Saint Therese Blog

What Families Wish They Knew Before Choosing Senior Living

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:23:20 GMT

Choosing senior living is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and one many families feel unprepared for at first. It often comes with a mix of urgency, uncertainty, and emotion. Many families begin the process thinking they understand what to expect, only to realize along the way that there were things they hadn’t considered.

Here are some of the most common things families say they wish they knew earlier.

It’s Not Just About Care – “Families often seek care for specific needs; however, the real transformation happens when they realize the community they've been missing,” said Josh Anderson, who leads resident experience and services at Saint Therese. “Opportunities for connection, meaningful activities, and simply feeling part of a community all play a big role in quality of life.”

Senior living is not just about support. It’s about creating an environment where people can continue to live fully, with meaningful experiences and relationships.

Waiting Too Long Is Common – One of the most frequent reflections families share is that they wish they had started the process sooner. Often, the search begins during a crisis such as a fall or a hospitalization. This can limit options and add stress to an already emotional situation.

Starting earlier allows for more thoughtful decisions, better fit, and a smoother transition.

The Emotional Side Is Real – Even when it’s clearly the right decision, the emotional weight can be significant. Adult children often experience guilt, uncertainty, or second-guessing. Older adults may feel a sense of loss or hesitation about change.

Understanding that these feelings are normal can help families move forward with more confidence and compassion.

Every Community Feels Different – Not all senior living communities are the same. Beyond amenities and services, each has its own culture, energy, and approach. Families often say they didn’t realize how important it would be to find a place that “feels right.”

Visiting, asking questions, and spending time in the environment can make a meaningful difference.

What’s Included Can Vary – Pricing and services are not always structured the same way across communities. Families often wish they had asked more detailed questions about what is included, what may cost extra, and how needs may change over time.

Clarity early on helps avoid surprises later.

The Transition Is an Adjustment – Moving into senior living is a transition, not a single moment. The first few weeks can include a mix of excitement and adjustment. Building new routines, meeting people, and settling into a new environment takes time.

With the right support, most residents begin to feel comfortable and engaged.

Quality of Life Often Improves – One of the most meaningful things families share is that their loved one is often more engaged, social, and supported than before. What may begin as a difficult decision often leads to positive outcomes that families did not fully expect.

Final Thoughts

At Saint Therese , a senior living organization, we often walk alongside families navigating these same questions. We understand that every situation is unique, and having the right support and guidance can make all the difference in feeling confident about next steps.

More Than a Server: Why Lino Anunciacion Is a Caregiver of the Year

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:45:08 GMT

I first heard about Lino Anunciacion a year or so ago.

“The singing waiter at Oxbow Lake,” someone told me.

That description stuck with me. But the more I’ve gotten to know Lino, the more I’ve realized something important: he’s not “just” a waiter. He’s not even “just” a server.

He’s a caregiver in every sense of the word.

Earlier this month, LeadingAge Minnesota recognized Lino, Lead Food Server at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake , as a 2026 Caregiver of the Year for District G. The award honors individuals who go beyond expectations to greatly enhance the quality of life for older adults and their communities.

If you’ve ever seen him in action, you understand why.

More Than a Job

Lino has worked in long-term care for 35 years and with Saint Therese for more than three years. Originally from the Philippines, he came to the United States 45 years ago and has spent most of his career serving older adults

When I asked him about the award back in January, he was genuinely surprised. “I never get this kind of attention,” he told me.

For him, the work is not about recognition. It is about residents.

During each shift, Lino makes rounds across five dining rooms, checking in to make sure everyone is doing well before they even begin their meals. As lead food server, he oversees the dining experience, but he sees his role as much bigger.

“I serve the residents, making them happy, providing what they want, what they need on a daily basis,” said Lino. “Being at work every day is a full gift of love. I give my 100 percent. At the end of the day, I can say I really do accomplish my job with dignity, love and pride.”

That is not language you coach into someone. That is heartfelt purpose in action.

Transforming Ordinary Moments

When the Oxbow Lake leadership team nominated Lino for the honor, they wrote that he “transforms ordinary moments into lasting memories.”

That is not an exaggeration.

At an internal celebration in January, I heard him sing “Before the Next Teardrop Falls.” He told me residents also love when he sings “Love Me Tender.” The dining room grew quiet in that way that only happens when something meaningful is unfolding.

There was also the time a scheduled musical group didn’t show up. Rather than let the event fall flat, Lino stepped in and performed for a full dining room on the spot.

He sings at birthdays, anniversaries, even weddings. If there is an opportunity to make someone feel special, he finds a way to serenade them.

His music isn’t really about performance; it’s about connection.

Living Our Values Without Saying a Word

Also in their nomination letter, the team wrote that Lino lives the Saint Therese values every day, particularly welcoming, respect and heartfelt purpose.

You see that in how he honors each resident’s individuality. In how he notices when someone seems off. In how he takes the time to make sure everyone feels seen.

“This is like a family to me,” he said. “I love working with elders. It’s in my blood. It’s my passion.”

That kind of commitment does not show up on a job description. But residents feel it.

Families feel it. Coworkers feel it.

And now the broader aging services community has recognized it, too.

___

Life Enrichment in Senior Living: More Than Activities

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:09:48 GMT

Celebrating National Activity Professionals Week at Saint Therese

Every day at Saint Therese , Life Enrichment professionals are part of each community’s care team, helping transform senior living from a place to live into a place to truly belong. During National Activity Professionals Week , we recognize the creativity, compassion, and dedication they bring to residents and communities across Saint Therese.

While their work often happens quietly in the background, Life Enrichment professionals play an essential role in shaping daily life, connection, and a sense of belonging in senior living.

More Than Activities, Meaningful Moments

Life Enrichment professionals bring energy, creativity, and connection into everyday life in senior living. They take the time to get to know residents as individuals and create experiences that spark joy, encourage friendships, and give each day meaning.

For people considering senior living, especially those who may find it harder to get out on their own due to weather, mobility, or health challenges, Life Enrichment can be a powerful reassurance. Life does not slow down or shrink. Instead, it often opens up, offering many opportunities to stay active, social, and connected, all just steps from home.

Building Community, One Connection at a Time

Executive directors across Saint Therese communities in Minnesota, Michigan, and Ohio see firsthand how Life Enrichment shapes daily life and strengthens community.

At Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park, Minn., Executive Director Christine DeLander recalls an experience that captures the heart of Life Enrichment: “One example that stays with me is watching a Life Enrichment staff member dance with a 100-year-old resident in Memory Care. The resident smiled throughout the song, not just because of the music, but because of the genuine connection and presence shared during that time.”

At Saint Therese - St. Mary of the Woods in Avon, Ohio, Executive Director Michael Helco describes Life Enrichment as essential to the rhythm of daily life on campus. “Life Enrichment fuels the campus. When you have a robust program, residents are active, engaged, and socially connected. It’s a beautiful thing walking down a hallway and seeing residents participating and enjoying one another.”

That sense of energy and belonging grows when residents are encouraged to share their own interests, with Life Enrichment team members helping bring those ideas to life.

Supporting the Whole Person

Life Enrichment supports residents far beyond scheduled events. At Saint Therese of Westlake in Westlake, Ohio, Executive Director Stephanie Gasper notes that through music, games, gentle exercise, social gatherings, and everyday interactions, residents have opportunities to feel calmer, happier, and more connected. Families often notice the difference, seeing their loved ones smiling more and enjoying a better quality of life.

At Saint Therese of Woodbury in Woodbury, Minn., Executive Director Tony Keelin emphasizes how Life Enrichment brings people together while also supporting individual interests. Whether through group activities or one-on-one connections, these interactions help build friendships and enhance daily life.

On any given week, residents may choose from music and dancing, faith-based gatherings, outings into the community, creative arts, games, discussion groups, gentle exercise, or simply time to connect with neighbors over coffee. Life Enrichment teams make sure there is always something to look forward to, with the freedom for residents to participate as much or as little as they wish.

Living the Saint Therese Way

At its core, Life Enrichment is a key part of the Saint Therese Way Resident Experience, our commitment to creating an enriching and fulfilling journey where residents feel supported, valued, and empowered to live well throughout every stage of life.

During National Activity Professionals Week, we recognize the Life Enrichment teams who help shape daily life at Saint Therese. Their work is reflected not only in full calendars, but in the connections, routines, and shared experiences that make our communities feel like home.

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When You Start Noticing Changes in an Aging Parent

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 19:01:56 GMT

The holidays often bring families together in ways that don't happen the rest of the year. Shared meals, time at home, and longer conversations can feel joyful, but they can also be revealing — something we at Saint Therese Senior Living communities hear from families year after year.

For many adult children, it is after the decorations come down and routines return that a quiet realization sets in. Something feels a little different than last year. Not necessarily alarming. Not necessarily urgent. Just noticeable.

Small Changes Are Easy to Miss Until Families Spend Time Together

Aging happens gradually. Many older adults continue living independently and confidently for years. Still, when families spend extended time together, subtle changes can become easier to see.

Families may notice things such as:

Home maintenance feels more difficult than it once did
Bills or paperwork become harder to manage
Missed meals or unintentional weight loss
Less interest in social activities that once brought enjoyment
Repeated stories or forgotten appointments

None of these automatically signal a serious problem. Often, they are signs that additional support could make daily life easier and safer.

Independence and Dignity Always Matter

Noticing change doesn’t mean someone has lost independence. In fact, many older adults adapt thoughtfully and successfully to changes as they age.

The goal is not to take independence away, but to understand whether daily life is becoming harder than it needs to be, or whether added support could improve safety, reduce stress, or enhance quality of life.

When Caregiving Begins to Affect the Whole Family

For many families, adult children gradually begin to take on more responsibility. Balancing work, family life, and caregiving can become challenging, especially when support needs increase over time.

Learning about senior living options early can help families feel prepared rather than pressured. Even when a move is not needed right away, understanding what support is available can bring reassurance and peace of mind.

A Thoughtful Next Step

At Saint Therese, we understand that it can be difficult to know when or if a move to a senior community makes sense. Every situation is unique, and every individual deserves respect, dignity, and choice.

Sometimes the most loving step is simply becoming informed, so that future decisions can be made thoughtfully and without urgency.

Our senior living experts at Saint Therese are available as a resource for families who are navigating this season of life. Whether you are just beginning to notice changes or are planning for the future, our team can help answer questions, talk through options, and share information that may be helpful to you.

There is no pressure and no expectation of immediate decisions. Our goal is simply to support families with clarity, compassion, and guidance, so they feel confident and informed every step of the way.

Looking for a Saint Therese community near you? Check out our website for locations and contact info . And don’t miss our upcoming series of educational programs, created just for adult children like you.”

How to Know When Your Aging Parent Needs More Care: Lessons from Local Experts

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:12:13 GMT

Many adult children quietly ask themselves the same question: How do I know when my aging parent needs more care? The answer is rarely simple and is often emotional.

To help adult children navigate that uncertainty, Saint Therese , an aging services organization providing senior living, care, and supportive resources for older adults and their families, hosted an educational Adult Children event Minneapolis this November. Local experts were invited to share practical guidance, warning signs, and next steps. This was the first in a planned series created for adult children, often in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, who are helping aging parents navigate decisions before a crisis forces the timeline.

Below are key lessons shared by the panelists, each offering a different perspective on recognizing when more support may be needed and what to do next.

Emotional Resistance Can Signal a Need for Change
Suzanne Austin , Caring Transitions
One early indicator that more support may be needed is not medical but emotional. Parents aren’t just holding onto belongings, they are holding onto identity, independence, and memories. Resistance to downsizing, help at home, or even conversations about the future often reflect fear rather than stubbornness.

Starting small, leading with compassion, and reframing decisions around safety, dignity, and the next chapter of life can help families move forward together. When daily tasks begin to feel overwhelming or conversations consistently stall, it may be time to explore additional support.

You Find Yourself Constantly Chasing the Healthcare System
Morganna Moon , Saint Therese (Nurse Navigator)
If managing appointments, medications, and follow-up calls feels like a full-time job, that is an important sign. Many adult children become care coordinators without realizing how much responsibility they have taken on.

Being a strong advocate is essential. Be kind but be persistent. If something feels confusing or incomplete, continue to ask questions. The increasing complexity of healthcare often means families need more structured support sooner than expected.

Decisions Are Being Delayed Until a Crisis Forces Them
Dinah Martin , Saint Therese (Senior Housing Options)
One of the clearest warning signs is waiting too long. When families postpone conversations about senior living or care options, decisions are often made during a fall, hospitalization, or sudden health change.

It is also important to understand that today’s senior living options are not the nursing homes of the past, one of the reasons we no longer call them “nursing homes.” Many communities focus on a social model that supports daily living, with care and services added when needed. Exploring options early, especially those offering a continuum of care, can provide flexibility and peace of mind if needs change.

Subtle Cognitive or Safety Changes Are Appearing
Heidi Haley-Franklin , Alzheimer’s Association, Minnesota and North Dakota
Memory lapses, changes in judgment, or increased confusion can be easy to dismiss, but early detection matters. No one needs to face Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer’s alone. Families can access no-cost education, care consultations, and support programs.

Early diagnosis can also open the door to FDA-approved treatments that may slow progression for some people living with early-stage Alzheimer’s. If something feels off, trust your instincts and seek guidance sooner rather than later.

Everyday Safety Is Becoming a Concern
Amy Taylor-Greengard , Ascend Rehab
Sometimes the signs are physical – slower movement, balance issues, or increased fatigue can indicate a higher risk of falls and injury. One practical benchmark shared at the event was the sit-to-stand test. If an adult age 65 or older takes more than 15 seconds to stand up and sit down five times, their risk of falling and a significant medical event increases.

Support at Home Can Be a Smart Next Step
Laura LaTour , Adara Home Health

Needing help at home does not mean someone has failed. Home health care can be a useful tool of wellness after a hospital stay, rehab, or a health setback. It can also support safer transitions and help families feel more confident that the right care is in place.

Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference
Mollie Dvora k, Saint Therese (Pastoral Care)
A recurring theme throughout the evening was simple but powerful. Hope for the best, but plan for the rest. Starting conversations early, before emotions run high, helps adult children and families stay aligned and confident when decisions arise.

Looking Ahead
This November event was the first in Saint Therese’s Adult Children educational series. Attendees shared that they left feeling more informed, reassured, and better prepared for what lies ahead. Many also requested future sessions that go deeper on legal, financial, and planning topics.

If you missed this program or would like to attend future Adult Children events, watch for upcoming opportunities to learn, ask questions, and connect with trusted experts.

Swallowing Problems (Dysphagia): Signs, Complications, and Treatment

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:31:34 GMT

By Kathryn Wamstad, M.S., CCC-SLP

Did you know that speech therapists treat more than just your speech? They do indeed! In fact, one of the primary focuses of a Speech Language Pathologist in the geriatric setting is swallow therapy. Speech therapists treat swallowing difficulty because the same muscles and nerves used for talking are used for chewing and swallowing.

Swallowing difficulty is called dysphagia. It can occur because of a stroke, brain injury, cancer, neurological disease like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, surgery involving the neck, and other aging related complications. Dysphagia can lead to reduced quality of life with eating/drinking, malnutrition, dehydration, and pneumonia as a result of aspiration. Aspiration is when food or drink is accidently inhaled down into the airway/ lungs.

What Are Symptoms of Dysphagia?

Facial droop, drooling, losing food and liquid out of the mouth and lips
Difficulty chewing and controlling the food and liquids from the front to the back of the mouth, and food left in the mouth after you swallow
Throat clearing, coughing or choking right after a bite or drink
Feeling food or drink “go down the wrong tube” or get stuck in your throat
Wet/gurgly voice quality, watery eyes, and runny nose while eating
Feeling like food is stuck in your chest, sensation that food takes a while to go down, heart burn, or food coming back up (regurgitation)
Weight loss, malnutrition or dehydration because of difficulty eating, extra time and effort required to eat, and frequent occurrences of aspiration pneumonia

Assessment of Dysphagia

Speech therapists assess swallowing difficulty by asking questions and observing you eat and drink to see if the above symptoms are noted. If symptoms of swallowing difficulty are reported or observed, it is recommended that you participate in a Video Fluoroscopic Swallow Study. This is an x-ray video of the swallow that allows us to see how the internal structures of your throat are working to determine the cause of your swallowing difficulty, for creation of a treatment plan.

Treatment of Dysphagia

Swallowing difficulty can be treated through multiple modes of therapy including participation in personalized exercise program engagement, being trained on use of safe swallowing compensatory strategies, and/ or implementation of a diet change.

Exercise Engagement

Strengthening the muscles of your mouth and throat can help improve your swallow function. A Video Fluoroscopic Swallow Study determines what muscles have weaknesses and need to be targeted with exercise engagement. Based on your specific muscle weakness, your speech therapist will recommend exercises such as the Effortful Swallow, The Mendelsohn Manuever, and Chin Tuck Against Resistance. There are also respiratory exercises to strengthen your lungs so that you have a stronger cough to more effectively clear aspiration.

Safe Swallowing Compensatory Strategies

Receiving training on safe swallowing compensatory strategies is a standard practice in swallow therapy. Adherence to general safe swallowing strategies like sitting upright, eating slowly, taking small bites and drinks is beneficial; however, completion of a Video Fluoroscopic Swallow Study can best determine if more specialized compensatory strategies like use of a double swallow, volitional cough or a chin tuck are required to reduce risk of aspiration when eating and drinking.

Diet Change

Changing the texture of food and the thickness of drinks is another common practice in speech therapy. Softer foods are easier to chew and swallow, and thickened liquids move slower and are easier to control from the mouth to the throat. A Video Fluoroscopic Swallow Study and speech therapist observation at a mealtime can aid in determination of what foods and liquids are safest and easiest for you to consume. Speech therapists follow the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI). IDDSI is a global framework that describes and defines the level of foods and liquids for those with dysphagia. See below for the IDDSI food and drink levels, https://www.iddsi.org/standards/framework .

Kathryn Wamstad is a speech language pathologist for Ascend Rehab at Saint Therese of Woodbury . She has been with Ascend for nearly five years and also provides outpatient and home health services for Ascend sites at Village Shores, Parkshore, Summit Place, Global Point, and The Orchards of Minnetonka.

A Quiet Hero at Woodbury: Honoring Navy Veteran John Thuente This Veterans Day

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 13:34:02 GMT

At Saint Therese of Woodbury , stories of courage and compassion often live quietly among us — tucked behind gentle smiles, modest gestures and humble words. This Veterans Day, we honor one such story: that of John Thuente , a Navy veteran whose service in Vietnam revealed not only bravery in the skies but deep humanity that continues to inspire.

A Minnesotan’s Call to Serve

John grew up in St. Paul, fascinated by airplanes and determined to fly. Following his father’s example of service, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and graduated in 1964. After flight school in California, he was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (image below) as a navigator and weapons officer, flying F-4 Phantom jets over North Vietnam.

“I enjoyed active duty,” John recalls simply. “It was my duty, and I was willing and able to do it.”

Over three combat tours on the Enterprise, John flew more than 400 missions, navigating through perilous skies, guiding pilots through bombing runs and often circling low to protect other aircraft and troops on the ground. During those missions, he and his fellow aviators were often exposed to Agent Orange, a chemical herbicide used to clear dense jungle vegetation but later linked to serious health problems for those exposed.

One night after landing at an air base, he chose to sleep on the wing of his jet — partly because, as he wryly recalled, “the tents were full of rats.” The wing, he said, “was warmer than the ground.”

Courage Amid Chaos

In one of his final missions, as the carrier prepared to leave Vietnam, John volunteered for a dangerous decoy mission to draw enemy fire away from a helicopter rescuing children from a rooftop in Saigon.

“None of the other pilots wanted to fly,” his wife, Rosemary, remembers. “He just said, ‘I’ll go.’”

It was a split-second decision that may have saved lives — and it captures who John is: a man of courage guided by compassion.

Breaking New Ground with the F-14

After his second tour, John was assigned to Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, where he helped test and develop the new F-14 fighter jet — the Navy’s next-generation aircraft. Working closely with engineers at Grumman, he was one of just two test pilots on the project and later delivered the first F-14 to Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego, California. There, he trained other aviators to fly the advanced jet before returning to the Enterprise in 1974 for his third tour, this time flying the F-14.

After the War: Service in a Different Sky

When his military career ended, John turned his focus to another kind of challenge: protecting innovation and discovery. With an engineering background from the Naval Academy, he earned a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul and became a patent attorney.

He later led Patents & Licensing at the University of Minnesota, helping the university defend and reclaim valuable patents — saving millions and fueling research that would benefit countless others. Eventually, he co-founded Patterson Thuente Law Firm in Minneapolis, where he built a respected career anchored in integrity and intellect.

Despite health challenges later in life — complications from Agent Orange exposure — John’s outlook remains steady and uncomplaining. Rosemary describes him as “my hero,” not only for his service, but for his resilience, warmth and faith.

A Family and a Legacy

Together, John and Rosemary raised eight children and built a life rooted in gratitude and community. Over the years, they’ve quietly supported Vietnamese and Hmong families settling in Minnesota — a continuation of John’s mission to “fight for those who couldn’t fight for themselves.”

When asked what Veterans Day means to him, John’s answer is as measured as it is meaningful:

“We were fighting for those who couldn’t fight for themselves. Politics aside, it was about freedom.”

Never Again Forgotten

For John and Rosemary, this Veterans Day is a time of quiet reflection in their new home at Saint Therese of Woodbury. Rosemary recalls the early years after the war, when returning servicemen weren’t met with the gratitude they deserved. “The word compassion means to suffer with,” she says. “We’re more compassionate now, since Vietnam.”

At Saint Therese, we honor that compassion — and the countless ways veterans like John remind us what courage truly looks like. It isn’t loud or boastful. It’s humble, steady and deeply human.

This Veterans Day, we thank John — and all who have served — for living those values every day, and for reminding us what true respect looks like in action.

Full Circle: A Serendipitous Reunion at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 20:01:33 GMT

At Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake, an unexpected connection between an educator and a priest reveals how kindness endures across generations

Sometimes, Saint Therese becomes the setting for more than just care and community—it becomes a place where lives unexpectedly intertwine in deeply meaningful ways.

When Morganna Moon , director of Clinical Informatics and Education for Saint Therese, arrived early for a meeting at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park, Minn., she chose a seat near one of the fireplaces—a spot she’d never sat in before. Moments later, Father Bill Green , a resident priest known for his warmth and curiosity, struck up a conversation. What began as small talk quickly turned into something remarkable.

As they compared notes about their hometowns in northern Wisconsin, Morganna mentioned she was from Poplar, near Bayfield. Father Green paused and said, “I used to work for the Moons in Bayfield.”

Morganna smiled in surprise. “I am a Moon,” she replied.

It was the start of a heartfelt discovery. Decades earlier, as a 12-year-old boy in Bayfield, Father Green had worked for Morganna’s great-grandfather—sweeping floors in his barbershop for ten cents an hour and later serving as a deckhand on the family’s trolling boats earning two dollars a day. The Moon family took him under their wing during a formative time in his life, offering kindness, mentorship, and a sense of belonging he deeply cherished.

“They trusted me,” Father Green recalled. “To a boy who didn’t have a father, that meant everything.”

For Morganna, the connection opened a new chapter of understanding about her family. Her father had lost touch with parts of their history. Hearing Father Green’s stories of generosity and integrity revealed a side of the Moons she had never known. When she shared what she’d learned, her father became emotional.

In April 2024, Morganna’s parents visited Oxbow Lake to meet Father Green. The two men—one 66, the other 90—sat together in the library, laughing, reminiscing and realizing how much their lives were intertwined. “Their eyes were twinkling,” Morganna said. “It was like they’d known each other forever.”

The reunion also reminded Morganna of her own roots. “I come from a long line of teachers,” she said. “It struck me that my great-grandfather and grandfather were both mentors who made an impact on others. That’s what drives me too.”

For Father Green, the meeting felt like a blessing that had come full circle. The boy who once found guidance in the Moon family’s kindness now shares that same spirit with others at Saint Therese—offering Mass, listening with compassion, and providing comfort to residents and families with his trademark humility and care.

His story—and Morganna’s—reflect the Heartfelt Purpose at the center of life at Saint Therese: ordinary moments that become extraordinary through connection, compassion, and grace.

Sometimes, the most extraordinary stories begin with something as simple as choosing a seat by the fire.

Love Finds Its Way at Oxbow Lake – Again

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:52:19 GMT

It’s not every day that you get to say there’s something in the water at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake , but maybe there is. Because once again, love has bloomed among its residents. This July, two familiar faces said, “I do,” marking the second time in just a few years that neighbors became newlyweds within this Brooklyn Park community.

The first resident couple to marry at Oxbow Lake exchanged vows a few years ago, setting a joyful precedent. And now, Frank Barry and Nancy Cullen have joined their ranks — proving that companionship and joy don’t fade with time; they simply take new forms.

Finding Each Other at Home

Both Frank and Nancy had lived full lives before moving to Oxbow Lake. Each had lost a beloved spouse — Frank’s wife, Julie, passed away in January 2024, and Nancy’s husband several years before. When Nancy moved into the community two years ago, and Frank three, neither imagined that life here might lead to a new marriage.

