A Nurse for All Ages

Barb Hemberger • May 11, 2023

(First in a Series for National Nurse’s Month)


On any given day during the school year, Gail Goss, RN, enjoys taking care of people from opposite ends of the demographic spectrum. During the day, she cares for elementary school children within the Anoka-Hennepin School District, and in the evening she cares for residents in assisted living at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park.


Now in her 15th year as a part time nurse at Oxbow Lake, and her 35th as a nurse, Goss said she still feels like she makes a difference every single day.


“It’s what keeps me going, the rewarding feeling at the end of my shift that I’ve made a difference in someone’s life. In at least one,” said Goss. “The reward can be something small like finding someone’s hearing aid or helping a family member who is having concerns about their loved one’s care.”


That sentiment of making a difference is fitting as the theme for National Nurse’s Week and Month, is “You Make a Difference.” This month we’ll tell stories about some of the more than 180 nurses that do such admirable work for Saint Therese senior communities.


Goss said she knew she wanted to be a nurse from a young age. “I was very intrigued with knowing how the body works; I loved learning about different diseases and conditions, and I loved helping and caring for others.”


The Brooklyn Park native received her nursing education at North Hennepin Community College and then her bachelor’s degree at Bemidji State. She said she loved the elderly geriatric population from the get-go, saying her favorite rotation in nursing school was in geriatrics.


She began working part time at Saint Therese when she needed something to supplement her income. She works two nights per week, from about 4:30 to 9 p.m. and also fills in during the summer, helping care for the 53 assisted living residents receiving some type of care or service.


She said that evenings can be quieter than during the day and she’s able to not only tackle administrative tasks that weren’t completed earlier but also spend quality time with residents and families. “It allows me to be present in each unit for families and their questions.”

Her internal guide has always been to treat residents with respect, kindness, dignity and compassion. “Those words are always in my head, and I share them with other nurses and aides who are just starting out. There’s nothing like helping others, especially in their time of need.”



When not working, Goss likes to spend time with friends and family and is looking forward to welcoming her first grandchild in about 30 days. She has a particular passion for ice fishing and is a member of the Women Anglers of Minnesota. She said she enjoys nothing more than being out on the ice, fishing.

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At Saint Therese, our heartfelt purpose since 1968 has been a people first approach to living well by providing senior care and services where every life we touch feels welcomed, respected, and heard. We achieve this by doing ordinary things with extraordinary love every single day. Contact us to learn more. 

2025 Senior Health: Progress, Challenges, and Key State Insights

By Barb Hemberger • May 23, 2025
The 2025 America’s Health Rankings® Senior Report was recently released, offering a comprehensive overview of the health and well-being of older adults across the United States. The report, based on 55 measures from 24 distinct data sources, highlights both strides made and challenges persisting in senior health. While there is encouraging progress in areas like reduced early death rates and strengthened social connectedness among older adults, significant mental and behavioral health challenges remain. Key Findings from the Report Falls and obesity rates have stabilized after peaking earlier this decade. The number of geriatric clinicians increased by 5 percent, marking the highest rate ever recorded by the rankings. Volunteerism saw a 19 percent increase between 2021 and 2023. The healthiest state for older adults was Vermont, followed by Colorado, Washington, Utah, and Connecticut. Meanwhile, Mississippi ranked as the least healthy state, with Louisiana, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Kentucky following suit. Insights from States with Saint Therese Senior Communities Minnesota ranked 7th overall, placing it among the top 10 healthiest states for older adults. It showed a promising 13 percent increase in the number of geriatric clinicians between 2021 and 2024. However, the state also experienced a significant 23 percent rise in depression rates among adults aged 65 and older, increasing from 12.8 to 15.7 percent between 2018 and 2023. Michigan secured the 21st spot in the rankings. The state showed notable improvements, including an 18 percent drop in falls, decreasing from 32.6 to 26.7 percent of adults aged 65 and older between 2014 and 2023. Additionally, cognitive difficulty rates decreased by 13 percent, from 8.8 to 7.7 percent during the same period. Ohio ranked 36th overall, but one bright spot was a significant 35 percent increase in the number of geriatric clinicians between September 2019 and September 2024. Positive Signs for Volunteering The news about volunteering is a positive sign as emerging evidence shows that older adults who volunteer regularly have fewer cognitive complaints and a lower risk for dementia compared with those who do not volunteer regularly. At Saint Therese, volunteers are as much a part of our organization as our residents, families, visitors, and employees. We rely on and value the countless hours and dedication of those who support our mission by volunteering in our communities. We are always looking for volunteers. To find out more, or to apply to be a volunteer, please visit us here. The Bottom Line The 2025 Senior Report, produced by the United Health Foundation, underscores the complexities of senior health in the United States. While strides have been made in areas such as access to specialized care and volunteer engagement, persistent challenges like obesity, depression, and behavioral health highlight the need for continued efforts. The Report serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing work needed to ensure a healthier future for older adults across the nation.

Ascend Wellness & Fitness: Elevating Health, Confidence, and Community

By Kathy Nelson, Fitness Specialist • April 24, 2025
At Ascend Rehabilitation , we believe that wellness is more than just exercise—it’s about fostering strength, confidence, and connection. Our wellness and fitness program seamlessly integrates with therapy to help residents and clients improve their physical, mental, and social well-being. 

Saint Therese of Corcoran’s Stained Glass Window – A Labor of Love

By Barb Hemberger • December 12, 2024
Our newest Twin Cities senior living community, Saint Therese of Corcoran, is stunning. In so many ways. As you walk in the main entrance, you can feel its vibrancy, energy,… The post Saint Therese of Corcoran’s Stained Glass Window – A Labor of Love appeared first on Saint Therese Blog.