didn’t raise a fool. I knew a good thing when I smelled it. I sold those cookies and pocketed the money. A poor college girl has got to do what she has to do. Besides, I certainly didn’t need to eat anything for weeks after being home for the weekend.

My thought process traveled down this road and along the way I realized that my mother was still using the old had mixer that someone had given her as a wedding gift. The one that had electrical tape wrapped around the cord so as to not shock her while whipping up one of the many birthday cakes. It may have even smoked a bit the first few minutes of each use. You get the picture—it was in bad shape or so I thought.

I was convinced that if my brothers and I pooled our money, we would be able of get her a shiny new, yellow stand mixer. The perfect gift for my Mom; no more having to stand there beating the batter by hand. She would just be able to dump in all the ingredients and let it do the work. It would be so easy—she would be delighted, I just knew it.

It took little convincing to get my brothers on board as all they had to do was give me their portion of the money, I would do the shopping and wrapping. I was so excited I couldn’t wait until Christmas.

Then on Christmas morning I presented Mom with the large and did I mention heavy gift. She opens it and said, “Oh it is beautiful, but I have a mixer that is perfectly good”. Are you kidding me? It quickly became apparent that I was more excited about the large, yellow mixer than she was. In fact, over the years it has become somewhat of an inside joke between us. She will tell you that I selected the new mixer to encourage her to bake more cookies. That is simply not true.

Fast forward 25 years and we come to a time where my father has been gone for several years and my mother is preparing for a move to an assisted living community. Every phone call with her results in me declining to take some random trinket, plastic bowl, or one of the dozens old frying pans that she has collected over the years. That is until one call when she tells me, “You know I have been thinking a lot about this, and I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I don’t know what to do with the yellow mixer; I won’t be able to use it in my new home”. Are you kidding me? “Pick me, pick me” I said! She giggled and on my next trip over to her house I left with the large, heavy yellow mixer. It’s a bitter sweet time; I adore the mixer, I mean, seriously it doesn’t take therapy to realize the mixer was really more important to me than it was to her, but I know I will never get those amazing cookies; the ones worthy of 75 cents that only Patsy could bake.

Categories: Connie Chisholm

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What is One Dollar Worth?

2011-02-18T16:34:21Z

If you have watched the news or read any headlines this past year you know we are facing very challenging economic times.

You may have friends and or family members who have been through some of the toughest times of their lives. Some of us may have had a spouse lose their job, been laid off or had hours cut due to the economy and budget cuts. You may have heard about our co-worker friends who have had serious health issues and t have needed additional time off work to recuperate. You may know about a co-worker whose child has had a serious health condition, requiring your friend to take time off work to care for them.

Any of these things can add stress and strain both emotionally and financially. Most likely these cases are not planned for or even thought about. In most cases it really is just a temporary set back, but nonetheless, this person finds themselves in a situation where they really need a little help to get back on track.

Immanuel’s mission is to provide “Christ-Centered Service to Seniors and Each Other”. We have strengthened this commitment by creating the Helping Hands Assistance Fund and Living the Mission PTO Program.

The Helping Hands Assistance Fund provides funds to help an Immanuel employee get through a tough time, when unexpected financial strains have been more than they can handle.

The Living the Mission PTO Program provides paid time off for an Immanuel employee who experiences an unexpected medical event and needs to take time off, but does not have enough PTO time.

Because details of these programs are confidential, you may wonder if they make a difference or even get utilized. Well, wonder no more. During 2010 the Helping Hands Assistance Fund utilized $4,936.48 to provide assistance to 14 Immanuel employees, while the Living the Mission PTO Program assisted seven employees with 265 hours of donated PTO.

You may be interested to know that 26 of your co-workers have contributed 408 hours of their own PTO for the Living the Mission PTO Program. The Helping Hand Assistance Fund has collected a total of $6,285.00 from all sources including employees and the Immanuel Community Foundation.