But as Oxbow Lake Executive Director Christine DeLander put it, “People come from all walks of life and they meet a companion here. The sense of community is strong. Residents take it upon themselves to socialize; every floor hosts its own weekly get-together, and once a month we bring everyone together for an independent living social. It’s very resident-driven.”

A Dance, a Smile, and a Second Chance

Their story actually began some time ago, when Frank’s late wife, Julie, introduced him to Nancy. The two only crossed paths briefly then, but life found a way for them to reconnect.

After Julie passed away, Frank admits he struggled to adjust. “When Julie died, I fell apart,” he recalled. “One of my friends kept saying, ‘Get over yourself and find a date for the senior prom!’” (The Senior Prom was a big event Oxbow Lake held each year.)

Eventually, he took that advice and asked Nancy. “She was in a cast, and we still danced,” he said. It was an easy, lighthearted evening that marked the beginning of a comfortable companionship, something steady and kind that simply fit.

From there, the friendship grew naturally — a quiet understanding that deepened over time. “We just get along,” Frank said. “We haven’t had a fight yet.”

Nancy smiled. “It’s nice to have someone around who helps with little things, who shares the moments; like celebrating my son’s birthday or just sitting together at dinner.”

A Joyful Celebration

The couple’s July 26 wedding in the Oxbow Lake chapel was an intimate, joy-filled event — complete with careful planning, place cards, and a family seating chart drawn up by Frank himself. Nearly all of their extended family were there to celebrate. “My eldest grandson was the maître d’,” he said proudly. “He had a map for everything.”

The ceremony was presided over by Father Pat Grile of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Brooklyn Center, where Frank has been a lifelong parishioner. Fellow Oxbow Lake resident Father Bill Green also attended as a guest. “Technically, we were married at St. Alphonsus,” Frank explained, “but the celebration continued right here at Oxbow.”

More than 100 guests filled both the chapel and dining room, with tables and folding chairs carefully arranged to fit everyone in.

The Adventure Continues

After the festivities, the couple escaped north to Grand View Lodge in Nisswa for a honeymoon getaway — a peaceful retreat before returning home to their community at Oxbow Lake.

Back in their familiar halls, they’re enjoying life together while still maintaining their independence. “We’re both self-reliant,” Nancy said. “We each have our own income, our own interests. We just enjoy being together.”

And as for the community that brought them together? Christine said, “Love happens here. When people feel connected, when they’re supported — that’s when the magic happens.”

Congratulations to Frank and Nancy — may your days be filled with laughter, faith, and friendship.

A Ukulele Forming the Bonds of Community

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:04:05 GMT

Sometimes the smallest of acts, or in this case, the smallest of instruments, can make the biggest difference. This is true at Saint Therese – IHM Senior Living in Monroe, Mich., where resident Jack Schwab has turned his lifelong love of music into a joyful community tradition.

Jack’s Journey with Music

Jack grew up on a dairy farm in Deshler, Ohio, in a family where music was always encouraged. His mother, who never had the chance to play an instrument herself, worked tirelessly to ensure her children could. Jack picked up the trumpet as a boy and learned to read music, setting the stage for a lifetime of melodies.

In his early years, Jack considered the priesthood, spending some time in seminary before realizing his true calling was in community work. He went on to spend most of his career in community action for the banking industry, where he specialized in helping people access opportunities for homeownership and lending.

Music, however, was always close at hand. When his first wife passed away in 2010, Jack found solace in a ukulele that had been in his family for years. What started as a way to cope with grief became a source of healing and joy. Later, after traveling to Hawaii with his wife Anne, Jack came home with a renewed passion for the ukulele.

By 2016, after retiring, Jack had founded a ukulele club. The group performed in care centers until the pandemic put gatherings on hold. When he moved into Saint Therese – IHM in 2022, Jack decided it was time to start again.

Building Community Through Song

With the support of the Saint Therese Foundation, which purchased ukuleles and music stands, Jack launched a weekly ukulele group. Every Tuesday morning, residents gather with Jack to learn songs ranging from “Happy Birthday” to nostalgic favorites. Staff members like Cassie Dillon often join in, and Jack encourages everyone to practice a little each day: “It’s simple, and I can teach it,” he says.

One of the group’s most enthusiastic members is Executive Director Keegan Sawyer, who quickly picked up the ukulele and has become an integral part of the ensemble. Together, they now perform as “ KJ and the Ukeladies ” — with K for Keegan, J for Jack, and the Ukeladies including Jack’s wife Anne Schwab and fellow resident Maryann Sulier. The group is shown below (left to right): Keegan, Jack, Anne and Maryann.

Jack also takes his music beyond the weekly lessons. He plays for residents in memory care and long-term care, sharing classics from Johnny Cash to beloved hymns. His performances turn into sing-alongs, filling rooms with laughter, smiles, and community spirit.

A Summer Farewell in Monroe

Most recently, KJ and the Ukeladies performed at a musical farewell-to-summer bash in the courtyard, hosted by IHM Sister Jannita Complo. On September 17, residents and guests sang along to tunes like You Are My Sunshine, Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World, and Take Me Out to the Ball Game. Sweet summer treats, from corn on the cob to DIY s’mores, made it a festive day of music, memories, and joy. The Sisters posted a wonderful video of this event on Facebook. You can see here .

A God Wink

Reflecting on his journey, Jack says, “I’m having a blast. This wasn’t a lifelong plan — it sort of fell in place. It’s like a wink from God. He’s saying, we still have work for you to do.”

What began as one man’s personal passion has blossomed into a program that brings joy, connection, and hope to an entire community. Jack has shown that it’s never too late to make music—or to let music make a difference.

Editor’s Note: A version of this article appeared in The Rose magazine, Spring/Summer 2025.

Strength Is Freedom: How Building Muscle Helps You Age Well

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 21:05:34 GMT

I’ve spent years looking into what really helps people age well. But what does “aging well” actually mean? For some, it’s keeping a sharp mind. For others, it’s staying physically active, living independently, or feeling connected to friends and family. The exact definition can be different for everyone—but there’s one thing they all have in common: the ability to keep moving.

To age well, we need to keep our bodies moving—and not just from place to place, but through life with energy and purpose.

And here’s the truth: movement doesn’t happen without strength. As we get older, keeping our muscles strong becomes even more important. This isn’t just about running marathons or lifting heavy weights. It’s about simple, everyday things—like carrying groceries, getting up from a chair, or catching yourself if you trip. When we lose strength, it’s easier to lose confidence, and we’re more likely to fall or get hurt. Muscle loss is common as we age, but it’s not something we have to accept as “just the way it is.”

Every part of your body benefits from strength training, but let’s focus on two key players: your muscles and your bones. Our bodies are smart—they adapt to whatever we ask them to do. Challenge your muscles regularly, and they’ll get stronger. Ignore them, and they’ll get weaker. Bones work the same way. Activities that make your muscles and bones work—like resistance or weight-bearing exercises—help keep your bones strong and reduce your risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Strength training isn’t just for athletes; it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself at any age. And no, it’s not too late to start now.

In physical therapy, we love sharing this knowledge—we’re not gatekeeping it. Building strength can help you live longer and better, and we know how to guide you safely. We understand how the body moves, heals, and responds when you gradually challenge it. We use proven methods to create a plan just for you—one that grows with you as you get stronger and more confident. Each session is a chance to check in, adjust, and move forward—whether your goal is walking without a cane, getting up from the floor, or enjoying your favorite hobby again.

Physical therapy isn’t about telling you what you can’t do—it’s about showing you what you can do, and helping you get there, step by step.

In the end, strength is freedom. It lets you move through the world with confidence, take care of yourself, and keep doing what makes life fun and meaningful. Maybe that’s playing with your grandkids, tending a garden, or walking into a room without worrying about falling. Whatever it is, strength gives you choices.

At Ascend Rehab , we meet you where you are, listen to what matters most to you, and help you build the strength to make it happen. Aging well isn’t about pretending nothing changes—it’s about learning to adapt and keep going with purpose. And physical therapy can be a powerful partner in making that happen.

Emily Milliren , PT, DPT, GCS, is a is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She’s been with Ascend Rehab since 2018.

Walking with Grief: Insights from Saint Therese Pastoral Care Directors

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:09:03 GMT

“There is no timetable for grief; it unfolds in its own way, in its own time.” – Unknown

On August 30, we pause to honor Grief Awareness Day—a reminder that grief is both universal and deeply personal. At Saint Therese senior living communities, grief is not an abstract idea. It is woven into the daily lives of residents, families, and caregivers alike.

To better understand this journey, we spoke with five of our pastoral care directors, who accompany people through life’s most difficult transitions. At Saint Therese, we are proud to have full-time pastoral care directors in our communities, ensuring that compassionate spiritual support is always present. Their reflections remind us that grief is not something to “get over,” but something to live with, honor, and grow through.

Grief in Daily Life at Saint Therese

Each director shared that grief extends beyond the moment of death. It includes the loss of independence, the decline of health, the move into senior living, or even the passing of a fellow resident or staff member.

Duane Bauer of Saint Therese of Woodbury emphasized the importance of normalizing grief. “What would it be like if you didn’t grieve your spouse? We grieve because we were in relationship. A new normal has to come out of it.” His role, he says, is to listen more than talk, to walk alongside without judgment, and to create sacred moments of farewell such as “sacred sending” rituals for families and staff.

John Ilkka at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake speaks about grief as a deeply personal and non-linear process. He emphasizes that there are no “magic words” to take away someone’s pain. Instead, his role is to listen, provide space, and reassure people that whatever they are feeling is valid. “The simplest thing is, whatever you’re feeling is ok. Grieving takes time, and it’s hard work,” he shared. For John, honoring grief means letting people lead the way—sometimes needing presence, sometimes needing space—and always being authentic.

Beth O’Hare-Fisher at Saint Therese – IHM Senior Living often encounters grief during visits, when new residents open up about the loss of a spouse or sibling. She organizes Circles of Sharing, where residents gather to name and remember those who have died. For her, the key is acknowledging loss and affirming feelings without rushing the process.

Mollie Dvorak of Saint Therese of Corcoran speaks passionately about anticipatory grief—the mourning that begins even before a loved one passes. She uses books like Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss, and The Invisible String to help residents and staff process emotions. For her, grief is not something to fix, but something to witness with compassion.

Mary Lou Swinerton of Saint Therese St. Mary of the Woods adds that grief is a life event that encompasses the whole community. “It requires that we recognize that our Saint Therese community is bigger than our specific place. The entire community—residents, families, and staff—grieve. We must recognize this collective grief, name it, and honor it. It may be a sudden death of a resident’s son across the country, a memorial service for a resident’s loss, or even the bittersweet moment when someone leaves the community to be closer to family. Journeying with residents and staff in grieving means understanding that grief is not a one-size-fits-all event.”

Together, these directors show us that grief is not just about endings—it is also about presence, memory, and care.

Gentle Practices for Navigating Grief

From these conversations, five guiding practices emerge:

1. Give Yourself Permission

Grief doesn’t follow a timetable. It can show up as sadness, anger, relief, or even laughter. Whatever you’re feeling is valid.

2. Tell Your Story

Sharing memories of a loved one keeps their presence alive. Whether in a support group, a circle of remembrance, or over coffee with a friend, storytelling helps heal.

3. Lean into Community

As Duane noted, grief is less overwhelming when shared. Find a faith group, a grief support circle, or simply a trusted listener.

4. Practice Self-Care

Grief can exhaust body, mind, and spirit. Be gentle with yourself. Rest, eat well, pray or meditate, and allow space for your own healing.

5. Embrace the “New Normal”

Life after loss will not be the same—but in time, it can hold meaning again. The journey is not about “moving on,” but about moving forward.

A Shared Journey

At Saint Therese, grief is not something to be avoided. It is something to be honored—with listening ears, compassionate presence, and rituals of remembrance. As our pastoral care directors remind us, grief is a sign of love, and love always has the final word.

Shown above (left to right, top row): Duane Bauer, John Ilkka, Beth O'Hara-Fisher, Mollie Dvorak and Mary Lou Swinerton.

Finding Joy in Every Note -- Saint Therese of Woodbury Choir Lifts Spirits Through Song

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 20:34:11 GMT

At Saint Therese of Woodbury , a unique group of residents gathers twice a year not just to sing—but to connect, inspire, and celebrate the joy of music. The Saint Therese of Woodbury Choir, the only choir across all Saint Therese communities, offers two one-hour concerts each year—one in December with a Christmas theme, and a second during the summer.

This year's summer performance, held in June, was called “ Music from the Movies ” and featured beloved classics including Que Sera Sera, The Bare Necessities, Tuxedo Junction and Singin’ in the Rain. Residents and guests filled the chapel for a heartwarming program filled with nostalgia, harmony, and connection.

Founded in 2018 by Therese Stecher , a lifelong pianist and retired critical care nurse, the Woodbury choir started with just 10 members and has now grown to 24 dedicated singers. “The biggest fear people have is they haven’t sung in so long, they think they can’t do it,” Stecher says. “But the muscles that control the vocal cords—you just need to work them.”

Stecher arranges each songbook specifically for aging voices and emphasizes that this is not simply a singalong group. “We’re here to learn a show,” she says. “The expectations are high, but the reward is even greater.” The choir practices for months before each performance.

A Community Built on Song

More than a musical outlet, the choir fosters a powerful sense of belonging and pride. For Carl Roehl , a lifelong musician, it’s spiritual. He and his wife, Janet, both sing in the choir. “I find it a very prayerful thing to do,” Carl said. “The music and spiritual aspect at Saint Therese was one of the reasons we decided to move here three years ago.”

Gary Blanchard , who once toured with 3M’s national choir, finds meaning in continuing to perform. Mary Ann Bernauer , a recent transplant from Wisconsin, calls it “the most positive group of older adults I’ve ever been around.” And Sally Riepe , one of Saint Therese’s original residents, sums it up simply: “I like to sing and express myself and be with people.” (Carl, Gary, Mary Ann and Sally are shown below, left to right.)

Music as Medicine for the Soul

Science backs what the choir experiences firsthand: singing in a choir provides significant cognitive, emotional, physical, and social benefits for older adults. Studies show these effects strengthen the longer someone participates—making choirs like this one not just joyful, but meaningful to long-term health.

Hannah Mallow , Life Enrichment Director at Saint Therese of Woodbury, also sings in the choir—while helping two residents from the long-term care area who are also members. She’s witnessed the impact up close. “I think it’s really an opportunity for them to have a reason to gather,” she said. “Music is such a powerful thing for the brain. Members have been coming for a long time and it’s important to them. A little community. They take pride in it.”

For Stecher, that sense of community and purpose is exactly the point. The choir is her way of giving back—born out of gratitude following her son’s near-fatal accident nearly two decades ago. Through her nonprofit, Song for Seniors , she continues to create opportunities for older adults across the East Metro to connect through song.

“They give me back as much as I give them,” Stecher says. “Each member is very special, and new members are always welcome!”

Check out a few of the songs the choir sang on our YouTube channel!

A Legacy of Love and Service

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 13:40:38 GMT

The Saint Therese Auxiliary Lives On

Auxiliaries. It's a word you don’t hear much anymore. But in their time, these volunteer groups played a vital role, offering fundraising, advocacy, and hands-on help to the causes they supported. They became especially prominent during World War I, when communities rallied around hospitals and the war effort, and continued into peacetime, backing civic and charitable organizations.

At Saint Therese , that spirit took root in 1967, when a group of women formed the first Auxiliary to support the residents of our senior community in New Hope. Their guiding mission was to promote the Christian philosophy of total patient care to older adults and to interpret that care through programs that benefited the community.

Nearly sixty years later, their work, their friendships, and their legacy are still being felt—even as the group prepares to formally disband.

For longtime members like Mary Hartkopf and Sharon Dukinfield, being part of the Saint Therese Auxiliary was more than volunteering—it was a calling. Hartkopf began her journey in 2002, having made it one of her personal goals to serve at Saint Therese. Dukinfield joined not long after.

“It felt like being part of something bigger than ourselves,” Sharon said. “We weren’t just giving time, we were making a difference.” From the care center to the apartments, the Auxiliary stepped up. “If there was a need, we tried to fill it,” said Mary.

And fill it they did. At its peak, the Saint Therese Auxiliary had well over 250 members. These volunteers ran the gift shop, hosted social events, funded innovative programs, organized fundraising efforts that directly supported residents’ needs and hosted outings for residents that weren’t able to get out as much, such as Twins games and lunch at The Sunshine Factory. Their gifts over the years included specialized furniture, a 12-seat bus, umbrellas for the patios, an organ, decorations, innumerable TVs, art and music therapy programs and new technology.

Now, with fewer than ten active members and a shifting organizational structure—including the transfer of ownership of New Hope—the Auxiliary can no longer operate as it once did. Yet its impact is far from over. The spirit of the Auxiliary will live on through two permanent endowment funds for Minnesota-based communities, ensuring the work of these dedicated volunteers continues for generations.

The Saint Therese Auxiliary Caring Fund Endowment was created to support residents struggling to afford senior care. The principal of the endowment is $85,000, and each year a portion of the fund’s investment earnings will be distributed to help those in need—ensuring the gift continues to give in perpetuity. “We realized people were having a tough time and we wanted to continue helping in a way that would last. It represents who the Auxiliary was—something lasting, something we can feel good about,” said Mary and Sharon.

The Donna Stelmaszewski Auxiliary Endowment Fund , funded through a bequest from a beloved member, ensures entertainment and resident life parties—those little extras that bring joy—will continue. “Donna was our party person,” Mary recalled with a smile. “She brought in money for resident events.” The current principal amount is approximately $56,000 and like the above Caring Fund endowment, only a portion of the annual earnings is distributed—providing ongoing support for programming Saint Therese might not be able to fund.

While the group may be dissolving, its mission has been carefully, lovingly preserved. “This was homegrown,” said Sharon. “From day one, this was about people caring for people.”

The women of the Saint Therese Auxiliary stand on the shoulders of those who came before them—women like Betty Hidding, Ursula Choromanski, Pat Popp and Mary Potyondy and so many others.

The Auxiliary may no longer gather, but its legacy lingers in the halls, the laughter at resident events, and the quiet comfort of knowing that someone cared enough to leave something behind.

“It’s hard,” said Dukinfield. “It feels like losing a part of yourself. But we know we’ve done something good.”

And that good will carry on — for generations to come.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in The Rose , The Saint Therese Newsletter, Spring/Summer 2025

Celebrating Youth Volunteer Excellence: Saint Therese Awards Scholarships to Inspiring Students

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:44:02 GMT

Generational Connections Changing Lives

Every year, Saint Therese recognizes the dedication and compassion of teenage volunteers through its Youth Volunteer Scholarships, shining a light on the transformative power of service.

This year, three high school seniors—Nichole Bertini from Hill Murray High School, Eliza Kubicek from East Ridge High School, and Amy Nguyen from Osseo High School—were each awarded $2,000 educational scholarships for their contributions to enriching the lives of older adults.

The awards, celebrated at receptions in Saint Therese senior communities in late May, drew from a competitive pool of 23 essay submissions representing 16 high schools across three states. The stories shared by these young leaders highlight the profound mutual impact of intergenerational connections and the lasting lessons learned through volunteerism.

Meet the Scholarship Recipients

Nichole Bertini: Compassion in Action

A senior at Hill Murray High School in Maplewood, Nichole Bertini discovered her calling through her volunteer work at Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater, Minn. Her essay, “Hand in Hand: The Mutually Beneficial Impacts of Volunteering,” describes her journey of finding purpose in service and connection.

Initially apprehensive about her role as a hand masseuse, Nichole soon realized the profound power of offering comfort and companionship to older adults. A pivotal moment came when a patient asked her to stay and hold her hand during a challenging medical consultation. This experience confirmed her wish to pursue a career in nursing while deepening her respect for the resilience and humanity of older adults.

Nichole exemplifies the spirit of compassion at the heart of Saint Therese’s mission. This fall, she will attend Creighton University in Omaha to major in Nursing, continuing her journey of care and connection.

Eliza Kubicek: Bridging Generations Through Technology

Eliza Kubicek, a senior at East Ridge High School in Woodbury, turned her passion for technology into a lifeline for older adults. Through her nonprofit, Savvy Seniors, Eliza provided personalized tech support to help seniors navigate the digital world with confidence. Her efforts ranged from setting up life-saving devices like fall alerts to teaching photo-sharing basics, all delivered in a welcoming, judgment-free environment.

Eliza’s essay captured the way these tech sessions often blossomed into meaningful friendships, fostering cross-generation connections. Her work has not only empowered older adults but also strengthened her own empathy, communication skills, and appreciation for the wisdom of those she serves.

This fall, Eliza will begin her studies in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, aiming to become a Biomedical Engineer and continue creating innovative solutions to help others.

Amy Nguyen: Finding Joy in Service

For Amy Nguyen, a senior at Osseo High School, a simple flyer in the mail led to an unforgettable journey of connection and growth. Nervous on her first day volunteering at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park, Amy soon found herself forming heartfelt connections with residents through shared stories, laughter, and creative activities.

In her essay, “Healing in More Ways Than One,” Amy reflected on how these relationships enriched her perspective and allowed her to bring joy to others. Her dedication to building bonds with older adults has left a lasting impact.

A Legacy of Service

These three remarkable students represent the very best of what youth volunteerism can achieve. Through their unique contributions—whether offering comfort, bridging the digital divide, or simply sharing a listening ear—they have enriched the lives of older adults and strengthened the bonds between generations.

At Saint Therese, we are honored to support their educational journeys and celebrate their outstanding efforts. We look forward to seeing how these bright young leaders will continue to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

And, I’d be remiss without acknowledging and thanking our volunteer judging committee, who gave of their time to read the essays, judge them and choose our winners. Many thanks to Nancy Schaber, Rosemary Wallin, Ginger Ayers and Vince Opat (left to right, below)!

The Power Trio Behind Saint Therese’s People-First Hiring Approach

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:32:06 GMT

Shaping the culture, one hire at a time

Earlier this week marked National Health Care Recruiter Recognition Day—and while some recognition days may feel a bit random, this one is anything but.

That’s because health care recruiters, though often working behind the scenes, have a front-and-center impact. They are the first point of contact for prospective employees considering a career with Saint Therese, and they set the tone for each new hire’s journey.

At Saint Therese, our recruiting team—Joelle Nordness, Ryan Delperdang and Ralf Valencia—does this with purpose, professionalism, and a deep commitment to our mission. They’re not just filling roles; they’re assembling teams aligned with our core values, starting with the very first touchpoint in our employee experience process, The Saint Therese Way (more on that in a future blog).

This dedicated trio handles recruitment for about 12–14 positions at a time, each managing different communities and entities—but rotating locations occasionally to keep perspectives sharp. Their shared goal? To not have more than 20-30 open positions across all Saint Therese communities and Ascend Rehab.

And they’re delivering. In the last ten months, they have hired 405 people. When you consider that each hire takes approximately five hours of recruiter time—developing job descriptions, screening, scheduling, and initiating onboarding—the hours invested are substantial. Not to mention the turnaround: it can take anywhere from 16 hours to two weeks to fill a role.

One standout example of their impact came during a particularly challenging quarter. “They had just seven weeks to fill five leadership roles and ensure there was not more than one LPN/RN opening at one of our communities, and not more than four open positions for home health aide and certified nursing assistant roles at another location,” said Chief People and Culture Officer Jenny Marchiniak. “These were aggressive goals, but they achieved 100 percent! And they did it with energy, flexibility, and a real commitment to The Saint Therese Way—making the candidate experience both efficient and engaging.” All while workforce shortages continue to challenge healthcare systems nationwide.

Getting to Know the Team

Joelle Nordness , Director of Central Recruiting (photo lower left), has been with Saint Therese for seven years and in her HR position since 2021. She manages the team while also recruiting for high-level roles such as nurse managers and supervisors, as well as Saint Therese Management Services positions.

She says she loves helping candidates find their place within the organization. “Part of it is understanding each candidate’s career path and then watching them grow and reach their goals here.”

Equally important, she says, is ensuring the right fit for the people at the heart of Saint Therese—our residents. “They deserve the very best care. We want candidates who are here for the right reasons—people who are resident-focused, team-oriented, and aligned with our mission.”

Joelle adds that recruiting has evolved to become more strategic and relationship-driven. “It’s about building partnerships with schools and colleges, and even identifying volunteers, because we believe Saint Therese is something special.”

Ryan Delperdang , Talent Acquisition Specialist (photo lower right), has been with Saint Therese for six years, and in recruiting for the past two. He says he finds joy in hearing candidates’ stories and then watching them make a difference.

“We’re the face of the organization, and we take that seriously. We’re not just filling roles—we’re looking for people who embody our core values,” said Ryan. “We’ll meet candidates on their terms—nights, weekends, whatever it takes.” He says his favorite part is seeing long-term impact. “I love looking at the employee anniversary lists each month and seeing names I helped bring in, still thriving here.”

Ralf Valencia , Talent Acquisition Specialist (photo upper right), the newest member of the team, joined five months ago. A clinical psychologist by training, Ralf brings a thoughtful lens to the recruiting process.

“I really value seeing someone grow from candidate to outstanding employee,” he said. “For me, it’s not just about qualifications—it’s about how they speak, how they listen, whether they’re empathetic. That’s what our residents deserve.”

Behind Every Great Hire

Though they often work in different locations and virtually, Joelle, Ryan and Ralf operate as a tightly connected unit. They’re in constant contact, collaborating with each other and with the HR representatives at each campus who continue the onboarding journey.

“We meet weekly with the HR teams and really value their partnership,” Joelle said. “The employee journey doesn’t stop at hiring—it continues with every interaction, every shift, every opportunity to live out our mission. We couldn’t do this without them.”

Closing the Loop

Recruitment may be the starting line of the employee experience, but for this team, it's also a mission-driven calling. They’re not just bringing people in the door—they’re shaping the culture, one hire at a time.

At Saint Therese, great care starts with great people. And great people start with this team.

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

Fri, 23 May 2025 16:27:12 GMT

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

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 14:38:42 GMT

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.

A Variety of Engaging Classes

We “walk the talk” by offering diverse classes at our Saint Therese and other locations, like Global Pointe Senior Living in Golden Valley, led by passionate, qualified instructors. Classes include:

Functional Fit – Prioritizing strength training with resistance equipment for full-body conditioning.
Better Balance – Focused on improving coordination and preventing falls.
Mind and Body – A calming space for enhancing flexibility, relaxation, and mobility with yoga.
Aqua Fit – Low-impact, high-benefit exercise in the pool, available at our Saint Therese campuses.

Beyond the physical benefits, these classes provide a sense of community and friendship, turning exercise into a shared, uplifting experience.

Personalized One-on-One Training

For those needing extra support, our individual fitness training program offers personalized attention in a seamless transition from therapy to fitness. Therapists design tailored fitness plans, train fitness specialists to implement them, and ensure clients receive consistent, high-quality guidance in a one-on-one setting.

As one client shared about his wife’s progress, “Not only have you helped her physically, but you have also given her confidence and inspiration.”

A Unique & Powerful Approach

Ascend’s wellness program is uniquely designed for older adults, blending the best of therapy with the best of fitness. By combining time-tested therapeutic techniques with cutting-edge fitness practices, we empower our residents to live stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

Aging Well Through Movement

As we age, prioritizing health becomes essential. Exercise—whether in therapy or fitness—plays a crucial role in maintaining independence, preventing falls, and enhancing overall quality of life. At Ascend, we offer a variety of group fitness classes and personal training sessions led by skilled fitness specialists, often recommended by our therapists for continued progress.

A Comprehensive Approach to Fitness

Our fitness philosophy is built around four key elements:

Strength & Resistance Training – Using dumbbells, weighted bars, bands, and bodyweight exercises to build muscle and maintain functional independence.
Balance & Fall Prevention – Mastering single-leg stances, cone tapping, and step drills to improve stability and confidence.
Mobility & Flexibility – Enhancing ease of movement through specialized stretching and yoga classes.
Cardiovascular Conditioning – Boosting heart health and endurance with NuStep recumbent trainers, senior-friendly weight machines ( HUR , Technogym ), and aquatic workouts.

Kathy Nelson, Fitness Specialist , has been with Ascend Rehab for 12 years. She currently provides fitness training throughout the metro area including at Global Pointe, Parkshore, Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake, Orchards of Minnetonka and Brightondale.

Kathy Nelson, Fitness Specialist

A Legacy of Faith: The Generosity That Built the Father Mycue Chapel at Saint Therese of Corcoran

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 18:22:33 GMT

In December of last year, I wrote a blog about the beautiful stained glass window in the chapel at our newest Twin Cities senior living community, Saint Therese of Corcoran . I mentioned that another story was coming – one about the generous donation of liturgical objects that make the Father Mycue Chapel truly unique.

This is that story – a testament to faith, generosity, and the profound connections that bring people together in meaningful ways.

As Saint Therese began plans to develop the chapel in 2022, we sought the counsel of Rev. Tom Margevicius, Director of Worship for the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis. He guided the team on the physical construction of the spaces within the chapel, and he also learned that we would likely need to purchase liturgical objects for the chapel, such as an altar, tabernacle, lectern, etc.

At the same time, Father Paul Haverstock, Pastor of St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in Hopkins, was overseeing the merger of two churches. As a result, numerous liturgical items from the now-closed St. John the Evangelist Church no longer had a home. Seeking a way to preserve their sacred purpose, Fr. Haverstock contacted the Archdiocese and discovered that Saint Therese was in need of exactly those items.

“The items didn’t have a home and instead of destroying them, we wanted them to be used for Catholic worship,” said Fr. Haverstock. “It was a win-win for everyone. Our parishioners will know that the altar they’ve worshiped at for so long, will now be put to good use, and the residents in Corcoran will have some wonderful items in their chapel.”

In all, Saint Therese has received a wealth of donated items, including:

Main altar (weighs 7000 lbs. and contains a Catholic relic from St. Felicity)
Ambo (pulpit)
Tabernacle
Tabernacle lamp
Stations of the Cross
Holy water fonts
Sanctuary lamp
Celebratory candles, incense boat, and thurible

Fr. Haverstock added, “I pray that these items are a blessing to your community and know that we’ll always share a special spiritual connection.”

During the construction of Corcoran, these sacred objects were carefully removed from the Hopkins church and taken to RK Wolfgang , a builder of church furniture in St. Paul. Jacob Brooks, the grandson of the original founder who built the tabernacle, and his team “freshened” the items, bringing them back to “like new” condition. They were installed in early January of this year, a process featured in the February 6 issue of The Catholic Spirit .

At last, but certainly not least, the new chapel also is the new home for the large St. Therese of Lisieux statue that for years has been at our New Hope community. This is a statue from our co-founders, the Choromanski family.

It’s hard to put a price tag on the value of these donations, but Jen Bettencourt, Vice President of Philanthropy for Saint Therese, estimates it is more than $100,000.

“We couldn’t be more grateful to all the donors and individuals who have contributed to what is a serene and singular space for our residents, and others who wish to worship, reflect and receive spiritual care,” said Bettencourt.

The Father Mycue Chapel is now complete and open for services. It was officially blessed by Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda in a special Blessing Mass last month. Among our honored guests were three Benedictine sisters from St. Paul’s Monastery , including Sister Paula Hagen, who worked at our first senior community in New Hope in the 1960s.

Father Haverstock with St. Gabriel’s, was the concelebrant at the Mass and was joined by several of his parishioners with personal connections to the donated items.

In that moment, past and present merged in a beautiful, serendipitous celebration of faith—one that will continue to inspire for generations to come.

Activity Professionals – The Lifeblood of Our Senior Living Communities

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 18:22:33 GMT

National Activity Professionals Day was late last m onth, a time to acknowledge the great work these professionals perform every day in our Saint Therese senior communities . Perhaps overlooked at times, these staff members are the lifeblood of the community by organizing and running leisure and wellness programming to enhance residents well-being.

You can see all they do by checking out the monthly activity calendars they create that are chock-full of programming to help residents stay active, expand their minds, learn new things, and have fun.

“They are truly integral to our residents’ lives,” said Lisa Kalla, chief operating officer for Saint Therese. “Their goal is to bring joy and purpose to our residents and get to know their interests and abilities in all levels of living.”

Across our Saint Therese communities, the Community Life Team (also called Life Enrichment) brings over 72 years of combined experience in creating engaging and meaningful activities.

We asked the team what they enjoy about their job, and their responses made one thing clear: while they work to enhance their residents’ lives, they enrich their own in equal measure. Following is some of what they told us:

Cassie Dillon with Saint Therese IHM Senior Living in Monroe, Mich., is the veteran of the bunch with 26 years in activities. She oversees a team of six. She said she likes to make people laugh and smile. “I love interacting with everyone, residents and staff. I push my staff to try new things that they don’t think will work and to see the success and accomplishments of the residents and the delight on their faces when they complete something they thought they wouldn’t be able to do.” The rest of team shared that they like spending time with the residents, helping them and bringing them joy.

Hannah Mallow, Saint Therese of Woodbury, has been in activities for nearly four years. She heads up a team of three. “It makes my day simply to be able to talk with them every day and ask them how they’ve been. I feel like they are genuinely happy to see me and I’m happy to see them!” Hannah’s favorite activity was last year when Tiptoe, the donkey, visited Woodbury and went around to the different areas to give hugs to the residents. Hannah gets involved herself as she is a part of the Woodbury choir, which is made up mainly of residents.

Zaynab Elshershaby, Saint Therese of Corcoran, is flying solo on the activity front for this new community, but she has relied on her five years of activity experience and 12 years in senior living to quickly ramp up life enrichment efforts. “I enjoy being creative, coming up with ideas for new programs and activities. I also enjoy being able to really get to know the residents and I love when they feel comfortable inviting their family members to our events which helps me to get to know them as well.” She said her favorite activity so far has been happy hour with bingo – the residents loved it and she continues to hear positive comments.

Leah Fricke, Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake, has a team of four, and says her favorite part of her job is building relationships with the residents and having the opportunity to hear about life stories, experiences or little anecdotes. “One of the biggest day-makers for me is when a resident tells me about their favorite book, song or something that makes their day. Sometimes it’s the littlest things that make the biggest impact!”

Samantha Behnke, Saint Therese – St. Mary of the Woods, leads a team of six, and shares many of the feelings of her activity compatriots. “It makes me feel good connecting fellow residents in ways they wouldn’t usually connect. For example, when you encourage residents with similar interests to attend an activity and those two end up making an acquaintance or an unlikely friendship.” One of her team members, Kristen Walter, has created a TV-like talk show where every month she interviews a resident and a staff member. “We learn about each other…it is humbling when the ‘guests’ get personal and share some deep emotions.”

Suzanne summed up her thoughts, which have an echo of our mission. She said, “Going into the medical field I always thought activities were a little part of it, but as the years went on, I have come to realize that the little things are what means the most to people.”

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

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 17:37:00 GMT

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, warmth and light. This is no whisper-quiet environment – by design – and early reviews seem to reflect that our residents, family and staff are enjoying the common spaces and their new apartments.

But perhaps the most stunning aspect of this new community has yet to be revealed, the Father Mycue Chapel, named after one of the Saint Therese founders, Father Gordon Mycue. When completed later this year, the chapel will beautifully combine the old with the new and provide a unique place for spiritual care and worship.

While the chapel is still under construction, one of its most impressive elements – the soaring stained glass window – is now complete. The 21-foot tall window dominates the western-facing wall of the chapel and is visible from County Road 116.

It was designed and created by local stained glass craftsman, Wayne Norton of Plymouth . Following is the first in a series of stories about the Corcoran chapel.

The actual creation of the window entails countless steps, including:

Wayne Norton has been plying his trade in his basement studio for the past 15-20 years, and during that time has created stained glass for 30 different senior living communities, one of which is the large stained glass window at Saint Therese of Woodbury.

“I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for seniors,” said Norton. “My parents moved into a senior community and I saw their quality of life dramatically improve after they did. I got to see that it was all about care and love.”

Wayne Norton with a sheet of glass

Concept sketch for the window

He was approached by Saint Therese early on in the development stage of Corcoran and worked with staff and architects, Pope Design Group , to refine and then finalize the design which is 21 feet tall by 12 feet wide.

The design showcases St. Therese of Lisieux, the inspiration for our organization name, standing in a garden illuminated in a ray of light.

“From my research, I came to understand that St. Therese’s life was filled with love for others. The concept of the beams coming down from heaven and the dove floating in the beam, to me represent the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As the light reaches and shines on St. Therese, she is being blessed by God and surrounded by flowers which were a joy to her. This is a peaceful and serene moment in nature created by God being enjoyed by St. Therese.”

Creating the pattern (there are over 2,000 pieces of glass).
Purchasing colored stained glass sheets (58 different colors/types were used).
Dividing the overall window into six panels for installation purposes and cutting each piece of glass.
After that, each piece was painstakingly secured into the larger whole with strips of lead came (over 315 feet).

The pattern that Wayne used for the individual pieces of glass

All of the joints were soldered (26 lbs. of solder used).
Grout was worked around all pieces. Each side had to be soldered, grouted, cleaned and polished.
Due to the size of the windows, horizontal and vertical bracing bars were then added.
Finally, the windows were cleaned, polished and crated for delivery.

The intricate installation happened on November 26 with Norton and a crew of four helping put the panels in place. Local cable channel CCX Media was on hand to cover the story which aired on December 5 . In total, the project took Norton over 2200 hours, spread over 16 months. He started “cutting glass” in July 2023 and as mentioned, finished in late November.

As for the donation aspect, Norton has constructed the window at a much lower cost than Saint Therese could do otherwise, and he has donated a significant portion of his time.

“I look at stained glass as my way to give back to God, for what I’ve been given through life,” said Norton.

Next in this series, a story about the generous donation of liturgical objects for Saint Therese of Corcoran, from a Catholic church in Hopkins.

Touched Lives – Zee, A Caregiver Extraordinaire

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 22:01:00 GMT

At Saint Therese, we talk about “touching lives,” and making a difference for people, one person at a time. In fact, we measure ourselves in this way. But, to fully appreciate what this means, we need stories.

Zayeefa Bacchus, (known as Zee), a registered nurse at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake , has made an indelible impact on Vonny Padrnos and her family. Vonny lives in the care center at Oxbow Lake and recently wrote a letter to Dinah Martin, interim executive director, to praise the care Zee provided her late husband, Dan, and herself.

Dan and Vonny moved into Saint Therese in 2018 – they started in independent living, eventually transitioned to assisted living, memory care and then Dan moved to long term memory care in 2022, which Vonny said was hard on him as well as the rest of the family. Now in her own words:

Vonny and Dan celebrating their 67th Wedding Anniversary

“From the start, Zee gave Dan the respect and comfort he needed during this difficult time and he quickly bonded with her. Zee was also there to support our children and me emotionally throughout this process. When Zee was with Dan, our family knew he was in good hands and was being cared for as we would care for him. If he was having a challenging moment, he would always respond to Zee and he could be redirected. He cared for her deeply. For as long as we have known her, Zee has always been there to help the residents of the unit with the dignity they deserve through this challenging time of their lives.

Dan died suddenly on July 18, 2024 and Zee was so kind and compassionate and guided my family through the process of what would happen up until the point Dan left the building in the procession.

A few days later, Zee came up to my room to check in with me to see how I was doing. It meant everything to me that she did, and we spent time reminiscing about Dan and what a special man he was.”

On August 15, while at a barbeque event in the care center, food became lodged in my throat, and I began choking. While a staff member did her best to dislodge the food, she was unable to do so…my daughter and another staff member went to get help from Zee. She immediately came to my rescue and after many Heimlich procedures, she cleared my airway.

I have no doubt that if it wasn’t for Zee, I would not have survived. My family and I will be forever grateful for what she has done for Dan, my entire family and me. She is a caregiver extraordinaire.”

As for Zee, she humbly states, “I am the blessed one for being able to care for these residents.”

Saluting our Navy Veterans

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 18:31:00 GMT

Yesterday was Navy Day in the U.S., a time to salute all of the U.S. Navy personnel who have served, both past and present, in the United States Navy.

We decided to track down some Navy veterans at our Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake community and found seven current residents, and one recently deceased: Carroll Abbott, Allen Anderson, Ed Green, Bob Kraushaar, Bob Peterson, Spike Sokoloski, Greg Williams, and Vincent Ahlers (deceased).

Of those we spoke to, all of them said they were proud to have served in the Navy and a few offered that they “loved the Navy.” Their years of service and roles follow.

Carroll Abbott, Communications Yeoman, served for 32 years, from 1945-1977. This included stints in the Pacific theatre such as Japan, Korea and Vietnam. He also was on the USS Missouri as a Chief Petty Officer. His duties over the decades were varied, from serving as a police deputy in Guam; at a duty station in the Kunia Tunnel Field Station in Hawaii; and at nuclear power site in Idaho. He eventually taught for the Navy ROTC in the Anoka-Coon Rapids area.

Allen Anderson , Radarman 3 ^rd Class, served from 1952-1957. Spent time in Japan, Hong Kong and the Philippines on the USS Cavalier Destroyer.

Carroll Abbott

Ed Green , Machinery Repairman First Class, from 1950-1954. Joined at the young age of 17 and was on a patrol frigate, PF 51, in Japan and Korea. He also served on a Destroyer tender which was a repair ship in San Diego and Japan.

Robert Kraushaar , Aviation Boatswain Mate, from 1950-1954. He worked on hangar deck control for the attack carrier, Bennington CVA-20. Stationed in Pensacola for three years.

Carroll Abbott

Robert Peterson , Machinery Repairman 3 ^rd Class. Served from 1951-1955. Was stationed in Norfolk, Va., trained in the Caribbean and was on a troop transport ship.

Spike Sokoloski , served from 1951-1955 and among his duties was at a receiving station in Brooklyn, N.Y.; on a Timbalier Sea Plane Tender stationed in Panama where he was a storekeeper; and in Bahrein on a Bay Ship.

Greg Williams , served in the U.S. Marine Corps (in the Department of Navy, sister to U.S. Navy), from 1956-1962. Spent two years in Southern California at three marine corps bases; he also served four years in the reserves.

Vincent Ahlers (passed away on Oct. 7, 2024). He served from 1954-1958 and attended Meteorology school and was proud to always rank first or second in his class.

Thanks to all of them for their service to our country.

We close with some interesting facts about the Navy:

Navy is an acronym for Nautical Army of Volunteer Yeomen. It was founded in 1794.
With 323,000 active and 109,000 personnel, the U.S. Navy is the world’s largest in terms of manpower.
Six U.S. presidents served in the US Navy during WWII – John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush.
The U.S. Navy tops the U.S. Army in a 116-year old college football rivalry. As of 2015, the U.S. Navy leads the series 62–55–7.

More facts can be found here .

Focus on Falls Prevention

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 15:29:00 GMT

This week is Falls Prevention Week, an opportunity to educate people about the risk of falls among seniors and how to prevent them. First some facts from the CDC and other reputable sources:

Each year, 37 million falls occur among older adults aged 65 and older.
While not all falls result in an injury, about 37 percent of those who fall reported an injury that required medical treatment or restricted their activity for at least one day, resulting in an estimated nine million fall injuries.
Nearly one million older adults are hospitalized because of a fall injury every year, most often due to a head injury or hip fracture.
Hip fractures due to a fall accounted for 88 percent of emergency department visits and hospitalizations and 83 percent of deaths related to hip fractures were also caused by falls.
Falls are also the most common cause of TBI-related deaths and hospital admissions

Senior fall prevention tips icons set: safe home improvements and healthy lifestyle advices

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has a number of great resources on its Falls Prevention website page that contains valuable information about falls and steps to prevent them, which include:

Exercise to increase your muscle strength and improve your balance.
Talk to a pharmacist, doctor, or health care provider if you start to feel sleepy, lightheaded, or dizzy, as these may be side effects of your medicines. This is especially important when you start a new medicine.
Make your home safer. You can improve lighting, install railings, and move frequently used objects to a place that’s easier to reach. Use the CDC’s Check for Safety brochure as a guide.

Get annual eye exams and update your glasses or contacts to maintain good vision.

Also take NCOA’s Falls Free CheckUp to determine if you’re at risk.

At Saint Therese, our Ascend Rehab company has a “Better Balance for a Better Life” program that focuses on assessing balance and fall risk, then creating a custom treatment plan to decrease someone’s risks of falling and fear of falling. It uses state-of-the-art tools to complete the assessment, including the NeuroCom SMART Equitest.

For the Love of Arabians — An Occasional Series on Saint Therese Employees

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:11:00 GMT

Amy Taylor-Greengard, the executive vice president of Rehab for Saint Therese , fell in love with horses at a very young age. Her parents farmed and she remembers pleading for a pony from Santa when she was five. She was rewarded with Bingo, a Shetland pony. At seven she graduated to a black quarter horse mare affectionately called Black Beauty.

She received her first Arabian horse at age 11, named Aran. That was when Amy became an ardent lover of the breed, with historic roots on the Arabian Peninsula and a distinctive head shape and high tail carriage, is one of the most easily recognizable horse breeds in the world. It is also one of the oldest modern breeds.

“I love Arabians because they’re beautiful, majestic, bigger than life and personable,” said Amy. “They are very people-oriented, curious and they show affection.”

Amy had an Arabian trainer and began showing her horse at 4H events as a kid. The trainers would let her help out in the barns; she’d brush the horses and once in a while they’d let her go to upper-level rated horse shows. “Watching was so neat. It turned into a full-blown passion.”

But that passion had to be put on hold while Amy attended Marquette University in Milwaukee. Seven years later, and within two weeks of graduating with a master’s in physical therapy, she bought a new horse.

Amy showing one of her Arabians

The ever-driven Amy then led a somewhat dual life. She started a successful career in rehabilitation services and competed on weekends on the Arabian Horse Association Horse Show Circuit .

In her 30’s, Amy reached a skill level where she was showing at regional competitions and in her 40’s, she progressed to showing at the U.S. Arabian National Horse Show. Over the past ten years, she has consistently been in the top ten equestrians in the U.S. for her age group and discipline. (The rider and her horse are judged by the overall quality of movement, manners and execution of the gaits asked for – walk, trot, canter. And the quality of the transition, movement, and consistency.) She was thrilled when she won her first national championship in 2017.

“It was my dream,” said Amy.

Maddy showing her horse

And now that dream has become her daughter’s. Eighteen-year-old Maddy lives and breathes horses. She also started riding when she was five and quickly moved up the show ranks to where she was competing at the regional and national level by the time she was 12. She now has three national championships and has been nominated as the top western pleasure youth rider of the year twice. This month, Maddy is competing at the U.S. Arabian Youth Nationals Show in Oklahoma City, July 18-27. This is her last year competing at youth nationals as she will be “aging out” and moving into the adult amateur division next year.

Said Amy, “My daughter is an amazing rider; she is much better than I am. I love watching her show.”

In addition to competing, Maddy gives riding lessons to beginning riders and kids with disabilities at Regent Arabians in Rogers and she cleans stalls and takes care of horses at Eleanors Arabian Farm, also in Rogers.

In 2020, not satisfied to just show horses, Amy and Maddy founded M&A Arabians (Maddy and Amy) with the goal to breed Arabian Show horses. They currently have three broodmares with one foal they bred getting ready to start her show training, and the next foal is due March 2025.

Not forgetting her day job…Amy has carved out a distinctive niche at Saint Therese. She joined the organization in 2004 and for the past 20 years has grown the New Hope Rehab Department from seven staff into Ascend Rehabilitation , a robust rehab and wellness company that consists of 85 staff who served 855 clients last month in Saint Therese communities, as well as other non-owned communities in the metro.

Just as she prides herself on showing horses, she also is proud of the work the Ascend team does day in and day out.

Tireless as she is, when Amy’s not managing all operational aspects of Ascend Rehab, she’s likely spending time with her horses on her seven-acre hobby farm in Rogers or showing horses at competitions throughout the Midwest.

And…in the wee hours of the morning, while many of us are still sleeping, hitting the snooze button or having our first cup of coffee, think of Amy, because she’s probably in her barn, mucking out the horse stalls….and loving every minute of it.

How to Combat the Epidemic of Loneliness

Mon, 20 May 2024 13:46:00 GMT

Last year the U. S. Surgeon General issued a very important Surgeon General Advisory, “ Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation 2023 .” Unlike other advisories that touch on things like opioids, obesity, HIV/AIDS, and smoking for instance, this latest one is about the need for social connection.

Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy wrote, “Loneliness is the subjective feeling that you’re lacking the social connections you need. It can feel like being stranded, abandoned, or cut off from the people with whom you belong—even if you’re surrounded by other people. What’s missing when you’re lonely is the feeling of closeness, trust, and the affection of genuine friends, loved ones, and community.”

Invest time in nurturing your relationships through consistent, frequent and high-quality engagement with others. Take time each day to reach out to a friend of family member.
Minimize distraction during conversations to increase the quality of time you spend with others. For instance, don’t check your phone during meals with friends, important conversations and family time.
Seek out opportunities to serve and support others , either by helping your family, co-workers, friends or strangers in your community or by participating in community service.
Be responsive, supportive and practice gratitude . As we practice these behaviors, others are more likely to reciprocate, strengthening our social bonds and improving relationship satisfaction.
Actively engage with people of different backgrounds and experiences to expand your understanding of and relationships with others.
Seek help during times of struggle with loneliness or isolation by reaching out to a family member, friend, counselor or healthcare provider.
Participate in social and community groups.

Of course, the last bullet is an absolute given in senior living communities like Saint Therese . We believe one of the most important benefits to older adults in our community – be it independent, assisted, memory care or nursing home – is the opportunity to make social connections and live well.

He went on: “Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling, it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death . . . And the harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces and civic organizations where performance, productivity and engagement are diminished.”

For aging adults, which is my focus, the lack of social connection and loneliness was brought to everyone’s attention during COVID when seniors and their families were isolated from each other. No one who had a mom or dad in senior living during that time will forget the anxiety around trying to connect with their loved one.

The advisory focuses on “cultivating a culture of connection,” one that rests on the core values of kindness, respect, service and commitment to one another. And it offers practical recommendations on what different groups of people can do to advance social connections. All can be found on SurgeonGeneral.gov , but I’m including here several recommendations aimed at individuals.

An Era Gone By – Teachers in One Room Schoolhouses

Tue, 07 May 2024 15:22:00 GMT

This week, May 6-10, is Teacher Appreciation Week in the U.S., and while some former teachers who live in our Saint Therese senior communities are no longer teaching – at least formally – we still want to recognize them for their service to our nation’s children.