It is easy to see from these examples that the Helping Hands Assistance Fund and Living the Mission PTO Program at Immanuel have really made a difference for our employees. The recipients have all been extremely grateful, are getting back on their feet, and are back to providing Christ-Centered Service to our residents and to each other.

Rev. Peggy Hall, Vice President of Mission and Spiritual Care said, “We are blessed to be able to provide these programs to our employees when many companies are not able to offer comparable programs or benefits. However, it takes our Christ Promise of TEAMWORK to make it all happen.” She went on to say, “I think one of our employees “sang” it best during our campus worship service when she sang, I need you, you need me, we are all a part of God’s family’. Together, we do make both of these Christ-centered programs thrive.”

Thank you for your amazing generosity and for your Christ-Centered service to each other.

Categories: Roxann Rogers Meyer, Marketing and Sales director

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Staying Well in the Winter

2011-01-06T19:38:48Z

Winters in Nebraska are brutal; the reason many of us choose to hibernate indoors once the temperature hovers at or below the freezing mark. Rachel Hoeck, one of the Wellness Managers for AgeWell by Immanuel, weighs in on the importance of everybody staying active throughout the year. She says there are multiple physical activity options to choose from regardless of what the outdoor thermometer reads. Rachel offers 12 tips for getting around the cold air and still burning some calories:

Go to the mall and walk around- it’s a great way to exercise.
Get Wet- find a local indoor pool you can use.
Throw yourself into housework- vacuuming and running up and down stairs putting items away elevates your heart rate giving you a workout.
Get a Wii- in addition to fitness-specific programs there are also great interactive games.
Join AgeWell by Immanuel- this will allow you a large variety of physical activities to choose from every week.
Take a class- community centers, local colleges, and gyms offer a variety of movement classes. Not only will you learn something new and increase your fitness, but you may make some new friends.
Create a home gym- this doesn’t need to be expensive. You can easily set-up a great workout routine with just a set of dumbbells, an exercise ball and a jump rope.
Use the stairs- if you have stairs where you live or close by spend as little as 20 minutes at a time climbing up and down for a very intense and efficient workout.
Visit the library- usually local libraries offer exercise videos you can checkout free. Pick up a new one to try every time you return the previous video.
Get out your shovel- instead of calling someone to shovel the snow, get out and do it yourself if you are physically capable of doing it. However, make sure you warm up and stretch first!
Walk outdoors anyway- it is a great way to get fresh air during the winter months.
Enjoy the outdoors with family- When there is snow on the ground go sledding, tubing, build a snowman or go skiing.

There are plenty of things to do in the winter months. You don’t have to stay at home and be a couch potato. By staying fit during winter you’ll be able to avoid weight gain and be ready for the spring and summer ahead! (Information gathered from www.blisstree.com and www.sideroad.com.)

Categories: AgeWell

Tags: winter fitness, staying well in the winter, fitness tips, Agewell, Immanuel Communities, wellness, fitness, active aging, retirement community, senior housing,

Piano Man

2010-12-22T19:03:24Z

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Walk by Pete Pettey’s apartment house at The Landing and you may be in for a special musical treat by his player piano. Pete simply puts in a roll, determines the speed and flips the switch and instantly, the music begins. “I play it every day. Maybe just one roll or two rolls. I just like the music.”

Pete’s love of music dates back to when he was just a kid growing up in Mississippi. Years later, Pete moved with his family to Lincoln. He happily agreed when his daughter asked to learn how to tickle the ivories. Pete decided on purchasing an upright player piano because he figured, “If my daughter quit playing, I could still enjoy the music.” And for more than 50 years, he has.

Upright player pianos like Pete’s were popular in the early 1900s and are unique in that they use paper rolls with holes punched in the paper to create the sound. The position and length of the holes determines the note played on the piano. Pete had to take special measures to get the piano into his home and immediately modernized it. “I had to take out the stairs to lower it into the basement of my home. I also replaced the foot pedals with an electric vacuum pump,” said Pete.