There weren’t any problems with the kids, she said. “They had the family behind you so there were no discipline problems. This was a time when the priest was the most respected person in town, the judge was second, and teachers were third.”

Theresa said you had to mix in fun things to keep the kids engaged, especially on Friday afternoons. They’d also have rallies where all the schools in the county would come together and do skits, hold spelling bees or run races.

One of her favorite memories is a boy named Vernon, who still couldn’t read in the third grade. She had a lot of time to work with him and used flash cards to help in the process. Vernon ended up finishing eighth grade and went on to high school. “He didn’t become a farmer but moved to Minneapolis. He looked me up 40 years later and thanked me for teaching him how to read.”

At Saint Therese of New Hope, there are three former teachers who all taught in one-room schoolhouses, something that is almost, but not entirely, non-existent today. The three women – Theresa Eissinger, Jean Geurts and Alice Houchins – shared their unique experiences teaching kids in those one-room classrooms.

The three all grew up and then taught in the rural Midwest. And while the circumstances were sometimes hard and required extreme resourcefulness, they said they always felt appreciated and respected by the schoolkids in their care.

Typical one room schoolhouse

Theresa Eissinger

Theresa Eissinger , 95, is from Napoleon, North Dakota, a small, heavily-German town in the southcentral part of the state. After high school she went to Valley City, N.D., to get her teaching certificate and was just 17 when she started teaching in the Foster District, near her hometown.

“There wasn’t much else you could do, except be a teacher, unless you wanted to work in a restaurant,” said Theresa. “It was very natural to become a teacher.”

She taught about 15 children at most in the schoolhouse, and like kids today, some took to education and others didn’t. She felt some of the older boys just put in their time because they knew they were going to be farmers. And many times, they had to stay home and help with the farming. She found the girls to be very interested in school and were good students.

Jean Geurts , 94, grew up in New Effington, a small town of about 350 in northeastern South Dakota, near the border of North Dakota and Minnesota.

After graduating from high school, she went to college for one year at St. Catherine’s in St. Paul. The summer after her first year, she learned that the school board in nearby Harmon Township, near Rosholt, S.D., was looking for a teacher. They were interested in Jean because of her excellent standing in high school and her one year of college. Also encouraged by her parents, Jean took the job, thinking it would be for one year. Her fiancé lived near the school so that was an added incentive.

Jean Geurts

She had seven children in her school, all in different grades except for two twin boys in the first grade. Having never been in a one room schoolhouse, Jean said she was a bit frustrated the first month. But with the help of her mom, who was a former one room schoolteacher, and another nearby teacher, she learned how to create the class schedules. From that time on she enjoyed her teaching profession. Her students told her that she was the best teacher they’d ever had, and to this day one of them is a very close friend.

The schoolhouse had its hardships. There was no running water for the indoor toilets, and she had to get to school incredibly early to get the wood and coal furnace going for heat. “We all brought in our lunch pails and often would bake potatoes on the furnace,” said Jean.

That first winter was very bad and she said the 12 miles of country roads she drove from home were frequently blocked with snow. She spent the winter boarding with the family of the first grade twin boys who lived a half mile from the school. “I really had to bundle up to walk the distance.”

School wasn’t all work, Jean said. “My group liked to put on programs for their parents and neighbors where they’d recite poems and sing. We also have fun at recess.”

One incident Jean remembers well. They turned her Model T Ford, which she named “Cadilly” into a “little red schoolhouse” by decorating it to enter the homecoming parade at the high school in Rosholt. “So, we all got into Cadilly and drove for town. Unfortunately, the wind came up strong and blew all the decorations off. It was quite a disappointment!”

Jean’s students on “Cadilly” decorated for a parade

Jean said the thing that was neat about being in a one room schoolhouse was that the older kids helped the younger ones. “There was a camaraderie, and they helped the little ones. It was a great life experience for me.”

Alice Houchins

Alice Houchins , 96, grew up on a farm just north of Pierz in central Minnesota, about two hours north of the Twin Cities. After high school she had one year of Normal Teachers Training in Little Falls.

After two weeks of practice teaching in a country school and also teaching third grade in a city school in Little Falls, she began teaching in the same schoolhouse as her grandfather taught, five miles north of Pierz. She was 19.

In the winter she had to board with her uncle who lived within walking distance of the school, but she wasn’t too happy about it and not only because his home was so cold in the winter. For instance, she noticed that all the students were bringing coffee to school, and she didn’t think that was healthy. So, to be a model to her students, she asked her uncle (who was milking cows at the time), if she could have some milk to bring to school for her lunch. He replied, “can’t you drink coffee?” That angered her dad and he said, “you’re coming home!”

At times in the winter, her dad had to use horses to get her to school, having her ride on what was called a stone boat (type of sled for moving heavy objects) that was led by the horses. One time the snow was so deep that the horses became unhooked, and Alice flipped face first into the snow.

“It was as cold inside as it was outside,” said Alice. “We had to start a fire and the kids would be wearing their coats and mittens during class until the room warmed up.”

Before she took the job, she was told by the chair of the school board that the kids would not be well-behaved, because the previous teacher hadn’t used any discipline. Alice put the kibosh on that and by her second day she had a chores list for everyone, from having one child bring in wood for the stove to another getting water for the cooler, etc.

The kids talked German all the time at recess and Alice said a first grade student named Elmer, couldn’t speak any English. She got them to start talking English during recess and soon Elmer was fluent.

She too felt the rural school was a benefit to the students because the younger kids listened to the upper grades and learned from them.

Alice enjoyed the Christmas program which she would organize and have the kids sing and perform skits. “They loved it because they had to memorize and rehearse.”

As was the case at that time, the teaching careers for Theresa, Jean and Alice ended when they married and took on the responsibility of – perhaps the most respected profession – becoming moms!

Thank you Theresa, Jean and Alice, for your time as teachers and for sharing your stories. And thank you to all the other former teachers who now call Saint Therese home.

We asked the three women why they decided to move into Saint Therese of New Hope:

Theresa Eissinger moved into Saint Therese of New Hope in 2019, chiefly because it was Catholic-based. She moved from her home in North Dakota to be closer to her two daughters who live in the metro area. She said she had no problem adjusting to the community when she arrived and now calls Saint Therese “home.” In particular she appreciates how friendly everyone is.

Jean Geurts said she moved into Saint Therese in 2018 because she could go to Mass on a daily basis. She also had four kids who live in the area. She’s active in the community – she plays cards (bridge, 500, pinochle and euchre), the library, the programs provided by the Pastoral Care team and tours to places like the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Alice Houchins moved into Saint Therese in 2016 with her husband, Ken. She said they always had in mind that they would move here because they had several friends they had visited in the apartments and the care center. Her husband died in 2023 but Alice has stayed on because she said she especially likes the friendly staff and has made many friends over the years. She said there are many activities she participates in as well.

Ingenious Woodbury Residents Create a Space of their Own

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:54:00 GMT

A group of seven resourceful residents – Bud, Dave Roseen, Mary Ann Hoffman, Alicia York, John Wilkinson, Joe Helkamp, and Gary Blanchard – met with Saint Therese management, received the go-ahead and found a storage room off the parking garage that suited their purposes perfectly.

Soon Doobay Bhola, Plant Operations Manager at Woodbury, got on board and with the help of outside vendors and his internal building maintenance staff, transformed the room by cleaning it out, painting, adding carpet and installing a refrigerator.

The residents, meantime, went in search of the all-important games. Enter Alicia York who scoured the internet and found the pool table and ping pong table. She began negotiations with a seller on Facebook Marketplace for the pool table, but when he learned who they were with, he decided to donate it. They’ve also added corn hole and a dart board.

“This project started as a vision from the residents creating more social engagement within the building,” said Josh Anderson, who was the Interim Executive Director of Woodbury at the time. “It was a collaboration where many people contributed to the final outcome. It’s been a joy to see this project come together but more importantly seeing the use of the space bringing the community together!”

The game room – not a man cave – officially opened in February and it’s getting great use.

“It’s fun to have a place for family to come to, to meet and relax. It brings back memories for me of playing these games with my dad,” said Dave Roseen. “Oh, and the grandkids like it too.”

When Bud Maraist moved into Saint Therese of Woodbury three years ago from North Carolina, he quickly saw a need for a “man cave” of sorts, for residents living in The Redwoods senior apartments community.

New to Minnesota, Bud and his wife, Diane, moved here to be close to their daughter and Bud wanted a way for men to gather like the women at the Redwoods did, to do crafts, Mahjong and the like.

“A group of us put our heads together and decided we needed to create a game room, where we can play pool, ping pong and just hang out,” said Maraist. “Everyone wanted it and anyone can use it.”

Social Work – The Helping Profession

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:24:00 GMT

The National Association of Social Work describes social work as “the helping profession,” with a primary mission to enhance human wellbeing and help meet basic and complex needs of all people, with a particular focus on those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.

At Saint Therese, social workers are an indispensable part of our clinical teams and a critical resource to residents in the care centers and to their families. The work is varied, fast-paced, and very rewarding, according to comments from social workers over the years who said they like that they can make a real difference with residents and families.

For Patience Manyeah, MSW, a social worker at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake since July 2023, the profession seemed like a calling. “I like to help, and I have passion about helping the elderly. My main focus has always been seniors, that’s where my heart lies.”She relishes the stories they tell, their life stories. “I find it so fascinating to hear what they did for work when they were younger.” Patience said the residents care about her, in turn. “Even if they are having a rough day, I know they care.”

She said she thinks she has a calming influence on the residents, and they know that she respects them.

That respectfulness is a part of her lineage, having been born in Liberia in West Africa, which has a culture of respecting the elderly. She and her family moved to Pennsylvania in 2001, and then in 2016 she moved to Minnesota. She received her bachelor’s in social work at Temple University in Philadelphia and her master’s in social work at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Prior to joining Saint Therese, Patience worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and also worked as an intern and counselor at a number of addiction treatment centers in the metro. But now she’s found a home at Saint Therese where she has quickly gained the respect of her colleagues and residents.

Thank you to all of the social workers at our Saint Therese communities. We’re better for having you on our team!

March is National Social Work Month and as we close out the month, we would be remiss in not recognizing the key role social workers have at Saint Therese – one that is essential to meeting our mission “to do ordinary things with extraordinary love,” and that demonstrates our core values every single day.

Six Degrees of Separation for Residents at Saint Therese of Corcoran and Co-Founder

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:54:00 GMT

When Saint Therese of Corcoran opens its doors later this summer, some of its new residents will have a special connection to one of the founders of the Saint Therese parent organization, Father Gordon Mycue.

Fr. Mycue was the pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Corcoran in 1963, when he was introduced to New Hope businessman Jerry Choromanski, and learned of Jerry’s desire to build a Catholic senior living community. Fr. Mycue, Choromanski, Elizabeth Hidding and Sister Marcelline Jung, OSB ( Order of St. Benedict ), together created the vision for the Saint Therese of New Hope care center, which was founded in 1964 and was one of the first Catholic-based nursing homes in the Twin Cities.

Fr. Mycue served at St. Thomas for 23 years; he was very well-liked and a bit of an innovator. While pastor, he was also the Director of Radio and Television for the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis and developed a television program called “Quiz a Catholic.” He attracted many celebrities to the show including the Lennon Sisters. Eventually Fr. Mycue moved into Saint Therese of New Hope and died in 2003. The main chapel is named in his honor.

Among the new Saint Therese of Corcoran residents that remember Fr. Mycue is John Aeshliman, of Corcoran. Aeshliman’s daughter, Cindy Patnode, said Fr. Mycue was incredibly friendly and nice to everyone. “I was a kid at the time and thought he was very cool. He was great with the kids and made church more accessible to us.”

Several incoming residents at Saint Therese of Corcoran have fond memories of Fr. Mycue from his time at St. Thomas the Apostle and find it a full circle moment to be moving into a community that exists because of him. Not to mention, the senior community is less than a mile from the church.

Further proof of the strong link between past and present: Patnode’s grandmother volunteered at Saint Therese of New Hope; her mom rehabbed at New Hope and Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park; and, last year, Patnode was named the new Parish Administrator at St. Thomas the Apostle.

Full circle indeed.

Saint Therese Senior is Still Learning at 103

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 19:49:00 GMT

Margaret Nelson turns 103 years old today. This is a major milestone by any definition; made more so by the fact that this resident of Saint Therese of New Hope , clearly subscribes to the belief that “you are never too old to learn.”

Her daughter, Carolyn Nelson, said when she first saw what her mom had painted, it brought tears to her eyes. “I had never seen my mom paint, so I was amazed.”

Born in Delano in 1921, Margaret always had a creative streak. She was a tailor for Robert Hall Clothes, and a seamstress over the years, but she also embroidered…and doodled.

But her family never knew she was an artist. That was until she started doing one-on-one art therapy last year with Susan Volden , an art therapist from Buffalo, Minn. Since Margaret began working with Susan twice per month, she has created three works of art.

Carolyn, the oldest of Margaret’s four children, and a weekly volunteer at the New Hope Gift Shop, has framed the first painting (of a lake scene) and has hung it in her home. She plans to have the other two paintings framed as well for her siblings. “We just need one more masterpiece from my mom for my youngest sibling,” said Carolyn.

Susan has been doing art therapy for more than 13 years and visits residents in the Saint Therese of New Hope care center twice per month. She comes armed with a case full of acrylic paints and a handful of paintbrushes and guides the focus and hands of people like Margaret, to create beautiful works of art. While working with Margaret, Susan learned the types of things and colors she liked and showed her some ideas from a book of samples she carries. The rest, as they say is history.

Benefits of art therapy

Why, you may, ask is art therapy beneficial for older adults? We’ve found that participating in innovative art and music programs can be life changing. It gives seniors an opportunity to express themselves and gain a sense of achievement. It also encourages movement and coordination so they can maintain their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and overall physical dexterity.

The capper on this feel-good story is that Susan’s therapy program is funded completely through donations made to Saint Therese by donors like the Saint Therese Auxiliary . The Auxiliary is a group formed in 1968, that to this day, provides additional help and support to the New Hope community. Carolyn Nelson is among the members of the Auxiliary.

Interested in donating to Saint Therese, volunteering or being a part of the Auxiliary ? Please click on the links provided.

And last, but certainly not least, Happy 103 ^rd Birthday Margaret!!

Senior Living Residents Enjoy Fresh and Unique Experiences

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 18:35:00 GMT

One of the many benefits of calling a senior living community your home, is the vast array of opportunities to learn new things and participate in different activities. Sure, you can take part in traditional card games such as 500, euchre, bridge and so on, but at Saint Therese senior communities, we try to offer our residents some out-of-the-box programs.

Case in point : We recently completed a thoroughly engaging music education program, Adult Music Learning Series , at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park. The 7-week program wasn’t one where residents learned how to play an instrument or were entertained by musicians (although it was entertaining). Rather it was a richer experience of learning about music.

The program was led by OboeBass! , a talented husband and wife duo comprised of Dr. Carrie Vecchione (who plays the oboe) and Dr. Rolf Erdahl (who plays the double bass). OboeBass! takes the audience on a journey to experience, in depth, the backgrounds of some famous composers and to better understand different types of music and how the music can be interpreted.

While that may seem dull and intense, Carrie and Rolf teach in a most amusing way. They use multiple audio and visual formats, of course they play their instruments….and they top it off with a variety of props and antics to the delight of the audience.

Four of the seven topics in their series were:

Mozart, the Boy Genius, and the Masons – learn about one of the most famous composers of all time and experience The Magic Flute.
The Spirit Sings – the rich legacy of African-American music, its growth from slave songs to jazz to performers such as Marian Anderson.
The Carnival of the Animals – the life and music of the genius Camille Saint Saens with focus on his delightful musical menagerie.
The Classical and Jazzy Nutcracker – Tchaikovsky and his famous ballet with a comparison to Duke Ellington’s jazz version.

More than 20 Oxbow Lake residents attended the series week after week, and thoroughly enjoyed it, as could be seen from their rapt expressions, laughter and smiles.

“I found them very interesting,” said resident Rosemary Petersen. “I have learned a lot about orchestration and different composers.” Similarly, resident Sharon Leadens said, “It was wonderful and also great to be with other people.”

Carrie and Rolf said these programs are some of the most rewarding things they do. “We love hearing positive responses and we also believe these programs can build community by giving people something to talk about with others, often including sharing their experiences with music.” Carrie teaches at the MacPhail Center for music and in her home studio; Rolf teaches at Gustavus Adolphus.

OboeBass! and other unique programs are provided through the Saint Therese Foundation’s grant funding from the Minnesota State Arts Board for Creative Support for Organizations .

“These programs and activities were carefully selected to give our residents the opportunity to gain access to unique and culturally diverse programs, unlike anything currently offered at Saint Therese,” said Jen Bettencourt, Vice President of Philanthropy for Saint Therese. “We love bringing these artists and programs to our campuses.”

Words of Wisdom from our Saint Therese Friends

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 13:54:00 GMT

At the start of every New Year, we tend to look back at the past year, reflect on it and then quickly move forward to what we want to accomplish, or change about ourselves, in the year ahead.

To give us some advice on how to conduct ourselves in 2024, last year we asked residents at our Saint Therese senior living communities in Woodbury, Brooklyn Park and New Hope, to share some “words of wisdom” or a tip that they’d like others to know. With January almost in our rearview mirror, we now want to offer up their thoughts. (We didn’t ask for permission to use their names, so only include names for those we have.)

Alice Houchins (right), a resident at Saint Therese of New Hope, wanted people to remember that “faith, family and friends are what’s most important.” For those who are married, she also suggested “give your spouse space.” That is something she did during her 76 years of marriage to her husband, Ken, who passed away last year.
Said another, “It is not what you did that you regret, but what you didn’t do.”
One resident from Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake borrowed from a quote by theologian John Wesley: “First of all, do no harm. Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people you can, as ever long as you can.”
“Thank Jesus every day for the gift of faith. Prayer is powerful!”
“Do not spend money you don’t have. If you can’t afford it, you don’t need it. Do not carry grudges— forgive and forget. Value your siblings; they are a gift. Help out your neighbors.”
One resident said to follow the acronym PUSH: P ray U ntil S omething H appens.
Said Sally Riepe (right) at Saint Therese of Woodbury, “Always treat others in a way you would want to be treated. A smile and a “how are you?, always brings out a smile in others. Look for ways (even small ones), where you can make a difference. Thank God every day for the life and blessings he has given us. Pray for the unfortunate people who have no respect for human life.”
“Wake up each morning with a song—even when things go wrong. Keep a stiff upper lip, grin and bear it, when you are feeling good or not, at least you are still ‘upright,’ tell yourself, well that is ‘downright’ good.”
“Use your talents and act with piety in your relations with others. Always speak respectfully.”
“Be holy and walk with truth before God. If married, show honor and respect to your spouse. Exercise moderately and eat a balanced diet.”
And finally, Forrest Christofferson (right) at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake offered up a song with some implied advice about the benefits of living at Saint Therese. A portion of his lyrics are, “I got a new lease on life…No more shoveling snow, no grass to mow, no more back and forth to Home Depot. I got a new lease on life. Now I’m meeting new friends and the longer I’m here, the more the friendships increase!”

Thank you to all of our sage residents for their thoughts! Good advice for 2024.

A Founder’s Story – The Choromanski Legacy

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 15:20:00 GMT

In our last blog, “A Month to Remember St. Therese of Lisieux,” we shared who St. Therese of Lisieux was, and how her acts and demeanor inspired the Saint Therese organization name and our mission, “to do ordinary things with extraordinary love.”

What we didn’t delve into was the genesis of this decision. Who knew about St. Therese and singled her out? For that we are eternally grateful to one of our co-founders, Jerry Choromanski.

To help tell the story, we talked to Lynn Choromanski, the second oldest of Jerry and Ursula’s seven daughters, and a Saint Therese board member.

Lynn described how Jerry grew up in northeast Minneapolis, the son of hard-working Polish immigrants, Josephine and Joseph Choromanski. In Lynn’s own words (click on links):

Lynn Choromanski Clip #1

In particular, Lynn talked about her Grandmother, Jerry’s mom, who may have been the hardest worker of them all. At times in her life, she owned a restaurant, two homes, sold bootlegged liquor and worked as a seamstress.

It was during this time – the 1920’s – that St. Therese of Lisieux became a saint, and she was well known in the Catholic community.

Lynn Choromanski Clip #2

Once Jerry and his wife, Ursula, began having a family, St. Therese became their patron saint. All seven daughters took “Therese” as their confirmation name and Lynn said her presence was a constant in their lives.

Lynn Choromanski Clip #3

The dream of building a senior living community in New Hope came about after Jerry’s mom had a major stroke and the family moved her into the closest Catholic nursing home they could find, in Winsted, Minnesota, about an hour west of the Choromanski home in Crystal.

The lack of a Catholic facility closer to the metro provided the catalyst for Jerry to begin working with others to plan and build one in the metro. He was already a well-known and respected bank executive with Crystal State Bank and soon found and purchased farmland near Bass Lake Road and Winnetka Avenue North, very close to his neighborhood and business.

The name chosen was, of course, Saint Therese.

Building and opening the community was a family affair, up to and including when it opened in 1968.

Lynn Choromanski Clip #4

Lynn Choromanski Clip #5

While Jerry was the driving force, Ursula was right by his side, especially with her service to the Auxiliary and the Gift Shop. Although, as Lynn said, having seven kids was job enough. Still, she was there to help in any way. she could.

Lynn Choromanski Clip #6

Over the years, all the Choromanski daughters contributed in ways to Saint Therese, be it serving on the Board of Directors, contributing money, working at the gift shop or volunteering in other ways. And now that extends to the grandkids.

In their later years, both Jerry and Ursula lived in the New Hope community. And, and both passed away in 2015, within a week of each other.

To be sure, the Choromanskis didn’t do this alone. The other cofounders – Father Gordon Mycue, Elizabeth Hidding and Sister Marcelline Jung, OSB – were very involved and created the vision. But, it isn’t too much of a stretch to say that without the Choromanskis, we wouldn’t be who we are today.

And Lynn doesn’t want their connection to be forgotten.

“I think as an organization, we were an innovator,” said Lynn. “Our reputation is what’s so special. People know us, they respect the brand. The legacy is what’s so special and how it came from small roots to where we are today. We’ve grown and blossomed and spread branches to different part of the city and now the country, with the Michigan community.

Lynn Choromanski Clip #7

A Month to Remember St. Therese of Lisieux

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 18:19:00 GMT

She never went on missions, never founded a religious order, and never performed great works or public displays of faith. Instead, St. Therese of Lisieux lived uneventfully within a convent and battled tuberculosis for most of her adult life. She grabbed onto every opportunity to love others more that herself. She smiled through hardships, refused to complain, and she performed small, hidden favors for others.

This attitude became the basis for her legacy. St. Therese called the practice of doing all things (especially little and menial things) with great love, the “little way.” She wrote, “you know well enough that Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them.”

A cross-organization team collaborated and organized the month of remembrances, including staff from Pastoral Care, Philanthropy, Sales & Marketing, Volunteers, Special Projects and Activities.

Among the ways in which we honored St. Therese of Lisieux:

We held a special Feast Mass at our senior living communities. The one held at Saint Therese of New Hope – our very first community – was uniquely special because it included the presence and participation of two Benedictine nuns from St. Paul’s Monastery and four of the seven daughters of one of our founders, Jerry Choromanski. Lynn Choromanski, the second oldest daughter of Jerry, was instrumental in the Mass as well and served as the cantor.
Four Benedictine sisters from St. Paul’s Monastery attended our Feast Masses. Sisters Paula Hagen and Virginia Matter took part in the Mass at New Hope and talked about their early days in the late 1960’s when they helped get our first community up and running, while living and working there. Sister Marie Fujan attended the Mass at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake and Sister Lucia Schwickerath was at Woodbury. We can’t thank them enough for their important presence!
A special novena to St. Therese of Lisieux (a novena is a tradition of devotional praying, consisting of prayers repeated for nine successive days), was created by the Pastoral Care Team. Josh Anderson, Vice President of Auxiliary Services, said, “The chaplains at all of our communities worked collaboratively to develop the Novena to St. Therese. Sarah Green, Pastoral Care Associate, did an excellent job pulling the format together and coordinating the work. We are thankful for each of them and their contributions to this Novena along with the feast day mass to start out the month.”
We coordinated trips for our residents to the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis and the Cathedral of St. Paul, to view the relics of St. Therese of Lisieux and her parents (left). A unique and serendipitous opportunity for us!
Bouquets of roses and other flowers, along with information on St. Therese of Lisieux, were displayed in a central area at all the campuses.
Gifts of seed packets and prayer cards were assembled by volunteers and given to residents and donors; eclairs (a St. Therese of Lisieux favorite) were also a treat during the month and staff and volunteers received a special Saint Therese t-shirt.

You might be wondering? But why St. Therese of Lisieux? Why did we adopt that name? For that we can thank one of our co-founders, Jerry Choromanski. More on that in an upcoming blog as Lynn Choromanski shares how St. Therese of Lisieux was part of her family’s DNA and what she meant to their family.

Over the month of October, the Saint Therese organization has honored the memory of St. Therese of Lisieux, as we marked her Jubilee year, the 150 ^th anniversary of her birth and the 100 ^th anniversary of her canonization.

St. Therese of Lisieux is our organization’s eponym (one for whom or which something is or is believed to be named), and, importantly, she inspired our grounding and our mission – to do ordinary things with extraordinary love.

A summary of who St. Therese of Lisieux was can be found in this overview , but following is an abbreviated version of why she was so special:

Once in a Lifetime Trip

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:52:00 GMT

One month ago, on September 11, Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake resident Roy Whitney had one of the most profound experiences of his life. He was among a group of 80 veterans (and 80 guardians) who traveled to Washington, D.C. on that very special day, as part of “Honor Flight Twin Cities.”

The day began early on 9/11, with a charter flight departing the Twin Cities at 6 a.m. During the flight, they had “mail call,” a traditional military practice in which soldiers assemble to receive mail from a designated person who calls out each recipient’s name. Roy was amazed to receive a sizeable stack of cards and letters (46 in all), from family, friends, Saint Therese friends and others. All of the letters and notes had been gathered by the guardians, in this case Sandy.

The Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization with local chapters throughout the U.S., with its purpose to transport veterans to the war memorial monuments in our nation’s capital.

Roy, an Army Korean War veteran, applied for the flight one year ago and was thrilled to be selected to take part. Joining him on the trip as his guardian, was his daughter Sandy Jernberg, and he said he thoroughly enjoyed doing it with her.

He said one of the most special letters was from fellow Oxbow Lake resident, retired pastor and Major General (two-star) Norris Einertson, who wrote a note on his two-star stationery, the first time Norris said he’d used it.

When the plane landed at Reagan National Airport, they were surprised with a “water salute” as the plane approached the gate. The water salute is when water cannons spray water on a plane as a mark of respect and appreciation.

Once inside airport, the group was met by a welcoming committee, and as they walked through the terminal there was spontaneous cheering from both travelers and military personnel in full uniform.

“It was very emotional,” said Roy.

The group then traveled on buses to seven memorials, including the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery. A tour guide on each bus also provided a history of the city as they drove around and they caught glimpses of the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Pentagon, the Washington Monument and the National Mall.

Roy said it was hard to choose one highlight but said the changing of the guard at Arlington, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Air Force Memorial stood out for him.

The veterans received a tee shirt and a biography book with all the attendees’ information; they attended a reunion two weeks later where they saw videos and photos from their trip. They also received a red cap with a pin and a thumb drive covering the full day of events.

Once home in the Twin Cities, the group was again greeted with a large welcoming committee at Terminal 2 Humphrey, including more military personnel in full uniform and people cheering them as they left the terminal.

“I’m almost speechless,” said Roy about the trip. “Just being selected made me feel so great and then to experience the magnitude of the day was something I will never forget. I am forever grateful to everyone who make this trip possible and for the help and assistance I had throughout the day from my daughter.”

About Roy: Originally from Warrens, Wisc., population just over 300, Roy and his wife, Betty, moved to the Twin Cities where they raised their three children. Roy worked at Cargill for 42 years, finishing his tenure as Facilities Manager at its Minnetonka headquarters.

Story Quilts Bring Memories Alive

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 13:00:00 GMT

The Saint Therese Foundation has brought some creative, new art programs to Saint Therese senior living communities this year, thanks to a grant it applied for, and subsequently secured funding, from the Minnesota State Arts Board for Creative Support Organizations.

The first class was called Story Quilts and is inspired by African American quilting traditions and styles. Residents at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park, combined painting, fabric and visual storytelling to create pieces of art that share personal stories, biographies or stories.

About 15 residents took part in the nine-week program which was led by artist Mica Lee Anders this summer. She said the quilts are about bringing beauty to the world. “It’s about sitting with your memories and being able to spend multiple weeks with a memory. It lets you be in community with others.”

Oxbow Lake resident Linda Ehler used the flapper-style headband and pearls that she wore at the community’s Roaring 20’s party earlier in the year, to create her story quilt. She used fabric provided in the class to create her artwork, which won the blue ribbon at the Oxbow Lake State Fair event in August.

“I had such a good time at the Roaring 20’s event, and now I have this to remember it by,” said Ehler.

Resident Alice Ellison said she enjoyed the story quilt course very much and learned some new techniques. Her quilt (left) is a scene from a lake where her three kids have property.

Similarly, Mary Ann Collins (right) created a scene from when she was a child in her home state of Iowa. She and her seven siblings would lay outside at night on a blanket and try to identify all the constellations in the night sky.

In her grant application, Jen Bettencourt, vice president of the Saint Therese Foundation, said, “We know how important arts, socialization, stimulation and group activities are for healthy aging, and we’re determined to add to our existing programming with innovative options focused on cultural awareness.”

Next up are programs called Drum Circle, Rhythm & Roots drumming workshop; SAORI Weaving and Creative Movement. The classes are led by artists with COMPAS’ “ Artful Aging ” program and are specifically tailored for seniors. COMPAS is based in St. Paul and delivers arts programs that are accessible to all.

Getting to Know IHM Sisters – Ecologically Aware to its Core

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 18:11:00 GMT

As we continue to learn about the IHM Sisters , of Monroe, Mich., we’re now focusing on one of their Core Educational Beliefs, ecological consciousness , which they state, “challenges all to recognize the interconnectedness and interdependence of all Creation and nurtures relationships that protect our common home.”

The Sisters wrote an in-depth paper on this topic, “ Ecological Consciousness: 21 ^st Century Imperative ,” but simply stated it means, and with apologies to the authors for dumbing it down, that the well-being of humans is directly related to the well-being of Earth; it is to become connected to nature again and to design everything that needs to be done to be in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Clearly, for the Sisters this isn’t just about environmental sustainability nor is it a passing fancy or trend, this conviction is deeply ingrained in their DNA.

As early as 1987, the Sisters made a commitment to grow their ecological consciousness and in 1994 enacted “1994 Chapter Enactment on Eco-Justice,” which, among other things, means joining with or and/or initiating groups to act on local ecological issues with special attention to the impact on the poor and minority communities; and collaborating with others in shaping public policies that will foster ecological co-responsibility and eco-justice.

Their commitments continued with new pledges in 2000 and 2004, the latter which stated, “we must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice and a future of peace.”

Heady stuff, but they also bring their commitment down to earth, and in practical ways, with the following:

Motherhouse Renovation – Their ecological commitment was a guiding principle in sustainably renovating the 376,000 square-foot Motherhouse, which began in 2001 and was completed in 2003. It ranks as one of the Midwest’s largest residential sustainable renovations registered with the U.S. Green Building Council; earned LEED-NC certification and 10 local, regional and national awards, including two from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Among the innovations on campus:

Converted five acres of lawn to meadow and prairie (see right), which improves the biodiversity of the site, protects existing natural habitat and results in lower consumption of non-renewable energy.
Constructed wetlands, imitating natural wetlands, to purify water coming from the Motherhouse and once cleansed, is returned back into the building for use in flushing toilets.
The grounds offer a contemplative landscape of meadows, courtyards, a pond, woodlands, walking path, gardens, a cemetery and green park space.

Community Gardens – Sisters in Detroit and Oakland, Calif., began community gardens to serve their neighborhoods.

Geothermal heating and cooling system.
Graywater recycling system.
Maximizes daylight, incorporates retrofitted period light fixtures and restored original wood windows.
Materials and finishes are sustainable and contribute to excellent indoor air quality, but also to a beautiful living environment.

Learning Opportunities – Multiple learning opportunities were held including having speakers at the National Bioneers Conference. Sisters and Associates also published articles, reflections, prayers and presented and participated in retreats, workshops and lectures. One such event was the Lake Erie Water Festival held annually for 6 ^th grade students living in Monroe Count. The festival provides hands-on activities for students to learn about the local environment. The schoolchildren attended presentations held by environmental experts and learned about topics such as water science, pollution prevention, and sustainability concepts, all while utilizing our green campus as a living laboratory.

River Raisin Institute – In 2003, the Sisters founded the River Raisin Institute in Monroe, which works in partnership with communities who seek to develop, revitalize or preserve sustainable systems of living in order to improve the health of their community.

St. Mary Organic Farm – In 1998, the garden began with herbs, developed into a CSA and now is a community garden that attracts hundreds of families as members and visitors.

This is incredibly impressive, and the list above is not a complete list of all they’ve done and do. Go to their paper , or monograph as mentioned previously.

In 2014, Pope Francis spoke to world leaders in Peru to prepare for the Climate Change Summit and commented that economies based on unlimited growth and development are not sustainable. The Sisters took his message to heart and issued a final call and challenge that included questions such as:

“Will we open our minds and hearts to the whole community of life?
“Are we ready to surrender the destructive view that Earth is here to satisfy our self-centered desire?”
“Are we ready to claim our oneness with all life and to learn new ways of seeing and acting that will move all into a future of great promise?”

You can be sure the IHM Sisters have answered yes to these questions, and they are an inspiration to us all.

Helping Those in Need, One Rosary at a Time — New Hope’s Rosary Makers

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Boos said she began making rosaries to do something worthwhile and said it’s interesting to think about people in other countries who don’t have them.

And Winker added, “I make them because I like the idea of people in other lands praying my rosary.”

If you ask someone what object is most emblematic of Catholics, many people will say, “the Rosary.” They may be thinking of Rosary prayer beads – the string of knots or beads – but the Rosary is actually a set of prayers, and the beaded string is an aid for saying the prayers in their proper sequence.

The Rosary is a devotion in honor of the Virgin Mary. In simple terms, it consists of a set number of specific prayers – one Apostles’ Creed, one Our Father, three Hail Mary’s, and one Glory Be.

The physical makeup of the rosary is surprisingly complex and making them can be almost meditative, and rewarding. Just ask the small group of residents at Saint Therese of New Hope that make rosaries every week.

The group is led by Marguerite Winker, who has been making rosaries for eight years; the other rosary makers include Carole Iverson and Irene Boos.

The three women work quietly while they make the rosaries, concentrating on the elements that go into the string of beads, which consists of 53 six- to eight-millimeter beads for the “decades”; six larger separator beads, 14 short pieces of chain to connect the decade beads, the separator beads, and the rosary components; wire or headpins; a rosary connector medal, a cross or crucifix; and four open jump rings. Winker said it takes about 25 minutes to create one rosary.

The group makes rosaries in bunches of ten and when they get to a quantity of 100, they hand them off to Adam Dvorak, Volunteer Services Coordinator at New Hope, who sends them to the Missionary Sisters of St. Peter Claver in St. Paul. These folks then send the rosaries to Ghana and India. (The Sisters of St. Peter Claver are a Catholic religious congregation of women dedicated to serving the spiritual and social needs of the poor around the world, particularly in Africa.)

Getting to Know IHM Sisters – Missions Around the Globe

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 13:00:00 GMT

In our continuing effort to get to know the IHM Sisters of Monroe, Mich., we’re providing a brief overview of their global ministries. We say “brief” only because their efforts are so expansive and impressive, that we can’t do it justice here.

As mentioned in our last blog, while the sisters originally began as teachers, they have added a variety of ministries, including outreach into poor communities and individuals in need. The common element in the IHM Sisters’ ministries is to “heed the call of God, regardless of where in the world it takes us.”

And, since around 2022, IHM Sisters from congregations in Monroe and Scranton, Penn., and the Oblate Sisters of Providence (OSP) in Baltimore, have established a community in McAllen, Texas, called OSP-IHM Border Ministry. The sisters engage in direct service to asylum seekers at the southern border who need temporary respite and help contacting their sponsors in the U.S.

To get a sense for what their experience has been at the border, following is an excerpt from a monthly update by Elvia Yolanda Mata, IHM (Scranton): “Encountering God on the Journey.”

“Everything that moves has life. For there to be life, there must be movement. Migrant people are in continuous movement. Not only moving physically but, above all, their spirits are in movement. It is in the process of movement that new experiences emerge. What are the reasons that migrant people are willing to be on the move? They journey in search of life, a better life for their families. They must leave their countries of origin, not because they want to, but because in their countries their lives are threatened. It is during their journey that they frequently come face to face with death, but it is also where they find a new meaning in their life. It is there in uncertainty that they encounter God . . .

Their early work began in Puerto Rico in 1948 and they have since opened missions in Grenada, West Indies; Honduras; Ghana, West Africa; Kenya; South Africa, Mexico and among Native Americans in the United States. They’ve also assisted Vietnamese orphans and refugees.

A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to participate in the Eucharist where several of the migrant children received the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist. The children ranged in age from one year to 12 years old. The joy of the children and their families was very evident. Talking to some of the parents and children who had received the sacraments, they clearly expressed how they felt the presence of God accompanying them during their long and difficult pilgrimage. That precise moment of receiving the sacraments meant much more to them than can be expressed here in words.

At other times, we have reflected that migrants travel just with what they are wearing, their important documents and some other small belongings. Something that really caught my attention that day was that, although their clothing was very simple, all the children who were receiving the sacraments were wearing something new: a hairpin, a pair of pants, a blouse, etc. What touched my heart the most was that they were all wearing new shoes. This seemingly unnoticed detail made me ponder many things. Perhaps these children in their short lives had never had the opportunity to wear a new garment, but that day was a special day. That was a special encounter with God, their Lord, who had protected them on their way. It caused me to think about what “new garment” (new thoughts, vision, attitudes), I need to wear each time God meets me in my daily life. There is definitely an invitation to keep moving so that my life does not stagnate.”

For more on the Sisters’ efforts in McAllen you can go to their website , and other ministries are often showcased on their Facebook page .

Nursing Assistants – Bringing the Heart to Our Care

Sat, 17 Jun 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Saint Therese employs more than 250 certified nursing assistants at its four senior living communities in the Twin Cities. And today, on Nursing Assistants Day, we want to recognize them for the absolutely vital role they play in the lives of the seniors in our care.

By definition, nursing assistants provide the direct, hands-on care to residents in our skilled nursing, assisted living and transitional care units, and work under the direction of our registered nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). But that rather stale description misses the human connection and bond that is created between the residents and the nursing assistants.

“We are thankful that we have the group of nursing assistants we have, because they care deeply and are authentic about what they do,” said Christine DeLander, executive director at Saint Therese of New Hope. “There’s nothing as important as having consistent caregivers. They know the residents very, very well.

The New Hope campus has more than 110 nursing assistants (three are shown above), and many with long tenures in the company. While all we talked to said they became nursing assistants because they like to help people, they also echoed De DeLander’s sentiments that it’s much more than that.

Lovetta Sikely has been a nursing assistant for 17 years and says she knows the residents look forward to her being there each day. “I’m happy as long as they are happy,” she said.

Monyou Taye, a 15-year veteran at New Hope, said she has learned from the residents because they know a lot about life, and she’s taken in lessons about caring for her kids among other things. “I have a bond with my residents,” she said. “It’s not just about the care, it’s about becoming family.”

This group has an innate appreciation for seniors and seems proud of the role they play in the residents’ lives.

Said Martee Yalley, who’s been at New Hope for seven years, “It’s about showing love. I love caring for older people.”

The New Hope campus thanked their team of nursing assistants earlier this week with pizza and other goodies, for all three work shifts.

“I’m so happy to be the one taking care of our residents; it’s about the blessings,” added Valerie Autridge, an employee for four years.

“Without them we would not be able to fulfill our mission, because they are front and center. They are our first line. They do the hands on care that nobody else does and get to know the residents in a very intimate way,” DeLander added.

The Benefits of Storytelling for Older Americans

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 13:13:00 GMT

You may not realize it but the simple act of telling stories, or storytelling, benefits healthy cognition for everyone, including older adults.

Good storytelling was once a survival skill and one that has been highly valued throughout history. Through the years, elders in our communities shared stories which fed society’s knowledge, history, and wisdom. Now, research suggests that seniors who tell stories actually benefit just as much as those who listen to them [1] . Research has found health benefits from storytelling include mental stimulation, improved memory, creativity, positive social connections, and increased activity among older adults. [2]

And as we recognize June as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month , it’s good to know that studies have also found that both cognitive function and quality of life measures appear to improve with storytelling.

Storytelling, especially when part of a group, is a powerful way to increase happiness. [3] Researchers found that if someone is fortunate enough to grow into old age, taking part in a storytelling circle—one that provides a positive and accepting environment—may provide the basis for increased resilience (meaning, being able to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties).

It seems then that the residents at Saint Therese of New Hope and Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake had the right (and great) idea when they formed storytelling groups in the senior communities years ago. They may not have known about the research, but they’ve benefited all the same.

“This group is for everyone who wants to tell stories. If writing is a hangup for someone, that’s fine, but we can all tell stories, all the days of our lives, said Mary Ellen.

Each month Mary Ellen chooses a topic for the monthly meeting. For instance, one topic was “what is on your bucket list?” The answers included visiting a brother-in-law in New Prague, attending a wedding in Madison, and becoming a pastoral minister.

Mary Ellen Bruski, a volunteer at New Hope, started the writing group in 2011. “I am not a writing teacher, but writing is part of who I am. And I wanted to encourage others to do the same,” she said.

The group at New Hope (in group photo above) is relatively small in numbers, five or six residents take part at most, but not in spirit. Most of the stories that are shared are those from the residents own lives. It has evolved from a “writing group” to what’s now called the “Writing & Storytelling Group.” The change was made because it became harder for participants to write longhand. And there also may have been a misconception that you had to be a good writer to participate.

Alice Ellison, a resident at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake, started the writers’ group five years ago. She said she wanted to record some of her family history and thought others would as well. She received guidance from her daughter-in-law, Joanie Jarvis Ellison, a published Minnesota author, who twice met with the group to offer pointers on how to get started and how to encourage one another.

Alice said they usually have about seven people attend their meetings which often have a suggested topic, like “early school experiences” or “what do you remember about the Towers going down on 9/11.”

She talked about one resident who wrote about the history of a table that had been in the family for many years, a table that now is in her apartment at Oxbow Lake. The resident brought pictures of the table to the meeting, and eventually sent the story to other members of her family. Alice wrote about her brother who she’d lost at age 25 and also sent the story in a letter to her family.

Alice said she started the group because she realized everyone comes from different backgrounds and it was interesting to hear about the distinctions. For instance, how growing up on a farm was so different from growing up in the city.

Like New Hope, the Oxbow Lake group changed its name to the “Storytellers” because, said Alice, “residents thought we were teaching writing and it discouraged participation.”

Alice is so passionate about the stories written, and told, that she is gathering the stories, having volunteers help type them up, and has put them in a binder located in the Oxbow Lake library.

“I think it’s really valuable to preserve these stories,” said Alice. “It’s history and if we don’t write it down, it will be lost.”

[1] “ The Effects of Storytelling on Cognition ,” Better Aging, August 18, 2019.

[2] “ Stimulating Creativity in All Elders, A Continuum of Interventions ,” Care Management Journals, February 2004

[3] “ The Effects of Storytelling on Happiness and Resilience in Older Adults ,” SOPHIA, St. Catherine University, May 20, 2015.

Training Our Staff on Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 13:00:00 GMT

It seems nearly every family is impacted by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. In fact, worldwide, Alzheimer’s accounts for 60 – 80 percent of dementia cases and more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. And its ripple effects reach millions more – families, friends and caregivers.

Since caregiving is our lifeblood at Saint Therese, and with June being Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month , we’re going to tell you about a program we have that helps educate our caregivers on the best ways to provide care for those living with dementia.

In 2022, Saint Therese began a significant effort to train all of our assisted living staff on the complexities of dementia care. The company-wide effort was possible thanks to a $40,000 unrestricted estate gift received in 2021. The anonymous donor had no significant connection to Saint Therese other than an interest in supporting Catholic organizations in the future.

Recognizing the prevalence of dementia in older adults, our leadership made the decision to use the gift to fund Dementia Capable Care Training (DCC) by Milwaukee-based Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI).

Gier said the DCC training is unique because its core philosophy embodies an abilities-approach to care, rather than a focus only on the limitations dementia may create for a person. Students learn strategies for matching care approaches to cognitive levels/dementia stages and facilitating a person’s best ability to function.

Among the many things addressed in training is the use of language, for instance, people shouldn’t identify people with a diagnosis. CPI trainer Sharon Jackson said, “I’m not a person with high cholesterol, but we say, ‘she’s a woman with Alzheimer’s.” Jackson also doesn’t like the word “sundowning,” because it’s not a diagnosis; these people are trying to communicate something. “If we change our words, we will change our action.”

Training began in April 2022 to “train the trainers.” Jackson spent two days with the administrators and nurse leaders at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake, Saint Therese of New Hope and Saint Therese of Woodbury, to ground them in the essence of “Dementia Capable Care.”

Jessica Gier, vice president of Clinical Operations, and Dinah Martin Kmetz, former administrator and leader of a dementia task force, worked to get this effort off the ground. Both said they chose DCC because of its hands-on training and its focus on person centered care.

While dementia training has long been required by the State of Minnesota, and by Saint Therese, the new Assisted Living licensure requires all new hires to have eight hours of dementia training if they work in a community that has residents with dementia.

Training then began, and continues, with all staff, and consists of four hours of computer based training and four hours of classroom training.

Barb Hanle, staff development director at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake , trains employees on DCC and fully appreciates its value. “I am passionate about dementia training for a few reasons, my mother lived at Saint Therese of New Hope and had dementia. Watching her progress through the stages of dementia was difficult for my family. I believe helping staff be prepared and have the tools to work with seniors with dementia is going to improve the quality of life for the residents,” she said.

Joe Linhoff, maintenance technician at Oxbow Lake, took part in training last fall. He said that while he doesn’t provide care to residents, he interacts with them every day and the training helped him better understand the levels of dementia and the behaviors that it can cause.

There are two important outcomes from DCC said Martin Kmetz. “The ultimate goal is to help our residents with dementia be as successful as long as they can. And we also want to retain good staff; in order to do that we need to give them the tools to help our residents achieve that success.”

Greg Heigel, Saint Therese’s Iconic Ambassador

Tue, 30 May 2023 12:30:00 GMT

When 16-year-old high school student Greg Heigel was first hired at Saint Therese of New Hope , he never would have believed he’d still be an employee after 45 years. But, today on his 45 ^th work anniversary, he’s still very passionate about being a part of an organization that takes such good care of seniors.

“I’m proud to say I’ve worked here this long,” said Greg. “This is not work, it’s a family and I’ve made the best friends of my life here.”

Greg joined the company in 1978 while still going to Cooper High School, and when the Residence building was just being built and 18 Catholic nuns still lived at New Hope. His first job was as a dishwasher and eventually he became a dietary aide and a storeroom clerk for food deliveries.

Ten years later, Greg had an opportunity to return to dining and was promoted to Dining Director, where he oversaw dining for both the care center and the residence. Among his accomplishments was reorganizing and designing the kitchens in the care center to become what they are today, serving kitchens.

It was when he was promoted to morning cook that he found his true calling. “I’ve always been a cook,” Greg said. “I cook at home and when we go on vacation, the first thing I think about is the menu and what we’re going to eat.”

He took the Cook-Chef Program at Hennepin Technical College and began to take on increasing responsibilities through a variety of jobs at Saint Therese – evening chef, food production manager and assistant director of dining. He wanted to continue to deepen his culinary skills, so he attended the St. Paul Technical College to get a dietary manager’s degree. “I took it very seriously and wanted to be best in class.”

At one point, he said he needed a break from dining and was named the Materials Management supervisor, and later he added grounds supervisor to his repertoire. He said it was in this role that he really began to understand the business because he was ordering all of the supplies for all the departments in the company, and in so doing, built long and deep relationships with vendors.

Greg said some of the highlights of his long tenure have been the special events that have been held for residents and staff, such as elegant dinners, luaus, Western-themed events, golf outings and special meals for the Board of Directors and the Saint Therese Auxiliary. And, participating in golf outings or fishing trips with residents where he got to know them better.

He is now Campus Dining Services and Purchasing Director, which means he manages more than 50 people and oversees the care center kitchen, residence kitchen, three serving kitchens, Café Rose and materials management.

Although hard work and dedication have played a role in his staying power, he also credits great supervisors over the years who have seen his potential and given him opportunities to stay. He remains a very valued employee and because of his unmatched knowledge of the company, leadership often taps him for involvement in a number of committees such as the safety committee, emergency preparedness and the workforce advisory group.

Greg gets emotional when talking about what has kept him at Saint Therese for so many years. “It’s about the great care that we provide every day, the great meals, the great service, the great rehab. I truly believe it.” And that trust extends to his own family, as two of his grandmas lived here before passing.

He is also passionate about giving back to Saint Therese through the employee giving program. He and his wife, Cindy, donate regularly and Greg said, “Giving back is something that is dear to my heart and part of the passion I hold towards Saint Therese.”

“Greg’s journey is remarkable and his dedication to Saint Therese of New Hope is admirable,” said Christine DeLander, executive director at Saint Therese of New Hope. “He is a true servant and very passionate about our mission; he shows up to work ready to do ordinary things with extraordinary love, be it managing day to day operations, cooking, washing dishes, ordering supplies, or delivering them where they are needed. He is the jack of all trades, and we are blessed to have him on our team and thank him on behalf of everyone for his stewardship all these years!”