Pete worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad and did a fair amount of traveling for his job. That gave him an opportunity to search for and purchase music rolls for his piano to the tune of more than 200 hundred rolls! His music library consists of all types of music from classic to polka and waltzes, even Christmas tunes. All have interesting titles including Christmas Medley, When I Get Out of No Man’s Land, I Can’t Be Bothered with Nobody’s Mule and Who Takes Care of the Caretaker’s Daughter While the Caretaker’s Busy Taking Care. These days, Pete’s favorite tune is Beer Barrel Polka.

Pete has called The Landing home for nearly three years and at nearly 92, is full of life. He enjoys golf and still putts in his living room. He also has an extensive collection of colorful bowties totaling more than 50. However, it’s the music that he especially adores and invites anyone to come and listen. “If you pass by and piano’s playing, come on in.”

Categories:

Tags: Piano man, active aging, The Landing, Immanuel Communities, music, Pete Pettey, Player piano, music roll,

Getting Answers to Mom and Dad's Future

2010-12-09T19:02:56Z

As adult children, we are busy. We balance our family life, career, civic duty and leisure time. In addition, many of us also struggle with our aging parent(s) and their futures. What do we do with a loved one who can no longer take care of themselves? Where do we go for answers?

Oftentimes these decisions come with complications including health, finances, insurance, family dynamics, lack of future planning or understanding when it comes to the various levels of care available for seniors.

Our goal is to help guide adult children and their parents on this journey and help them come up with the option that best meets their needs. Recently, The Landing at Williamsburg Village hosted an hour-long discussion with a panel of experts including lawyers, financial planners and adult children. The panel addressed a number of different topics including:

Planning for your parent(s) retirement
Roles in the decision making process
Senior living housing options
Addressing health issues
Ways adult children can juggle careers/jobs and make all this “work”
The emotional guilt/stress of moving mom/dad
Our own futures

Around 60 adult children came to our panel discussion and over wine and cheese asked some candid questions about these important topics. Below are some answers they received.

Make the move sooner than later.
When a loved one suddenly becomes ill, often adult children scramble to find the appropriate care and services. If a prolonged hospital stay is involved, the senior may no longer be safe living in his or her own home—resulting in an immediate need for an assisted living community or a skilled care.

Adult children need to recognize the warning signs that mom/dad’s health is failing and start the conversation about making the move to community soon rather than later. On average, a senior who moves into independent living when they are healthy - will live five to seven years longer than seniors who opt to live at home on their own.

Financial arrangements are very important.
Money is always a touchy subject, but it’s important to know your mom/dad’s financial resources. Have your parent(s) structured their resources and investments to maintain health and comfort as they age? Who is responsible for making financial decisions in the event your mom/dad cannot? Is there adequate power of attorney and appropriate estate planning? What do you know about your mom/dad’s health insurance coverage?

It is vital an adult child has a durable power of attorney for health and finances. It also is a good idea to conduct a cash flow analysis and determine a budget so that your parents can manage through the end of their life. Often these are tough questions to ask and more than likely, it may take several tries before getting an answer, but it is important information to have before you face a crisis and you don't even know where to get the information and you can't plan!

When it comes to legal issues, work with a trusted attorney who specialized in elder legal matters. For finances, work with trust advisor or financial planner.

Family Dynamics play a huge role.
More than 65 million people in the United States serve as unpaid caregivers to an adult family member, a child with special needs or friend. We notice that oftentimes the caregiver role falls on the shoulders of the daughter or the daughter-in-law. When there are multiple siblings and one does more than the others, that may cause resentment. When an out-of-town sibling comes to visit mom/dad, they may not see the day-to-day struggles and think everything is fine. That’s because mom/dad can put on a show that all is well, when really that is not the case. It is important for family members to be on the same page regarding care-giving issues.