Calm During the Storm

Wed, 24 May 2023 13:00:00 GMT

(Third in a series for National Nurses Month)

In our continuing series on nurses for National Nurse’s Month, we’re featuring Queendaline Waturuocha, RN, in the transitional care unit at Saint Therese of Woodbury , a woman whose heart is a big as her smile.

Queendaline joined Saint Therese last November, having recently earned her nursing degree after rising through the ranks from Certified Nursing Assistant to LPN to now RN. She moved to the U.S. in 2013 from Enugu, Nigeria, where she worked in a medical lab.

Despite her short time in the Woodbury community, Queendaline has impressed with her great attitude. One coworker commented that she comes in every day with a smile and is a pleasure to work with. Also that she’s very sweet with the residents, super caring and brings great patient care.

That demeanor was put to the test in early April when a major snowstorm hit the Twin Cities and the combination of snow, wind and sleet impacted staff trying to get to work. Queendaline found herself nearly alone in the TCU that day and she worked hard to keep everyone comfortable. She had to organize the nursing aides that came in and even helped out in the kitchen as they were short staffed as well. “We were all working together to do whatever needed to be done,” she said.

Queendaline worked that entire day starting at 6 a.m., and then had to work the night shift because others were still not able to get to work. She slept overnight in the lunchroom and then got up and worked the next day.

A woman of faith, Queendaline said she asked God for help, something she does routinely whether an ordinary day or a tough one.

She said she tries to make her residents smile, no matter what they’re going through. “I like being a nurse,” she said. “I believe we feel what our residents feel and that allows us to make them better.”

Getting to Know IHM Sisters – Creating Educational Excellence in the Michigan Frontier

Thu, 18 May 2023 13:17:00 GMT

Earlier this month we announced, what we consider significant and exciting news, that we plan to become the new owner of the IHM Sisters Senior Living Community , IHM Sisters, in Monroe, Mich. As we draw closer to the effective transition date of July 1, we want to begin to tell the story of the IHM Sisters for those in our Minnesota audience who are unfamiliar with the congregation.

The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) is a Catholic religious institute of sisters, founded in 1845 by Father Louis Florent Gillet, a priest of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (commonly known as Redemptorists) and Mother Theresa Maxis Duchemin, an early member of the Oblate Sister of Providence.

Gillet met Maxis in Baltimore and found her to be well-educated and fluent in English and French. He invited her to move to Michigan to establish a community of sisters and a school for girls, to serve the Monroe area’s French-speaking parishioners. She accepted and she and two other women moved into a log cabin (right) in the Michigan frontier. Monroe is located on the western shore of Lake Erie, about 25 miles south of Detroit. It was named after President James Monroe.

To begin educating girls, St. Mary’s Young Ladies Academy was established in 1846 and very quickly became respected and sought-after educators with a steady flow of new members. Around 1900, they had 229 sisters teaching in 34 schools in the Monroe and Detroit areas and outstate, and by the 1920’s, IHMs staffed more schools in Detroit than any other religious community. They also began to staff several high schools at a time when movement toward universal high school was just beginning. At this time, St. Mary’s College, an outgrowth of St. Mary’s Academy, changed its name to Marygrove, and moved to Detroit. It became the first women’s college in Michigan (it closed in 2019). The St. Mary’s Academy building (below) still remains on the Monroe campus, and while IHM will retain its ownership, they plan to work with Saint Therese to explore possibilities for its use.

From their earliest days, the sisters had formal degrees long before they were required of teachers. They actually risked the censure of the bishop by sending sisters to the University of Michigan when it was forbidden for religious women to be educated in secular institutions.

While the sisters originally began as teachers, they have since added ministries of pastoral care in hospitals, long-term care facilities and other health care settings; parish ministry and outreach into poor communities and individuals in need; social services; working with those with AIDS; providing spiritual direction and retreats; and advocacy efforts. We’ll explore some of the great work they do in those areas in our next IHM blog.

Much of the content for this blog can be found in “ A Brief History of the Sister, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) , Barbara G. Stanbridge, IHM, IHM Monograph Series, 2006.

Nursing’s in her Nature

Mon, 15 May 2023 18:39:00 GMT

(Second in a Series for National Nurses Month)

In this our second in a series on Saint Therese nurses during National Nurses Month, we meet Ruth Melchor, RN, who works in the transitional care unit (TCU) at Saint Therese of New Hope.

Ruth Melchor moved to the U.S. in 2005 from Cebu City, the Philippines, where she had been a nurse. Now a nurse for 25 years, she has been with Saint Therese for nine.

She was first attracted to nursing because she has a sister with special needs, and at a young age Ruth helped take care of her and wanted to become more knowledgeable about her condition and the care she needed. She subsequently, attended the University of San Carlos College of Nursing in Cebu City, to get her bachelor’s degree in nursing.

At New Hope, Ruth cares for about 12 residents on one wing of the TCU. She believes she makes a difference as a nurse because of her natural inclination to care for others and her compassion to provide the best care possible to those who are sick and their families.

“I treat my residents and their families with kindness and respect, and I educate and support them as they experience a stressful situation or a change in their condition,” she said.

Her hard work and dedication were recognized in April 2023 when Ruth was named Employee of the Month.

“Working in healthcare is very challenging,” she said. “You must have the heart to love what you’re doing. When patients are discharged home, they wave goodbye with a smile, and you see some sadness in their eyes because they have come to love you. It’s a bittersweet moment. But it feels good to be appreciated by residents and families. Most of all, it’s a rewarding feeling when you have witnessed their progress from the start to until they go home. For me, that is validation of why I became a nurse.”

When she’s not working, Ruth loves to spend time with her husband of 17 years and her daughter, gardening and taking road trips to interesting places. She also just enjoys staying home and binge watching Korean dramas on Netflix.

A Nurse for All Ages

Thu, 11 May 2023 16:05:00 GMT

(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 15 ^th year as a part time nurse at Oxbow Lake, and her 35 ^th 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.

Indispensable = Social Workers

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 15:30:00 GMT

The textbook definition of a social worker goes something like this: “Social workers are professionals who aim to enhance overall well-being and help meet basic and complex needs of communities and people.”

That rather sterile definition hardly explains the variety and fast-paced nature of what social workers do. In fact, “indispensable” was how a member of the clinical faculty at the University of St. Thomas recently described them.

To better understand what our social workers do at Saint Therese senior communities, we talked to the social workers that head up their respective teams in Brooklyn Park, New Hope and Woodbury. We came away with a much richer grasp of the key role they play alongside the more visible role of nursing, the critical resource they are for families and residents, and the joy they get from their job.

Chelsie Plath , LSW, has been at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake for more than five years and distinguishes what they do this way, “Part of our role is to remind the resident and the team that in addition to the medical needs, we need to provide the psycho-social care.” For instance, in a transitional care unit (TCU), the goal is to rehab the resident, but social workers get involved from the time of admission through to the discharge stage and everything in between that isn’t medically focused. They counsel, provide resources and referrals to families and residents and get them emotionally ready to be discharged and everything in between.

Chelsie said social workers need to be a jack of all trades. “You have to be flexible in your day and handle whatever falls onto your plate. I start out with a rough draft of what my day will look like, but most days you shift your plans based on the needs of your residents.”

She said a good day is when she knows that the resident and staff are happy. “It fills my cup. It means we’re doing something right and that the effort we’ve put in is making a difference.”

Chelsie and her colleague Chloe Johnson handle the social work duties for 64 residents in the TCU and long term care.

When asked what makes a good social worker, Chelsie said someone who is empathetic, who listens, is willing to be an active part of the interdisciplinary team and is the best advocate for the residents.

Michael Benson , director of Social Services, has been at Saint Therese of New Hope for more than five years as well. His team of four social workers handles 168 residents, which includes a 57-bed TCU.

He agreed that flexibility is essential to the job. He starts his day with best laid plans, but those plans frequently go out the window.

“We’re problem solvers, counselors, discharge planners, and advocates for the family, the resident and the facility. We help a family member struggling with guilt over having someone in long term care, we look for missing eyeglasses, facilitate resolution and offer our condolences…and that’s all before lunch.”

He said social workers have to set aside their own judgement and understand the family’s point of view and the facility’s point of view and then find the right balance.

Mike took an indirect path to social work, gaining valuable experience in group homes, placement agencies, day programs and in hospice. Not surprisingly, all require the desire to help others.

“My favorite part of the job is connecting with residents,” Mike said. “I take so much away from the experience when I have meaningful engagements. And, at the end of the day, I want to help improve the lives of those in our care.”

Other members of the New Hope social work team are Leslie Robertson, Callie Wold, Kerri Scheiller and Amy Sinayoko.

Amanda “Mandy” Marshall, LSW, CCM, has been with Saint Therese of Woodbury for one year and is in wholehearted agreement with her colleagues about the skill set needed by social workers.

“We have to be flexible about our plans for the day and respond to the issues that come up; we have to prioritize and go with the flow,” she said. “The days are never the same and you have to accept that, whatever you had planned for the day, it most likely won’t happen.”

But with that uncertainty comes rewards. Just hearing a “thanks for what you do,” from a resident or family member is a gold star to Mandy. “We do a lot behind the scenes. We’re constantly communicating with the residents and their families because it can be very confusing. And if they have no family, we advocate on their behalf.”

She got into social work because she wanted to work in the healthcare field and help people but realized nursing wasn’t her calling. She said the three key qualities for a social worker are: to be flexible, be organized and laugh.

In addition to Mandy, other members of the Woodbury team are Mary Brownlow, LSW, discharge planner, and Jade Nei, assistant.

A heartfelt thanks to the entire Saint Therese social worker team.

Mentors in Senior Care — Saint Therese Staff Guides the Next Generation

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 14:23:00 GMT

One of the great things about Saint Therese , and something to be proud of, is our efforts to train new healthcare professionals in the complexities of geriatric care. Our senior communities in Woodbury, Brooklyn Park (Oxbow Lake) and New Hope are currently hosting Rasmussen University nursing students for their clinical rotations. But, we also have a number of staff who spend considerable time to help mentor and shape current and future professionals.

One such person is Morganna Moon, RN, MSN, Director of EMR and Education for Saint Therese (EMR stands for electronic medical record), who has trained countless nurses. She recently mentored a student in Walden University’s doctorate program for nurse practitioners , where she focused on organizational and leadership development.

“I know how hard it is to find preceptors and how valuable they are,” said Morganna. “I’m very passionate about it, especially now when we can’t get people into nursing.” (A preceptor is an experienced licensed clinician who supervises nursing students during their clinical rotations. Their role is to help students translate theoretical learning to clinical practice.)

For her Walden student, Morganna spent 160 hours exposing him to other aspects of clinical leadership beyond bedside care. He shadowed her as she attended meetings, took part in calls, and learned the organizational hierarchy and how it functions, something he wouldn’t be exposed to when doing patient care.

When Saint Therese expanded its relationship with Rasmussen , Lisa Kalla, chief operations officer and Jessica Gier, vice president of Clinical Operations & Reimbursement, immediately thought of Morganna as someone who could help mentor students who were highly motivated and autonomous.

Similarly, Andrew Pfaff, RD, at Saint Therese of New Hope, is proud of and relishes his role as a preceptor for dietetic students at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health . While he was a preceptor before coming to Saint Therese, he began doing it here in 2021.

She’s currently mentoring Susan Maranga who has worked at Saint Therese of New Hope for more than 20 years and is now finishing her baccalaureate degree with Rasmussen. Susan is spending 45 hours learning leadership skills under Morganna’s tutelage.

“We don’t have enough educators and people formally trained in education, so we are so thrilled that Morganna is more than willing to take on these students. As she often says, ‘if you don’t have educators, how do you get nurses through schools.’”

He said the students start off shadowing him and then move on to experience things such as meeting and educating residents; doing assessments; charting; interacting with patients; attending interdisciplinary team meetings and menu planning. They spend about 80 hours with Andrew, but he encourages them to have as much autonomy as possible.

“I love to be a part of someone’s journey to be a dietitian,” said Andrew. “I have this mentality that if they can learn one new thing a day, then we’re being successful. I love to share the knowledge.”

He said he’s also encouraged by the evolution of dietetics as it becomes more and more pertinent to patient care. “Caring for seniors has been very medicine-focused but now people are valuing food and nutrition.”

That’s a good sign, and a fitting one, as today, March 8, is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day.

Making a List and Checking it Twice – For Saint Therese of Corcoran

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 15:56:00 GMT

For our new community in Corcoran, we’ve made a list and are checking it twice to ensure all is copacetic (aka “in excellent order”), when it comes to the chapel we are designing.

While our newest senior community won’t be open for occupancy for another 18 months or so, we’ve enlisted the guidance of two pretty important entities.

Saint Therese of Corcoran will have independent living, assisted living and memory care. Visit us at discovercorcoran.org for more information. More details to come as our community takes shape. Until then, Merry Christmas!

St. Paul’s Monastery – Saint Therese has a long history with the Monastery in Maplewood and a connection with Sister Marie Fujan [1] . Dinah Martin Kmetz of our project team and architects with Pope Design, met with Sister Marie in November to talk to her about the design for the chapel. She showed us the chapel at the Monastery, which is relatively new, and we showed her our plans for the Corcoran chapel, sacristy spaces and artist renderings.

Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis – In December, we had the distinct pleasure of meeting with Rev. Tom Margevicius, Director of Worship for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Father Margevicius provided valuable input on the location of the tabernacle, statues, artwork, stations of the cross and a fixed font. The combined Saint Therese and Pope team painstakingly looked through architectural drawings and renderings. We can’t thank him enough for his time and attention to detail.

[1] Sister Marie was part of the groundbreaking at our first community in New Hope, even helping to make beds prior to opening. She served on the Saint Therese Board of Directors; helped start the Pastoral Care Program at Oxbow Lake and worked there from 2006 to 2021.

Humble and Kind – Nursing in Hospice and Palliative Care

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 16:27:00 GMT

There may be no more intimate act than caring for people in a hospice and palliative care environment. It isn’t easy, but if you spend any time with folks that work in this area, you’ll learn they wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Case in point – the two Saint Therese nurses that head up Saint Therese at St. Odilia, a small eight-person hospice and palliative care home on the grounds of St. Odilia Catholic Church in Shoreview.

She moved to the U.S. and trained to become a nurse in Detroit, and eventually the University of Minnesota, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s in Nursing. During her clinical rotation in a long term care setting, her preceptor watched her interacting with patients and told her “this is your call,” referring to hospice and palliative care.

During this month’s observance of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month , we’re sharing the stories of Nolay Freeman, executive director at Saint Therese at St. Odilia and Sue Eichten, director of nursing. These two women traveled different paths to where they are today, but both know it’s where they were meant to be.

Nolay Freeman grew up in Liberia, in West Africa, and said she realized at a young age (around eight), that she wanted to be a nurse. She saw many people die of dehydration during their country’s civil war and she felt there should be a way to save them.

I realized she was right,” said Nolay. “I am so happy I took that path. I am doing what I love doing. It’s about taking the time to know the patient, know the family and hear their life story. They are always so happy that I am interested.”

She joined Saint Therese in January 2011 as an overnight nurse and then moved to an assistant nurse manager role before assuming her current position as the executive director, overseeing about 27 employees and all aspects of the home.

She honors the Bible’s message of servant leadership, “Whoever would be first among you must be servant of all. [1] “

Hospice humbles you,” Nolay said. “It makes you think about your own mortality. Usually we’re living in the moment, but in hospice the pace is different. You listen, hear their stories and help them transition. You meet them and their families, in a vulnerable state.”

Sue Eichten , born in Roseville, didn’t start her journey into hospice and palliative care until she was 47 years old. She spent most of her career doing administrative work, but when her mom went into hospice in 2010, it lit a spark.

“I was moved by the care the hospice workers provided me and my family,” said Sue. She was intrigued about what she could do. “I saw people all alone at the end, and it broke my heart.”

A member of St. Odilia Catholic Church, Sue began volunteering at Saint Therese at St. Odilia in 2012, about a year after it opened.

“I didn’t realize I had an affinity for the elderly or end of life,” said Sue. “But I learned from my own experience when my mom was in hospice and what the caregivers did for my mom and the family. I was moved by the care they provided and wanted to do the same for others.”

Sue got her CNA (certified nursing assistant) license and then began working part-time at Saint Therese because it was so rewarding and fulfilling. She credits Nolay for being persistent in talking her into going to nursing school. She kept saying, “You are a hospice nurse.”

Indeed, she is. Sue graduated with a nursing degree from Century College in 2016.

“I like our elderly,” she continued. “They are so kind and have so much knowledge and experience and life to them. I think they are amazing and feel glad I can make a difference.”

“We need more people in hospice,” she added. We all go through it, and we want to help families go through this experience in the most dignified and compassionate way.”

Sue said helping a loved one transition to death restores her faith, and she sees the beauty in it. “I feel there are those that bring life into this world and those that help ease them out.”

This is Saint Therese at St. Odilia’s 11 ^th year of caring for residents.

Hospice is not a place but high-quality care that enables patients and families to focus on living as fully as possible despite a life-limiting illness. Palliative care brings this holistic model of care to people earlier in the course of a serious illness.

Every year, nearly 1.4 million people living with a life-limiting illness receive care from hospices in this country, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization .

[1] Mark 10:42-44

Bone Health – An Overlooked Condition

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 13:00:00 GMT

When it comes to improving your health as you age, we often hear about brain health, heart health, lung health and even eye health. The one area that unfortunately gets overlooked is bone health.

We’re taking some time to explain the importance of bone health, because not only is it Bone and Joint Health Action Week, but today is World Osteoporosis Day .

Your bones are continuously changing — new bone is made, and old bone is broken down. When you’re young, your body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bone, and your bone mass increases (most people reach their peak bone mass around age 30). After 30, you continue to build bone, but you lose slightly more bone mass than you gain.

The numbers don’t lie.

Worldwide, one in three women and one in five men aged 50 years and over will suffer an osteoporotic fracture. Something as innocuous as a bump, a sneeze or a sudden movement could cause a fracture, let alone a fall. Fractures caused by osteoporosis can be life-threatening and a major cause of pain and long-term disability.
Osteoporosis-related fractures are most likely to occur in the hip, spine, wrist or upper part of the arm.
It can lead to pain, height loss and a stooped or hunched posture.

People over 60 are at higher risk of osteoporosis and because it doesn’t have any obvious signs or symptoms, it’s hard to know if you have it until you break a bone. There are indicators but the best thing is to talk to your doctor. You can also check out the Osteoporosis Risk Check developed by the International Osteoporosis Foundation.

Osteoporosis can be treated, talk to your doctor for that, but there are some things in the meantime that you can do to improve bone health. Such as:

Exercise regularly – Keep your bones and muscles moving. Weight-bearing, muscle-strengthening and balance-training exercises are best. FYI, weight bearing exercises include walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, elliptical training machines, stair climbing and gardening.
Ensure your diet is rich in bone-healthy nutrients . Calcium, vitamin D and protein are the most important for bone health. Safe exposure to sunshine can help you get enough vitamin D, but for those in the northern climate, supplements may be a good idea. Some healthy foods can be found on the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation website, but include things like dairy products, yogurt and cheese; fish; fruits and vegetables; red and green peppers, oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, tomato products and so on.
Avoid negative lifestyle habits . Maintain a healthy body weight, avoid smoking and excessive drinking.
Get tested and treated if needed . If you’re at high risk you will likely need medication and lifestyle changes to help protect yourself against fractures. As mentioned previously, bring your concerns to your doctor’s attention, especially if you’ve had a previous fracture, have a family history of osteoporosis, or take specific medications that affect bone health.

Here’s the long and short of it – if you don’t take care of your bone health, you might end up with osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, and that can have serious consequences.

Beware of Diligent Scammers

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 13:00:00 GMT

There’s a common phrase that goes, “There’s no shortage of remarkable ideas, what’s missing is the will to execute them.” Well, in the case of scams targeting seniors, ideas and execution are NOT a problem.

There are more scams out there – and more everyday – than you can shake a stick at. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that in 2021, there were 92,371 older victims of fraud resulting in $1.7 billion in losses. The most common financial scams targeting older people include government impersonation scams, sweepstakes scams, and robocall scams. Organizations like AARP have extensive information on their website about scams and the varying and creative ways scammers use to swindle you out of your money (or your identity).

Recently, one of our Saint Therese senior communities, was targeted by solicitors who called and texted residents asking them to donate money to Saint Therese for a specific project. This was not legitimate; it was a phishing attempt that, fortunately, our resident didn’t follow through on. (Phishing is a technique for attempting to acquire sensitive data, such as bank account numbers, through a fraudulent solicitation in email or on a web site, in which the perpetrator masquerades as a legitimate business or reputable person.)

Here are a few common scams according to the NCOA :

Government impersonation scams – Scammers call unsuspecting older adults and pretend to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration, or Medicare. They may say the victim has unpaid taxes and threaten arrest or deportation if they don’t pay up immediately. Or they may say Social Security or Medicare benefits will be cut off if the victim doesn’t provide personal identifying information. This information can then be used to commit identity theft. Government imposters may demand specific forms of payment, such as a prepaid debit card, cash, or wire transfer. Using special technology, they often “spoof” the actual phone number of a government agency or call from the same zip code. This can trick some people into thinking the caller is from a valid source.
Sweepstakes and lottery scams – Scammers call an older adult to tell them they’ve won a lottery or prize of some kind. If they want to claim their winnings, the older adult must send money, cash, or gift cards up front—sometimes thousands of dollars’ worth—to cover supposed taxes and processing fees. Scammers may impersonate well-known sweepstakes organizations (like Publishers Clearing House) to build trust among their victims. Of course, no prize is ever delivered.
Robocalls and phone scams – One common robocall is the “Can you hear me?” call. When the older person says “yes,” the scammer records their voice and hangs up. Robocalls take advantage of sophisticated, automated phone technology to dial large numbers of households from anywhere in the world. While there are legal uses for this technology, robocalls can also be used to carry out a variety of scams on trusting older adults who answer the phone. Some robocalls may claim that a warranty is expiring on the victim’s car or electronic device, and payment is needed to renew it. Like with government impersonation calls, scammers often spoof the number from which they’re calling to make it appear as if the call is from a reputed organization.
The grandparent scam – Scammers call a would-be grandparent and say something along the lines of: “Hi, Grandma, do you know who this is?” When the unaware grandparent guesses the name of the grandchild the scammer most sounds like, the scammer is able to instantly secure their trust. The fake grandchild then asks for money to solve some urgent financial problem (such as overdue rent, car repairs, or jail bond). They may beg the grandparent not to tell anyone. Since fraudsters often ask to be paid via gift cards or money transfer, which don’t always require identification to collect, the older adult may have no way of ever recovering their money.
Medicare and health insurance scams – In Medicare scams, con artists may pose as a Medicare representative to get older adults to share their personal information.
Internet and email fraud – Pop-up browser windows that look like anti-virus software can fool victims into either downloading a fake anti-virus program (at a substantial cost) or an actual virus that exposes information on the user’s computer to scammers. Their unfamiliarity with the less visible aspects of browsing the web (firewalls and built-in virus protection, for example), makes older adults especially vulnerable to such traps.
Phishing emails and text messages – These may appear to be from a well-known bank, credit card company, or online store. They request an older adult’s personal data, such as a log-in or Social Security number, to verify that person’s account, or they ask the older adult to update their credit card info. Then, they use that information to steal money or more personal information.

Basic Tips to Avoid Scams

If you receive a call and the person asks for anything personal, just HANG UP! Do not ever give them your address, Medicare number, family member names, credit card, etc.
Never sign blank insurance claim forms.
Give your insurance/Medicare identification only to those who have provided you with services.
Protect your Medicare number as you do your credit card numbers and don’t allow anyone other than a trusted health provider to use it.
Be wary of salespeople trying to sell you something they claim will be paid for by Medicare.
Don’t buy from an unfamiliar company.
Always ask for and wait until you receive written material about any offer or charity.
Don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision; take your time.

The post Beware of Diligent Scammers appeared first on Saint Therese Blog .

A Marriage that Lasts – Ken & Alice Houchins Celebrate 76 Years

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 19:43:00 GMT

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, couples who make it to 70 years of marriage represent just one-tenth of one percent of all marriages. Couples who make it to 75 years are so rare, there aren’t even statistics for it.

That means Saint Therese of New Hope residents Ken and Alice Houchins, who just celebrated their 76 ^th wedding anniversary on Oct. 3 , are in very, very rarified air!

It begs the question, what’s their secret? In different ways, both Ken and Alice alluded to their comfortable companionship and enjoying being in each other’s company. But, Alice said, “we give each other space.”

Alice said Ken is “easy to live” with and they did a lot together in their 76 years. Ken said they don’t fight over things and what attracted him to her in the beginning was that she’d do what he wanted to do. “I told her, I’ll go to dances with you if you’ll go to baseball games with me.”

They first met when Alice was in high school in Little Falls, Minn., and Ken (a few years older than her) went back to high school to brush up on some math and science courses for the U.S. Navy. Both were from small towns in Morrison County (Alice from Pierz and Ken from Randall).

They stayed in touch while Ken became a pilot in the Navy where he stayed for 2-1/2 years. When he returned home Alice was training to become a teacher at Normal Teacher’s School in Little Falls. (The purpose of these “normal” schools was to educate and prepare teachers for teaching in the Common Schools of the State.) She eventually worked for two years in a one-room schoolhouse in a town north of Pierz where she taught all subjects for students grades 1-8.

Ken was getting his degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Minnesota, and he would come up to visit her. They married on October 3, 1946 and eventually moved down to the Twin Cities.

Unfortunately, after the war there weren’t jobs in the aeronautical engineering industry (he had hoped to get a job at Boeing in Seattle), so he began working for Follett Bookstore, a used book company that sold textbooks to students. He stayed there for 17 years as manager of the Textbook department. From there he worked a variety of jobs with B. Dalton’s, Montgomery Wards, and St. Gerard’s Catholic Church.

Alice was a stay at home mom for their three kids. She said she regrets not teaching again, but family came first. For a time, she worked at a catering company as a cook and then for an employer’s overload business.

When they retired, they traveled the U.S. “All through our marriage, our goal when we retired was to get a RV and travel,” said Alice.

And travel they did, visiting every state including Alaska and Hawaii. They put down stakes in Arizona, living in a park model home in Apache Junction. They spent ten fun-filled years there with other transplanted Minnesotans but decided to move back home to be closer to their kids and their doctors.

While it seems clear that they inherited some mighty good genes (Alice turned 95 on Oct. 2 and Ken turns 99 on Oct. 27), their long lives have also likely been helped by staying active. Ken said he liked to hunt but along the way he found he enjoyed, and was proficient at, embroidery and crocheting. So much so that it became profitable for them, and they sold their wares at craft sales. Alice did embroidery as well, but she also sewed a lot and for a more functional purpose as she sewed clothes for her kids and Ken.

In 2016 the couple moved into Saint Therese of New Hope and Alice said, “there was never any question where we would go.” They had friends who lived here and easily became a part of the community.

Their active lives continue – they eat breakfast every morning with a group of friends, play cribbage and 500, and partake in all manner of events, as well as observing Mass on the TV in their apartment.

The Houchins will celebrate their 76 years together with family and friends on October 16.

A very happy anniversary!

A Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake Success Story: TCU Team Matches the Grit of Phyllis Bickford

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 17:30:00 GMT

Transitional care units like the one at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake get cases of all kinds – people rehabbing from falls, fractures, joint replacements, UTIs, and strokes – but they had never had a patient with such a severe form of a rare disorder as they had earlier this year.

One morning this March, Phyllis Bickford, age 79, of Anoka, woke up to find that she couldn’t walk. She said her legs had become “like Jell-O.” Rushed by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, she became so weak that she couldn’t even hold her head up.

Doctors at first thought she had a bladder infection and low potassium, but eventually one physician researched the case, called in a neurologist to consult and diagnosed her with Guillain-Barré syndrome (pronounced Ghee-YAN Bah-RAY). This is a rare disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks your nerves. Weakness and tingling in your hands and feet are usually the first symptoms.

Phyllis stayed at Mercy for one week and then was told she was going to need some serious therapy and the hospital social workers weren’t sure she was going to recover. But they worked to find a transitional care unit (TCU) that could care for this unique case. Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake was one of the few communities that had a rehab bed, and most importantly, felt they had the therapists to help Phyllis.

“We’ve had previous cases of Guillain-Barré, but this was the most severe we’ve seen,” said Kali Wachter, manager of rehab and wellness at Oxbow Lake, for Ascend Rehab (a unit of Saint Therese). “When Phyllis arrived at the TCU she was dependent upon caregivers for all her daily tasks and her mobility.”

From the get-go Phyllis was steadfast in her determination to walk out of the TCU. For the next 120 days, she worked with therapists (occupational and physical) twice a day to slowly get back functioning. Therapists used a variety of treatment approaches including electrical stimulation, strength training, neurological interventions and the use of a specialized gait training system.

“I loved the girls [therapists], but I hated to see them come,” said Phyllis. “They really work your butt off.”

At her side, every single day, all day, was her husband Don. Phyllis’ daughter visited in the evenings after work.

“It’s hard to put into words the amount of progress she made and her determination,” said Wachter. “Her improvement was so profound, and her therapists will never forget her. She put in the work.” In addition to the therapists, Wachter commended the entire interdisciplinary team for their help with Phyllis’ recovery, including social workers, nursing and dietary, to name a few.

Phyllis admitted she didn’t really know how bad her condition was. “Thank goodness, no one told me I was a challenge. I worked hard because my husband worked so hard throughout his life. I did it for me and I did it for him. I wasn’t going to waste it by acting like a baby and not doing what could help me.”

She said she made some really good friends among the staff at Oxbow Lake. “There are some wonderful people there. They really cared. They stuck to their guns and told me I could do it. They refused to give up. They’re not just doing their job, they’re getting involved.”

On July 8, Phyllis fulfilled the promise she made to herself and others and walked out of the TCU. She’s now at home, continuing to work on her recovery. She said she’s walking pretty good with a walker but can also do a bit of walking without it.

Her next goal is to walk down the aisle with her grandson for her granddaughter’s wedding in October.

Judging from the tenacity and grit she showed earlier this year, we have no doubt that it’s another promise she will keep.

An Extraordinary Place begins to Take Shape

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 15:55:00 GMT

“This building will not be ordinary. It will be extraordinary because of the extraordinary love and purposeful planning that has gone into it.” Those sentiments were expressed by Craig Abbott, president and CEO of Saint Therese, at this month’s groundbreaking ceremony for Saint Therese of Corcoran.

“It feels like we’ve come home, and we can imagine Father Mycue smiling down on us, along with the other founders, Jerry Choromanski, Elizabeth Hidding, and Sister Marcelline Jung,”said Taffe.

In addition to Abbott, Archbishop Hebda and Taffe, others taking part in the ceremony were Calvin Shelangoski, Saint Therese CFO; Ward Isaacson and Christine Soma with Pope Design Group (architects for the community); Stuart Bestul with CBS Construction services (general contractor); and Mayor Tom McKee and City Administrator Jessica Biese with the city of Corcoran.

Under clear blue skies and with the green backdrop where the future senior community will stand, Abbott and more than 50 attendees took part in a traditional sod-turning ceremony after receiving a blessing from honored guest, the Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda, archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

His blessing included the following: “Whenever we look to the interests of our neighbor or the community and serve them, we are, in a sense, God’s own co-workers. Let us pray for his help through this celebration, my brothers and sisters, that God will bring this construction to successful completion and that his protection will keep those who work on it safe from injury.”

Patrick Taffe, chair of the Saint Therese Board, said this new community had been a dream of theirs for many years, not only because of its pastoral setting so near to the metro area, and the city’s plans for a vibrant new kind of community…but also Father Gordon Mycue, one of the co-founders of Saint Therese in the early 1960’s, was the pastor for 23 years at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Corcoran, which is less than a half mile away from the site.

Turning the sod are (left to right); Ward Isaacson, Pope Design Group; Stuart Bestul, CBS Construction; Calvin Shelangoski, Saint Therese; Craig Abbott, Saint Therese; Archbishop Bernard Hebda; Patrick Taffe, Saint Therese; Tom McKee, City of Corcoran; Jessica Biese, City of Corcoran; and Christine Soma, Pope Design Group

Other guests included future residents of the senior community, local businesses and Saint Therese staff. They enjoyed a reception afterwards at St. Thomas the Apostle Church.

Abbott said construction will begin in the coming months with a targeted opening of April 2024. The initial phase will include a variety of multi-story buildings with 153 apartments for independent, assisted living and memory care. Features of the community include a variety of dining experiences, a chapel, wellness center with a pool, library, golf simulator, theatre and an outdoor amphitheater and woodworking shop.

Focus on Healthy Eating Drives New Trends in Senior Dining

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 21:23:00 GMT

Most of us know, or can tell, that as we get older we need to eat differently. When we were younger, some of us could eat just about anything and everything, at any time – and feel just fine, with no uncomfortable repercussions. Sadly, the versatility of our eating habits changes over time.

The good news is that this change can push us to eat better. The “ 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans [1] ” states that those over age 60 should follow a healthy dietary pattern because older adults generally have lower calorie needs but similar, to even increased, nutrient needs compared to younger adults.

The guidelines encourage nutrient-dense foods and beverages including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seafood, eggs, beans, peas, and lentils, unsalted nuts and seeds, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and lean meats and poultry—when prepared with no or little added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.

Local chef and food educator, Mary Ryan, a local chef and food educator that works with Saint Therese’s senior living communities, provided more specific tips at a meeting held this summer. They include:

Blueberries – The Mayo Clinic [2] states that scientists have shown that blueberries are loaded with compounds (phytonutrients) that may help prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. They may also improve short-term memory and promote healthy aging.
Broccoli – Good source of folate (natural form of B9), broccoli also contains phytonutrients and is an excellent source of vitamin C — an antioxidant that protects your body’s cells from damage. In addition, it’s a great excellent source of vitamin A and is linked to preserving eye health.

Nuts – Ryan swears by a handful of walnuts. These nuts are rich in omega-3 fats and contain higher amounts of antioxidants than most other foods. Eating walnuts may improve brain health and prevent heart disease and cancer. Another option is almonds that are packed with nutrients — fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron and calcium.
Sugar and Carbs – The more you can reduce sugar the better. Use substitutes like Stevia, sucralose or Splenda. Don’t use aspartame or foods with phenylamine. These compounds trick the body into wanting more sugar. Focus on enjoying sweet non-or-low-processed foods from natural sources like maple syrup, dark honey and complex carbohydrates such as whole grains over processed flours and breads. Eat sweet potatoes instead of russets.
And More – Comfort foods elicit memory and love. Love your longevity with a good balance and variety of food, focusing on healthy proteins in smaller portions, legumes and beans and eating from the fruit and vegetable rainbow.

Other foods Ryan recommends are leafy greens, avocados, cottage cheese and bell peppers. And Lion’s Main mushrooms that contain bioactive substances that have beneficial effects on the body, especially the brain, heart and gut.

Dining Trends Change with Times Too

Maybe it’s our aging bodies shouting at us, or maybe it’s more Baby Boomers entering senior living, but independent and assisted living communities are changing their dining options as well.

Ryan and other dining experts, say people don’t want the traditional three meals a day served in a “formal” dining room. They now want:

Dine when they want and where they want – Many seniors don’t want to have meals during set time periods but have options available any time.
More variety and more options – Instead of eating all meals in a dining room setting, have flexible options like grab-and-go entrees (like you find in grocery stores), a café, deli and a grill.
Focus on foods that promote wellness – Have less of the comfort food and more fresh seasonal options with a farm to table philosophy.
Culinary event programming – These could be chef-hosted events, exhibition cooking and menu tastings.

Josh Anderson, Vice President of Ancillary Services at Saint Therese, said that in recognition of this trend, Saint Therese is currently working to improve its menu and dining programs to provide healthier options.

So, whether driven by the needs of our aging bodies, the influence of that huge cohort of Baby Boomers, or chefs, dieticians and nutritionists finally getting their wishes answered, these days are very good days for senior dining.

[1] https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/DGA_2020-2025_ExecutiveSummary_English.pdf

[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/multimedia/health-foods/sls-20076653?s=9

A Path to Healthy Aging

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:53:00 GMT

Summer is definitely here, at last. And for those of us in the northern climes, the warmer temperatures may get us more motivated to get healthy.

For those over 65 years of age, it doesn’t take much of a trigger to start thinking about improving our health and fitness. Who hasn’t tweaked their back, questioned a bum knee or worried about forgetting something, and not thought, “Uh oh, I’m getting old,” and then told yourself you needed to do something to get healthier.

The good thing is, there are real steps you can take to get you on a path to healthy aging. According to the National Institute on Aging , many factors influence healthy aging. Yes, your genes play a part, but other factors are within your control – such as a healthy diet, exercise, taking care of your mental health and seeing a doctor regularly.

In fact, rather than being a process of steady decline, aging can be a time of growth. That is, if we maintain our physical and mental skills; reduce our risk of disease and injury; and, stay productive and engaged in life. That’s really important for the 285,000 Minnesotans turning 65 in this decade, which is greater than the past four decades combined [1] !

Here are four important things to focus on to get on the right path.

Exercise – Physical activity is a cornerstone of healthy aging. Studies suggest that people who exercise regularly not only live longer, but also may live better. Exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, prevent age-related decline in muscle function and improve mental health. You can simply increase the number of steps you get each day that keep your body moving, such as gardening, walking the dog, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes (2-1/2 hours) of activity a week that makes you breathe hard.
Eat Healthy – The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans states that those over age 60 should follow a healthy dietary pattern because older adults generally have lower calorie needs but similar, to even increased, nutrient needs compared to younger adults. The Guidelines encourage nutrient-dense foods and beverages including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seafood, eggs, beans, peas, and lentils, unsalted nuts and seeds, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and lean meats and poultry—when prepared with no or little added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.
Get Enough Sleep – Getting enough sleep can impact your memory and your mood. Experts say older adults need the same seven to nine hours of sleep as all adults, but they often don’t get enough. If you need a push to get enough sleep, consider this: a study [2] showed that those in their 50s and 60s who got six hours of sleep or less a night, were at a higher risk of developing dementia later in life. Advice? Try to fall asleep and get up at the same time each day; avoid napping late in the day; exercise; keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature and don’t watch TV, or use your computer, cell phone, or tablet in the bedroom.
Reduce Social Isolation and Loneliness – The pandemic brought to the fore the importance of social activity to combat isolation. Studies are showing that older adults who are social isolated or lonely are at higher risk for heart disease, depression and cognitive decline. The benefit of senior living communities, such as Saint Theres e, is that we have a variety of activities as a cornerstone of what we offer so older adults have many options. But if not in senior living, here are some ideas:
Find an activity that you enjoy, restart an old hobby, or take a class to learn something new.
Schedule time each day to stay in touch with family, friends, and neighbors in person, by email, social media, video chat, voice call, or text.
Stay physically active and include group exercise, such walking with others.
Find a faith-based organization to deepen your spirituality and engage with others.

[1] Minnesota State Demographic Center, https://mn.gov/admin/demography/data-by-topic/aging/

[2] “Association of sleep duration in middle and old age with incidence of dementia,” National Library of Medicine, April 20, 2021

Saint Therese CEO Barb Rode Praised at Retirement Party

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 22:41:00 GMT

More than 100 people gathered to celebrate Barb Rode’s legacy at Saint Therese during a retirement party at Jax Cafe in northeast Minneapolis.

Former and current employees, donors, Board members, volunteers and partners wished her well after 22 years at the helm of Saint Therese.

Board Chair Pat Taffe presented her with a service award and said her success was due in large part to her being a “servant leader,” that if there was something to do, and no one to do it, there Barb would be. There was nothing she wouldn’t do.

A special video was made for Barb to express her gratitude to the staff and all her friends. She expressed to the overflow crowd how much she will miss everyone and that the staff is “the best in the world.”

She introduced the new president and CEO, Craig W. Abbott, who she said will “take Saint Therese to the next level.”

“He has a lot of knowledge and is known on the national level which is important,” Barb said. “I feel so confident that Saint Therese is in good hands with Craig. I’m so happy to turn this company over to someone who gets it.”

Barb then literally passed the baton (bedazzled at that), to Craig and he said, “Barb Rode is a champion in this industry and why Saint Therese has been so respected. I’m not going to fill her shoes but take what has been a great legacy and move it forward.”

With Saint Therese, Youth Shall Be Served

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 18:22:00 GMT

Earlier this year Saint Therese announced the winners of its Youth Volunteer Scholarships.

Champlin resident Hallie Sweeter and Woodbury native Grace Schafhauser. As the school year ends this month, we are showcasing their essays and photos of them receiving their scholarships.

Hallie Sweeter , a sophomore at Champlin Park High School, volunteered in the beauty salon at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park. In her essay , Sweeter described how much she looked forward to working with seniors and recognized how important socializing is, not only for seniors, but also for herself. Over time she became more comfortable talking on the phone (something she said her tech-savvy generation isn’t used to) and conversing with seniors.

“A large sentiment amongst my generation is our fear of talking to authority and adults, and I definitely feel that volunteering with seniors can help with that,” wrote Sweeter in her essay. “The ability to be comfortable talking with a wide variety of people is an extremely impactful skill, as it helps connect you to others around you. Volunteering with seniors has shown me that, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities, life skills and lessons that have been offered to me through this program.”

Sweeter plans to use her $2,000 scholarship award for college tuition.

Grace Schafhauser , a senior at Hill-Murray High School in Maplewood, volunteered at a memory care facility in Maplewood. She described how she formed a deep connection with a woman suffering from memory loss, which inspired her to continue to volunteer with the elderly because it has allowed her to make multiple meaningful connections. And, it inspired her career choice as she has since decided to attend the nursing program at Texas Christian University (TCU), where she will use her $2,000 scholarship award for tuition.

Schafhauser said working with seniors inspired her to continue on the path of helping the elderly and she came to the conclusion that she wants to be a nurse. “Because of her [woman suffering from memory loss], I have an intimate appreciation for loving support and subsequently strive to make my presence one that emanates compassion,” Schafhauser said.

“As a nurse, I want to be a guiding light on the part of others as they find who they were meant to be and learn to love life again.”

To be eligible for the Youth Volunteer Scholarship, volunteers had to be in grades 9-12 during the 2021-22 school year, and have completed a minimum of 20 volunteer hours with one or more seniors by the date of their submission. They had to reside in the seven county Twin Cities metro area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington), or the western Wisconsin counties of Pierce and St. Croix. The scholarship will run again during the 2022-2023 school year; information can be found at https://www.sainttherese.org/get-involved/volunteer/youth-volunteer-scholarship .

A Labor of Love & Learning

Tue, 31 May 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Fulfillment in what they do has been a common thread in the stories we’ve told about Saint Therese nurses during National Nurses Month . Joan Nistler, RN, at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park is no exception.

Joan has worked for Saint Therese for more than 30 years and a RN since 1995. She spent most of her career at Saint Therese of New Hope working in a variety of roles – she worked the floor, was a case manager, night house supervisor (for 14 years) and nurse manager.

But working through the height of the pandemic took a toll on her and she took some time off. She has now returned, reinvigorated, to Oxbow Lake in a non-management role.

“I’m back to doing hands-on care on the floor, and I love it,” said Joan. “I got into nursing because I found it gratifying to work with the elderly and to be able to do something to make their day. I really enjoy working with them. I missed it. And, I’ve been told I have a calming influence on the residents, which makes it even more rewarding.”

Joan naturally embodies the Saint Therese mission of “doing ordinary things with extraordinary love.” She talked about how when she was on the night shift, she enjoyed getting residents ready for bed by giving them a backrub and putting lotion on their back.

And sometimes she did “extraordinary things” with extraordinary love, such as the day she took a resident to Grand Casino Hinckley (with family’s consent), because the resident really wanted to go. Afterwards, the woman wanted to shop and then have pizza, so Joan and her mom (who had joined them on this adventure), did that as well. The resident returned to Saint Therese happy and thankful for the day.

She is inspired by Barb Rode, our soon to be retired President & CEO. “I’ve seen her out on the floor feeding people and toileting people. This was our CEO doing hands-on care. That always stayed with me. No one is above taking care of residents.”

“I have the utmost respect for nurses; they are the lifeblood of our community,” said Deb Reitmeier, executive director and campus administrator at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake. “I’m reminded of a well-known quote that pretty much says it all – nurses dispense comfort, compassion, and caring without even a prescription.”

Yet, despite the reverence that people have for nurses and the satisfaction they themselves feel in their jobs, there is still a shortage of nurses in the U.S.

To those people thinking about entering the nursing field, Joan said “There are so many opportunities in so many different fields and so many different positions that their opportunities are endless. It is a great learning experience, and that is important.”

The post A Labor of Love & Learning appeared first on Saint Therese Blog .

Nursing, Filipino-Style in New Hope

Wed, 25 May 2022 17:29:00 GMT

On the occasion of National Nurses Month , we continue our series highlighting the work that nurses do at Saint Therese, with a look at two sisters who’ve called Saint Therese of New Hope home for more than 16 years.

Glenda Baviera, RN, and Jodina Ramos, RN, (left to right, respectively), the last two kids born in a family of fourteen children, moved to the United States in 1995 from the Philippines to take nursing positions at Saint Therese of New Hope.

Residents in our Care Center have been the very fortunate recipients of their care, which is likely rooted in their Filipino culture.

Among other things, the Filipino culture instills in its people a respect for elders, a pride in their families, and a belief in helping one another, without expecting anything in return. All essential qualities for any nurse.

“We take care of our patients like our own,” said Glenda, house supervisor in the Care Center. “I believe nursing was my calling. To me it ties my passion to compassion. I love being kind and helping people which is why I love working as a nurse.”

The younger sister, Jodina, said going into nursing school all started by obeying what her mom asked of her, to choose this profession. “In our culture we always obey our parents, which I did, and this turned out to be a great blessing to me. Nursing is a beautiful profession dedicated to service and taking good care of human beings. It’s very rewarding as you give TLC to your patients.”

Both were nurses in the Philippines before they were recruited by Saint Therese, and Glenda said while she worked in a hospital and in a missionary, her 27 years in a nursing home cemented her desire to work with the elderly.

Glenda has also received a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and it has helped her apply creativity, strategy and teamwork to her position.

In the end, though, the role is about caring for the residents.

“Always give the residents your best, the best quality care, and treat them like your own family, like the way you want to be treated one day,” added Jodina. “That’s my principle about being a nurse.”

Perhaps no one appreciates that ethos more than Christine DeLander, executive director and campus administrator at Saint Therese of New Hope, who like everyone in the industry, faces a shortage of healthcare workers .

“In the past two years, we have truly realized how important nurses are, as they helped us navigate through COVID with such poise and expertise. Our nurses know no bounds when it comes to assisting residents during staff shortages,” DeLander said. “We couldn’t fulfill our mission without our nurses, they are our backbone and a blessing, and we thank God for each one of them for the lives they enrich at Saint Therese.”

The post Nursing, Filipino-Style in New Hope appeared first on Saint Therese Blog .

Saint Therese Nurses Take a Bow

Tue, 17 May 2022 18:49:00 GMT

Healthcare workers were rightfully applauded for their selfless and heroic work during the pandemic. Nurses, a critical part of any team – and absolutely vital for a senior living community such as Saint Therese – were especially commended.

And we’ll do the same this month as we celebrate National Nurses Month , a time to promote, support and honor the varying role of nurses and the positive impacts they make every day.

For the next few weeks, we’ll introduce you to some of the nurses at our Saint Therese locations.

At Saint Therese of Woodbury , Stacy Meyer, RN, and Andrea Brown, LPN, (left to right respectively), along with 11 home health aides, provide care for the more than 80 residents in independent living, assisted living and memory care.

They both have been nurses for more than 25 years and say what keeps them in senior living is the residents and the ties they’ve made with them. They also credit the cohesive team they’ve created.

Stacy, who has worked in many healthcare settings over her career, said what makes this environment so rewarding is that she sees results the same day. “I can go home and know that I actually did something to make one of my residents better. That is powerful.”

She was attracted to nursing and caring for the elderly population at a young age. She was 16 when she volunteered in a memory care and helped play bingo with the residents. She said she loved the enthusiasm the residents had, even by just winning a banana.

“At that moment I knew I wanted to work with the elderly.” She said she finds them very wise and learns a lot from them. And, with a degree in Sociology, Stacy is fascinated by their stories, and is often able to engage with residents in memory care and get them to “light up.”

“I feel like I’m doing God’s work. I don’t know what I’d do if not this. And, as important as the care I’m providing, I’m the gateway between the families and our residents.”

Andrea wasn’t called to nursing at a young age like Stacy, but she said she’s always been a caretaker.

“I’m a mother figure to everyone, so nursing was a natural way for me to fulfill that inclination,” said Andrea.

She said she’s stayed at Saint Therese for so long because of the bonds she’s created with residents, families and staff. “We get to know everyone, we’re like a family and that means something.”

Nurses mean a lot to Jill Acosta, executive director and campus administrator at Saint Therese of Woodbury, who has nothing but praise for nurses.

“We wouldn’t exist without nurses,” she said. “We owe them everything, they make a world a better place for all that they do.”

She’s not alone. In 2021, for an impressive 20 ^th consecutive year, nursing was rated as the most trusted profession, according to a Gallup poll .

The post Saint Therese Nurses Take a Bow appeared first on Saint Therese Blog .

Decluttering to Downsize for Senior Living

Thu, 05 May 2022 08:02:00 GMT

We’re heading into peak moving season as experts say 80 percent of the moves in the U.S. happen between April and September. But for older Americans thinking about making a significant move into a senior living community, the idea of moving can be paralyzing. They get stopped in their tracks by the daunting task of decluttering to downsize.

The refrain heard more often than not by sales staff at Saint Therese senior communities is: “I have so much stuff, I need to figure out what to do with it before I move.”

But frequently, figuring it out is something that’s put off for years and years, until the need to move becomes urgent and downsizing is done haphazardly.

“We advise our potential residents to start the decluttering process as soon as they can so downsizing occurs naturally,” said Jennifer Olson, Sales & Marketing Coordinator at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park.

There are books galore to help you declutter. Marie Kondo and her best seller, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing,” burst onto the scene some years ago. And a new industry – downsizing and move management – has sprung from Americans’ penchant for having an extraordinary number of possessions. Case in point: The average American house contains 3,000 items, and the average size of the American home has nearly tripled in the past 50 years; yet one out of every 11 households rents offsite storage [1] .