Look for signs of isolation, depression and memory issues. Is the house tidy? Or does it appear that dust or clutter is piling up? Is the refrigerator empty? The cupboards bare? These are all clues mom/dad may be struggling to live on their own.

An adult child who was also a panel member said, "It is truly an honor for us to care for our parents, it is a privilege and we should take it seriously. They are our history, they have wisdom and they can teach us, we need to preserve their stories, their legacy."

There are many wonderful support groups for families - take advantage of these resources.

Planning for the future is most important factor to aging successfully - You can enjoy your loved ones when they are in a community like ours. Rather than caring for them, you can use your visit to focus on spending time with them - enjoying events and conversation because you are no longer the fulltime caregiver!

We will all face these decisions because we are all aging! There are resources, knowledge and solutions for seniors and their families. What kind of decisions are you facing with your aging parent(s) and how have you solved it?

Categories: Roxann Rogers Meyer, Marketing and Sales director

Tags: adult children, transition, mom and dad's future, planning for retirement, caregiver, the Landing at Williamsburg Village, active aging, financial

Celebrating 123 Years of Immanuel

2010-10-26T15:56:33Z

The month of October is significant in Immanuel’s rich history. That’s because October 8, 1887 was the official day our Mission of serving seniors began. We take great joy in hearing the stories of our past that give us our roots and we look towards the future that gives us our wings. Pastor E.A. Fogelstrom is the person God called upon to found Immanuel 123 years ago. Pastor Fogelstrom was inspired with the vision to build a Lutheran Hospital and he called upon the Lutheran Deaconesses to serve in the daily tasks of providing care for those in need. Here is an excerpt from the original charter, “The object of this organization is to establish and maintain hospitals, orphans’ homes and any other institutions for the assistance of those suffering from disease, infirmity or necessity.”

Pastor Fogelstrom was a faith-filled man who served tirelessly to further God’s mission. In his 1887 autobiography, he writes, “We arrived in Omaha on August 8th. There were many things on my heart. I wanted to look into the future to see what it had in store for me. I was a stranger here. I became satisfied to leave the future with God. I often pray, ‘My God, if this is Thy will, give me the grace to accomplish it.’”

Who would have guessed that an orphans’ home would emerge from this prayer, as well as numerous retirement communities 123 years later. Today, we don’t have Lutheran Deaconesses who serve with us, but we do have a dedicated staff that provides Christ centered service to seniors and each other. We often joke that we are fortunate we don’t have to abide by the same rules that the nurses did so many years ago. That’s because a job description from 1887 states, “Any nurse who smokes, drinks liquor, gets her hair done at a beauty salon or frequents dance halls will give the Nursing Director good reason to suspect her worth, intentions and integrity.” We sure have come a long way!

Just as God provided excellent staff back in the days of our Founders, our residents enjoy an excellent staff today. We have beautiful buildings with bright, welcoming entryways. However, what shines forth the brightest is the love, compassion and faith that lives on even today within the walls and hearts of Immanuel. Thank you Pastor Fogelstrom and we will leave the future to God as well!

Categories: From the Vice President of Mission and Spiritual Care

Tags: Founder's Day, Fogelstrom, Immanuel, history, Lutheran Deaconesses, October, 1887, orphan home, charter, retirement home, original charter

A Walk to Remember

2010-10-07T16:38:54Z

Fall is a special time for Immanuel Communities with residents and employees gearing up for the Alzheimer Association's Memory Walks. Immanuel Communities came out in great force to walk together in Lincoln and Omaha to find a cure for this progressive brain disease that robs people of their memory. Through sponsorships and generous donations, our employees, residents, family and friends raised nearly $20,000 in support of finding a cure for this fatal disease.

Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, impacting as many as 5.3 million Americans and according to the World Alzheimer Report 2010, costs society as a whole billions of dollars. Research also shows that almost everyone over the age of 75 will experience some type of memory loss in their lifetime. Many people have episodes of forgetfulness, however, it becomes a concern these episodes are so severe that a person is able to live safely without constant supervision.

At Immanuel Communities, we support our residents who experience dementia by offering two Memory Support residences among our five communities. There are 14 apartment homes at The Landing and 12 apartment homes at Lakeside. These communities within each community provide residents with the security, resources and support they need by an experienced health care team. Judging from the activities posted on the calendars along with the conversations in the Memory Support hallways, the residents who live there have plenty to do and know how to have fun!

A couple of weeks ago, the memory support ladies hosted a bridal shower for a member of the health care team. They even included words of advice for the bride-to-be. Advice that included:

Be true to yourself.
Buy a good cookbook.
Grow together, not apart.
Have a good time.
Eat lots of ice cream.
Don't sweat the small stuff.
Love each other always.
Take good care of him and yourself.
Remember God’s words in the 10 Commandments and remember the wisdom your parents passed down to you.

These words of wisdom truly show that love does conquer all, even memory loss...

Categories:

Tags: Alzheimer's Disease, Memory Walk, Immanuel Communities, Support, Donation, Forgetfulness, words of wisdom, bride-to-be,

Help Your Loved Ones Make the Best Living Choice

2010-09-20T14:43:20Z

I work in the senior living industry; therefore, making retirement-related decisions is my job. Every day I help prospects and their adult children make decisions about the future. Yet personally—the topic brings up more questions than answers. When my husband and I retire, will we move to a retirement community in a warmer, sunnier climate? Will we move to an Immanuel Community? If so, which one? Will we simply downsize? Will we move at all? Do we have enough money saved to retire?

For many of us, making retirement living decisions is something we want to put off for as long as possible. Sure, you’ve taken steps to prepare for the future including creating and funding 401 (k) plans or life insurance policies. Beyond that, have you put much though into what you’ll do when you can no longer live at home or the possibility that you may not want to continue living in our homes as you age?

Depending on whether you’re an adult child or at the age when you may want to begin deciding where you are going to live or what type of care you may need can be an overwhelming task—especially if you are also experiencing health or other problems that are already making life difficult. Below are some topic starters to begin that conversation with both your significant other and your loved ones.

Staying at Home
If you or your loved is still able to take care of daily living tasks such as bathing, taking the stairs when necessary, cooking and taking medications, it may be perfectly reasonable to stay at home for the present time. If there is difficulty with a few tasks, such as lawn care or cleaning, you can hire a professional to handle these duties. When it comes to assistance with activities of daily living, like cooking, dressing or taking medication, there’s also the option of hiring an in-home care assistant who can help with these tasks.

Moving into a Retirement Community
Seniors choose to move into a retirement community due to a number of reasons including the desire to live around people their own age, with similar interests and backgrounds. Some move to be closer to children and grandchildren. Some seniors want to live in an environment that is more secure.

Some don’t want to deal with the hassle of maintaining their homes anymore. Oftentimes, these men and women have lived in their homes for 30 years and have plenty of home repairs and up-dates to make. They often don’t have the energy or the desire to continue the maintenance. Seniors reach a point in their life where they want to have the time and freedom to concentrate on their family and their particular interests like travel, education or a unique hobby.

At Immanuel Communities, we offer several options for senior living communities, including Independent Living, which is geared toward social and environmental amenities; Assisted Living, for those who need some help with activities of daily living; and Memory Support, for seniors with dementia issues. We also have collaborated with Alegent Health to offer skilled nursing care through The Lighthouse for those who require around the clock medical attention.

Immanuel Communities has a strong, dynamic community that supports, welcomes, enriches and enables our residents to live their life to the fullest. Our communities are unique because the residents who live there don’t have to give up their dreams, hopes or habits when they move in. We have restaurant-style dining, housekeeping, transportation, plenty of activities and events, underground parking, swimming pools, computer labs, telehealth kiosks and partnerships with area universities to create shared learning. We also have state-of-the-art wellness centers designed for people 55 and older with professionals who provide personal wellness support.

Choosing the Right Community
With the multitude of communities in your area, it may seem like a daunting task to help your loved one choose the right community for them. The important thing is to go look at as many as possible and narrow down the choices so your parent won’t be so overwhelmed with the options.

It’s important to research the community, ask questions and take a personal tour. Amenities are one of the considerations seniors compare as they explore various senior living communities. The consumer is looking for features that fit their lifestyle. Our senior living consultants can help walk you or your loved one through every step of the decision making process and help you figure out what’s best for you or your loved one.

As our senior population continues to age and people are living longer, the industry is facing with many challenges. The biggest challenge is educating consumers so that they understand the choices and options that are available for senior housing and services. As for my husband and I, we’re still trying to figure out who’s in control of the remote.

Categories: Roxann Rogers Meyer, Marketing and Sales director

Tags: Retirement Community, Helping Loved Ones Choose, Staying in the Home, Immanuel Communities, Retirement Living Communities

Celebrate "Living Life" during Assisted Living Week

2010-09-10T13:07:01Z

Assisted Living Week (Sept. 12-18) is a wonderful time for us to celebrate with our residents, families and staff. This year’s theme is “Living Life” and kicks off with Grandparent’s Day. You don’t have to be a rock climber, sky diver, marathon runner, or scholar to live life to the fullest. Living life means participating in activities that you enjoy and pursuing your passions, whatever they may be. It means never stopping the process of discovery or mastering talents. It means sharing your history and teaching others what you have learned. It is a lifelong pursuit of happiness and growth.

We all want to live life to the fullest, no matter how old or young we are. Immanuel Communities and other assisted living communities around the country are giving residents the environment and tools they need to live life to the fullest. We celebrate these efforts and the residents who inspire us. Join us at one of the National Assisted Living Week® celebrations planned at our communities, and let’s live life together.

For more information about Assisted Living Week celebrations at Immanuel Communities…

Categories: Debra Welk, RN

Tags: National Assisted Living Week, Immanuel Communities, RN, celebrate, living Life, activities of daily living, Grandparent's Day

Homeward Bound

2010-08-27T14:44:44Z

The inaugural trip to Alaska for Immanuel Communities residents, friends and employees is coming to a close as we are cruising back to Seattle and will be back safe and sound in Nebraska tonight. We spent Thursday mostly at sea bound for British Columbia, Canada. While we arrived in plenty of time to tour the city, rough winds and high tides made it too dangerous to dock. Therefore, all shore excursions were cancelled and everyone was refunded their money. The shore merchants must have been very disappointed, as I counted three ships that could not dock: that is probably about 7,000 customers that they missed out on! The ship's crew made up for it though by putting on a great show, with plenty of food, entertainment and fun.

When I reflect upon this past week, this was a fantastic voyage that I've been blessed to be part of. I've made new friends, I've watched families reconnect with each other and I've been awed to see nature at it's finest! Most importantly, this trip gave us the opportunity to do something different, and based on this sucess, we will undoubted try other excursions in the future. Being part of Immanuel, for residents and staff should be something different, and I will do my very best to assure that it is!

As we fly home today, while we've taken steps to assure a smooth trip back to Omaha and Lincoln, flight days can be difficult even under ideal circumstances. Please keep us in your prayers until we are safely home. Even after cruising in the lap of luxury for the past eight days, there is no place more comfortable and reassuring than our own homes.

Thank you all for supporting this endeavor, and for keeping tabs on your friends and neighbors. We will all have great stories to share with you, and rest assured, we will be sharing our photo albums of our adventure.

Over and out.

Categories: From the CEO

Tags: Alaska, CEO, Immanuel Communities, Immanuel, cruise, home, community, home