If reading a book, or hiring a company to help you, puts you back into procrastination mode, here are some simple tips to get you going.

Start small . Organize one shelf, one drawer, one cabinet, one wall, one room at a time. Don’t spend more than two hours at a time working.
Use the 4-box method – Categorize your items into four boxes, or areas. Items you want to: Keep, Sell, Give away, or Toss.
Re-evaluate your clothes – Interesting fact: most people wear 20 percent of their clothes 80 percent of the time. So, look in your closet and ask yourself: How many coats, shoes and boots do I really need? How many pants do you have that are out of style or from two sizes ago? Get rid of things that are the wrong size, wrong color, you don’t like or haven’t worn in a year or more.
Toss duplicates – Other than clothing, try to keep just one of each thing. Do you really need three whisks? Twenty t-shirts? Thirty-five Tupperware containers? Four colanders?
Get rid of unused items – Do you have things you haven’t used in years? A bread maker, pasta maker, electric frying pan, waffle maker, etc.? It’s time to donate, throw or give to family members.
Refresh the linen closet and bathroom – Keep a limited number of sheets, blankets and towels. Hold onto complete sheet sets only; throw away those one-off pillowcases. Safely dispose of unused and expired prescriptions and over the counter medications. Do NOT throw them in the toilet or in the trash.
Tackle the basement or attic – Sort through your holiday decorations and give treasured items to family members. Stop “warehousing” your adult children’s stuff. Insist they take their belongings that are stored at your house. Sell or donate furnishings that you don’t care for or don’t use. Shred, recycle or toss old newspapers, magazines, and documents.

The list goes on, but hopefully you get the general idea.

“An unexpected benefit that I hear from residents who move in after downsizing, is the enormous feeling of accomplishment and relief they felt as they decluttered and organized,” Olson added. “Just ten minutes a day can make a big difference in your outlook.”

To find a move manager near you, you can go the the Find a Move Manager section at the National Association of Specialty & Senior Move Managers website.

[1] “Simplify: 7 Guiding Principles to Help Anyone Declutter their Home and Live,” Joshua Becker, 2010

STREAM Helps Seniors Get Back Some Dignity and Freedom

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 16:13:00 GMT

Incontinence.

It’s not a subject most of us think about…or really want to hear about. But, for seniors, and their loved ones, it is an unwelcome and often overwhelming problem that can cause shame, embarrassment and even depression. The experts at Saint Therese also say it can also cause isolation as those affected may not want to participate in social activities for fear of an incident.

Equally as concerning, it can lead to urinary tract infections and skin breakdowns.

In fact, incontinence is one of the top reasons that people are admitted into long term care facilities, aka care centers or nursing homes. It also becomes an iSTREssue in combination with other diseases. According to the National Association for Incontinence, at least 25 million Americans live with urinary incontinence alone.

“Because of its prevalence, people assume incontinence is a normal part of aging, but it’s not,” said Morganna Moon, MSN, RN, Director of EMR and Education for Saint Therese . “It’s usually a symptom of a condition and may be reversible.”

In an effort to better understand why incontinence happens and to find ways to improve the condition among its nursing home residents, a health care consortium made up of Saint Therese and three other senior care organizations (Cassia, Presbyterian Homes & Services and Volunteers of America), has been working on a grant project called STREAM (Strategies Targeting Resident Elimination Assessment and Management).

“Our involvement in this consortium is part of our enduring effort to innovate to find ways to improve the care and the lives of our residents,” said Jessica Gier, vice president of Clinical Operations and Reimbursement for Saint Therese.

Submitted by Empira , an Anoka-based quality improvement organization, the STREAM grant was approved by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and work began in January 2020. Empira coordinates with Clinical Informatic Specialists (CIS) at 25 sites in the consortium. These individuals conduct thorough assessments of nursing home residents who are incontinent and also utilize three key pieces of technology, a “smart” brief, an actigraphy watch, and a bladder scanner.

The brief is a smart technology that collects information about when a person is incontinent, what time of day, what type of incontinence and then sends the data to a portal that can be seen in real time. The briefs are worn for three days.

The actigraphy watch, worn for seven days, is used to monitor movement and sleeping/waking patterns over an extended time period. For instance, you can see that someone got up to go to the bathroom and compare it to the smart brief to see if they’ve had incontinence.

And the bladder scanner shows how much urine is in the bladder, which is helpful for those dealing with issues such as urine retention.

Data from these three technologies are merged with the assessment conducted by CIS staff, to develop an individualized care plan to improve incontinence. Tools used could include pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback, scheduled bathroom breaks and lifestyle changes. [1]

Occupational therapy is very involved in this effort as the therapists work with residents on bladder retraining and exercises.

“We’re able to give our residents back their ability to provide self-care and improve self-esteem by showing them ways to address incontinence,” said Karen Vetter, RN and CIS, Saint Therese of New Hope.

The STREAM program runs through December 2022, at which time a report will be completed with its findings and successes. But anecdotally, it can be said that resident family members, and staff at the senior living organizations, are encouraged by this effort to preserve and return dignity and freedom to their loved ones.

“I also believe it makes our nurses better,” said Moon. “We want them to practice at the height of their expertise and STREAM helps them achieve that.”

The Saint Therese program is overseen by Moon who is also the CIS at Saint Therese of Oxbow. Others on the STREAM team include Karen Vetter, RN, Saint Therese of New Hope, and Jeanna McLean, RN, Saint Therese of Woodbury.

[1] Urinary Incontinence in Older Adults, National Institute on Aging, https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/urinary-incontinence-older-adults.

Healthcare Executive Craig W. Abbott Named President & CEO Of Saint Therese

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 19:20:00 GMT

Saint Louis Park, Minn. (April 22, 2022) – The Saint Therese Board of Directors has completed its nationwide search for a new chief executive and named Craig W. Abbott as its incoming President & Chief Executive Officer. He will join Saint Therese in late May.

Abbott will succeed Barb Rode, Saint Therese’s current President and CEO, who will continue to lead the organization until late May. Rode is retiring after 21 years of exceptional and dedicated leadership that has guided the nonprofit organization through successful growth and maturation to become the Twin Cities’ premiere provider of senior housing ranging from independent living to skilled nursing.

Abbott’s career began in non-profit aging services in 1993 with Volunteers of America National Services. He’s also held operational leadership roles with other non-profit organizations including The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society and Minnesota Masonic Homes.

Most recently, Abbott served as Executive Vice President of Health Dimensions Group (a privately held company based in Minneapolis), which provides third party management services and client consulting serves to clients across all 50 states. Over the last 17 years, Abbott has held a myriad of executive leadership positions at Health Dimensions Group.

Throughout Abbott’s career, his responsibilities have progressed from single-site skilled nursing facility leadership, to providing multi-site operational, consultative and executive leadership roles on a nationwide basis. He is a seasoned and highly respected industry leader and trusted strategic advisor, well versed and experienced in all aspects of aging care and services. In addition to working with existing communities, Abbott also comes to Saint Therese with experience developing, opening, managing, and expanding start-up senior living communities.

“We are very enthusiastic about working with such an accomplished senior living professional,” said Patrick Taffe, Chairman of the Board of the Saint Therese Board of Directors. “Transitions to new leadership in any organization are inevitable and involve both continuity and change. We believe Craig is uniquely qualified to continue to lead our efforts to successfully turn the many challenges facing the senior care industry, and more specifically Saint Therese into opportunities.”

These opportunities, Taffe added, include the changing needs and expectations of the metro area’s diverse and growing older population, to dealing with the current workforce challenges, to repositioning the New Hope Campus project and the expansion of Saint Therese campuses to Corcoran.

As a licensed Nursing Home Administrator in the State of Minnesota, Abbott was a previous recipient of the Kal Michaels Administrator of the Year Award, he has served on the Board of Directors for Leading Age Minnesota, has led multiple organizations that have received “Great Places to Work” designation, was appointed to Governor Pawlenty’s Task Force for State Veteran’s Homes and was recently named to Leading Age Minnesota’s 50 for the next 50.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Hospital/Healthcare Administration from Moorhead State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia College, both located in Moorhead. In addition, he holds an MBA Certification in Healthcare, Business and Quality Management from the University of St. Thomas, Center for Medical Affairs in Minneapolis.

Saint Therese CEO Barb Rode to be Inducted into McKnight’s Hall of Honor

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 21:13:00 GMT

Barb Rode, President & CEO of Saint Therese, will be inducted into the McKnight’s Hall of Honor, a distinction given to women at an executive level in the senior living industry who have had a significant effect on their organization or industry. She will be inducted on May 13 in Chicago at McKnight’s 2022 Women of Distinction awards celebration.

This national honor comes on the eve of Rode’s retirement this year, after 21 years at the helm of the organization that provides senior care, housing, and services in communities throughout the Twin Cities.

During her tenure, Rode has driven exceptional growth and innovation for Saint Therese. The organization expanded from one senior community, Saint Therese of New Hope, adding two additional full continuum of care communities (Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake and Saint Therese of Woodbury), a palliative care facility (Saint Therese at St. Odilia), and a rehabilitation service, Ascend Rehabilitation.

Rode has led the effort to gain approval for a major renovation of its New Hope community, beginning this year, along with the construction of a new community in the northwest metro, Saint Therese of Corcoran.

She also strove to find better and more innovative ways to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of seniors. By seeing the big picture, noticing trends in the industry, and then setting a path to achieve her vision, Rode has propelled innovations in the areas of palliative care, cardiac care, and now artificial intelligence.

“I am incredibly honored and grateful to be recognized by my peers and the larger senior industry,” said Rode. “My years at Saint Therese have blessed and rewarded me with an extraordinary sense of accomplishment and a confidence that we are making the lives of seniors better through ordinary acts of kindness and compassion.”

“This is a fitting and shining capstone to Barb’s distinguished career at Saint Therese,” said Pat Taffe, Chair of the board for Saint Therese. “She will be remembered for her strategic vision and innovative spirit, but most importantly for her unrelenting passion and caring for seniors”

Rode was among 19 executives working in skilled nursing, senior living or home care who will be 2022 inductees into the Hall of Honor.

McKnight’s provides critical news and information for professionals in senior living and care.

The McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards program was judged by a national, independent panel of judges. Overall, 27 states are represented by the honorees across all categories.

Inside Saint Therese of New Hope-A Special Resident Story

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 14:34:00 GMT

Last July, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Barb Hemberger joined Saint Therese of New Hope as its Director of Sales & Marketing. Through her work at this landmark in the northwest suburbs she has gotten to know the residents and staff and witnessed first-hand the challenges and victories of those most touched by the events of this past year.

As she reflected on her experiences at Saint Therese of New Hope, Barb said “I especially want to share how hard the employees work to keep everyone safe; how patient and flexible our residents are as they adjusted to the new world; and how understanding and adaptable the families are, and have been, during this odd and scary year.”

For Barb, one of the blessings of working at Saint Therese of New Hope has been learning more about each of the residents and hearing their stories. “Each of our residents adds to the fabric of Saint Therese and together, their passions, memories and stories is, in part, what make Saint Therese of New Hope such a special place.”

One of the residents at Saint Therese of New Hope has kept herself occupied with her passion – art. We are excited to share with you her story.

Jeri Gilkey, Artist in Residence

Did you know that living among the residents at Saint Therese of New Hope is an artist? Jeri Gilkey probably wouldn’t call herself an artist, but the modest mother of four from St. Cloud, said she has always dabbled in art and always loved to draw. In fact, in high school one of her first forays was designing tombstones for the Kollman Monumental Works in St. Cloud.

She also worked at Herberger’s department store and designed the original rose that was used in its logo.

While she attended the Minneapolis College of Art & Design and took art classes at the St. Cloud Teacher’s College, Jeri said for the most part she learned on the job. The job that became her bread and butter was painting signs, both interior signs and on windows, for J. C. Penny. Another claim to fame – a charcoal portrait of a man was shown at the Walker Art Center.

Since moving to the Saint Therese of New Hope residence in late 2019, Jeri has kept herself occupied quietly painting in her apartment. She does all kinds of painting, except watercolor, and particularly likes pastels, oils and colored pencils. She also likes doing portraits and said one of her favorites is the one she did of her dad. “I really got his likeness,” she said.

A self-described lifelong learner, Jeri (who’s turning 96 this month), said she’s now trying to learn how to crochet!

Jeri’s beautiful art pieces are proudly displayed in her home at Saint Therese of New Hope. Stay tuned to read more stories about our extraordinary residents across all our campuses!

Precautions help protect seniors in care facilities

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 21:26:00 GMT

The Catholic Spirit | Joe Ruff and Barb Umberger | March 26, 2020

“This is something we can all do for one another,” Fr. Matthew Ehmke told the congregation at 10:30 a.m. Mass March 8 at Saint Therese of New Hope .

Presiding at the Mass, he was addressing liturgical restrictions in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, such as not using holy water and avoiding physical contact during the sign of peace, in order to curb spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Just 10 days later, as the virus spread across Minnesota, Archbishop Bernard Hebda suspended all public Masses.

Now, Catholic residents of Saint Therese watch Mass on television in their rooms. Fr. Ehmke is exploring the possibility of distributing Communion to residents of the independent and assisted living facility. Visitors are not allowed in, unless a loved one is deathly ill. Residents can leave to go shopping and meet other needs, and many still eat in the dining area, but they abide by rules for social distancing set by health officials, Fr. Ehmke said.

Saint Therese is one example of the many providers with new restrictions, like visitor restrictions, that have gone into effect in Minnesota and many other parts of the country. These are seen as precautions to help protect seniors in care facilities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the respiratory illness it causes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , older adults are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Eight of 10 deaths reported in the U.S. have been adults age 65 and older. The advanced age of many long-term care residents, underlying health conditions and proximity to others can increase risk.

Facility administrators and clinical staff look to ongoing guidance from organizations including the CDC, the Minnesota Department of Health , the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services , and local and county public health agencies. The agencies regularly communicate specific guidelines on topics ranging from cleaning practices to visitor screening and restrictions.

The focus is on residents, but effective policies and procedures also help protect employees, vendors and visitors from becoming sick or passing on illness.

Beyond compliance with policies to protect residents’ health, facilities prioritize keeping family members informed and keeping life as normal and meaningful as possible for residents.

Fr. Ehmke, 81, has lived at Saint Therese for six years, and he helps with Masses and other pastoral care. Residents and employees have calmly implemented safety procedures, he said. Many are accustomed to similar precautions, though usually not as strict, when influenza and other viruses make their seasonal appearances, he said.

“When you get old, you’ve been through a thing or two,” he said.

COVID-19: How you can lend a hand to help Saint Therese

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 16:37:00 GMT

As many of you have seen via social media, Saint Therese is focused on guest and resident well-being — ensuring they thrive in a holistically healthy environment. That means each person’s physical, spiritual and emotional wellness is a priority.

Since restricting visitors and adhering to social distancing guidelines in an effort to protect our communities against COVID-19, we have been simply overwhelmed by your heartfelt requests to help our residents, guests and employees. Here are a few things you can do to lend a hand:

Send a love note to Saint Therese residents.

• N95 masks (3M 1860; 1860S; 1870PLUS preferred)
• Procedural Masks

PLEASE NOTE: factory-made masks can only be used by our employees if donated in original packaging.

Please kindly contact any of our communities to secure a drop-off time with our Executive Director. You may also mail items to any address listed here.

Get crafty: make homemade masks for our caregivers.

Cloth health care masks can be effective in protecting caregivers from COVID-19 if made with a non-woven filter. Thank you, North Memorial Health , for this great video tutorial:

If you’d like to share a little love with the residents, send a love note! We welcome your words of encouragement, letters, trivia, word games, riddles, jokes or anything else you’d like to pass along.

You can send a note directly to marketing@sainttherese.org with an attached JPEG, Word doc or PDF. Or, you may also send a letter via USPS to any of our communities , C/O: Activities.

Send us your unused face masks.

Just like other health care providers, Saint Therese is impacted by the nation’s shortage in medical supplies. Whereas we’re practicing strict conservation methods, our caregivers welcome and appreciate any unused supplies you may be interested in sharing with us.

Jennifer Tessmer-Tuck, MD of North Memorial Health Hospital shows us how to make a cloth health care mask with filter pocket to protect employees & residents from COVID-19.

Please kindly contact any of our communities to secure a drop-off time with our Executive Director. You may also mail items to any address listed here.

Drop-off unused thermometers.

To protect our communities from the spread of COVID-19, we have implemented daily temperature checks for our employees. So we may continue to adhere to this policy, all Saint Therese locations are in-need of non-invasive thermometers:

• Temporal thermometers
• Infrared thermometers

Share our job postings with anyone seeking employment.

Our hearts are with those families who have been impacted by a lay-off or displacement due to COVID-19. Saint Therese has both clinical and non-clinical job opportunities where our welcoming teams are ready to support a candidate’s immediate start.

• Housekeepers
• Home Health Aides (HHA)
• Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA/NAR)
• RNs & LPNs
• Dining services: Servers, Aides & Cooks
• Business Office personnel
• Recreation Assistants

Contact our human resources team if you need any assistance or accomodations. (And, by the way, we’re Equal Opportunity Employer.)

Fulfill our Activities teams’ wish lists.

Saint Therese’s activities teams are creatively working to keep residents engaged, entertained and in good spirits! A few items have been requested on behalf of our residents:

Beanie Babies
BINGO prizes
Individually wrapped candy
Large-print crosswords
Large-print word finds
Large-print Sudoku
Magazines
Adult coloring books (Skill: easy)
Easter baskets & filling
Single-person craft kits
Pens
Markers, crayons & colored pencils
Stationary & postage stamps
Bright, fun stickers
Quilting squares, fabric & fabric glue (Oxbow Lake)
Sewing kits, needles & thread (Oxbow Lake)

Activities’ items may be brought to any Saint Therese community and dropped off at our front entrance. Please label your donation as being for Saint Therese Activities. We would appreciate if you also included your name and address so we may properly thank you for your support.

Take a moment to pray.

As we all adjust to a new lifestyle for the time being, consider saying a prayer for those who have suffered loss, those going above and beyond to safeguard others’ health and for those whose spirits need a little extra strength.

Remember, we’re in this together.

You provide the encouragement and inspiration to continue making every day extraordinary at Saint Therese. We cannot thank you enough for taking time out of your day to spread a little love to our residents, guests and employees. Your efforts help Saint Therese stay focused on resident well-being. We consider ourselves lucky to have such amazing people making up the Saint Therese family. God bless you all and be well!

Saint Therese of Woodbury will be Empira-Connected

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:06:00 GMT

Empira Resource Nurse, Kelly Klund, LPN, will lead the year-long journey.

Supported through the combination of Saint Therese’s mission of doing ordinary things with extraordinary love and Empira’s vision of a future where aging is better tomorrow than today, Saint Therese of Woodbury is excited to announce that we are on the year-long journey to become an Empira-Connected Community!

Empira-Connected Communities acknowledge residents, guests, families and employees are more so united by what is commonly shared as opposed to differences separating us. Each person has a need to be understood and feel valued as well as the desire to thrive physically and identify with something bigger than ourselves.

Throughout this year-long project, we will look deeply into our internal and external operational practices to ensure we provide the best care and services to meet the mental, physical and spiritual needs of everyone belonging to the Saint Therese family.

While RCA is typically known for being explored when issues or roadblocks arise, it’s actually an extraordinary tool to be used when something goes right— to ensure that it happens again! We believe focusing performance improvement or the development of best practice at the very root cause is much more effective than merely reacting to every day success.

Saint Therese of Woodbury will be an Empira-Connected Community before we know it. We’re ready to embark on this journey because of the exceptional commitment of everyone at Saint Therese. Thank you for your willingness to act as pioneers, taking on a new approach to aging and positioning Saint Therese as industry leaders in quality improvement programming.

Empira Resource Nurse Kelly Klund, LPN will help lead this journey at Saint Therese of Woodbury. She’ll work with us to promote meaningful and active engagement as well as help us to protect our valuable sleep at night so we can live our best lives. We’re excited for this partnership with Empira! Our work together will ensure our community is a place where everyone feels like part of our family.

Together, we’ll get to know the people making up the heart of Saint Therese on a deeply meaningful level. By promoting the use of root cause analysis (RCA), our team will employ a more structured method of problem-solving to efficiently learn what, how and why a problem occurs. Then, we can determine how to prevent it from happening again.

Four Saint Therese of New Hope personnel awarded by LeadingAge

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 14:55:00 GMT

Jodi Boyne | LeadingAge Minnesota | January 29, 2020

Doing ordinary things with extraordinary love is the mission of Saint Therese and you need not look further than a receptionist, volunteer and two nursing assistants from that community to see individuals who are living that mission and demonstrating their commitment to their Safe Care for Seniors pledge .

Meet the latest recipients of LeadingAge Minnesota ‘s Make Zero Harm Possible awards — four Saint Therese of New Hope personnel awarded by LeadingAge Minnesota for their commitment to seniors:

Mary Forman, Volunteer: Mary began volunteering at Saint. Therese of New Hope in 2016. She has an extensive background in nursing and nursing management and has utilized those skills and her own personal experience as a caregiver for her mother to help people with dementia. Mary dedicates her time to residents in the memory care unit, where she practices four simple but valuable principles: be present, acknowledge people, pay attention and listen. She is also an inspiration to the families of the loved ones she serves and [employees] at Saint Therese of New Hope.

“The City of New Hope is the first city in Minnesota to be named a Safe Care for Seniors city and it is because of the actions and dedication by people like Mary Forman, Veronica Reyes, Julie Scalze and Lawrence Wills that all who live and work at Saint Therese of New Hope are experiencing a life well lived. We are truly honored to recognize these individuals who each serve seniors in different ways for their shared commitment to provide safe, quality care, services and support.”

– Gayle Kvenvold, President and CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota

“Mary zeroes in and can spot a stressed resident who needs some extra attention. She validates the residents and the staff who work with her and makes everyone feel important. Mary inspires me to go the extra mile.”

– Jodi Halvorson, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator, Saint Therese of New Hope

Veronica Reyes, Nursing Assistant : Veronica has been employed at Saint Therese of New Hope for four years and has distinguished herself as an outstanding nursing assistant among residents and [employees]. Her positive attitude radiates through the entire team and everyone knows when she is working because her smile and kindness are contagious. Veronica constantly provides safe and compassionate care to all she serves and makes sure that every resident looks their best before they leave their room for the day.

Julie Scalze, Receptionist : In her role as receptionist, Julia is the eyes and ears of Saint Therese of New Hope. She always looks out for residents and pays special attention to their comings and goings to make sure they are safe and secure. Julia is also attentive to visitors, making sure everyone is warmly greeted, signs in and has a visitor’s badge so they are known to everyone in the community.

Lawrence Wills , Nursing Assistant : In the time Lawrence has been a Nursing Assistant at Saint Therese of New Hope, he has provided compassionate care to all he serves, is known for the professionalism in how he approaches his work and exemplifies the organization’s mission. Lawrence enthusiastic about his work, demonstrates empathy as he goes above and beyond what is expected of him, and as a result has made a greater personal connection with residents and families.

Congratulations to these extraordinary four Saint Therese of New Hope personnel awarded by LeadingAge Minnesota. Our organization is incredibly proud of Mary, Veronica, Julie and Lawrence. We’re simply blessed to have each driving our mission and providing safe, secure, dignified and compassionate care to our residents and their families every day.

Resident Harold Hansen: Spirit of Aging award recipient

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:45:00 GMT

LeadingAge Minnesota’s Spirit of Aging award celebrates seniors who embody active, vibrant aging, engage in activities that defy stereotypes and strive to make a difference in the lives of others. And, there’s no better example than Saint Therese resident Harold Hansen.

There are countless reasons why Harold “Hans” Hansen was honored with this award and we’re so proud to share each of them.

Harold and his wife, Delores, have been independent living residents of Saint Therese of Woodbury since the community opened its doors in 2016. Both Hans and Delores, living well in their 90s, lead active, social lifestyles and show no signs of slowing down.

Harold is a regular volunteer in our community. He willingly shares his time in an effort to spread joy to others.

“Harold’s selflessness, deep compassion, and charismatic spirit are infectious in our community. He is a companion and advocate for everyone and, above all, he embodies active and vibrant aging.”

– Katie Leonard, director of community life at Saint Therese of Woodbury

One of Harold’s greatest gifts is his incredible craftsmanship in the art of woodworking. Harold uses our community woodshop to create items requested by other residents, to support the needs of our employees and even to build donations for the Saint Therese Foundation .

After meeting with Woodbury, Minnesota’s EMS Commander, Harold learned how often seniors are alone when experiencing a medical emergency. He saw an an opportunity to further support the individuals living in his community and got to work. His creation, the “Buddy Block” system, is a safety process now embraced by everyone at Saint Therese of Woodbury .

So, how does it work? Harold hand-crafted wooden squares, yellow on one side; black on the other, for residents to put outside their apartment doors. During the day, residents turn the block to show the yellow side. In the evening, they flip the block to the black side. Every day, residents monitor one another’s well-being by keeping an eye on each other’s blocks. In the event a resident’s block isn’t turned for the current time-of-day, a neighbor will check-in with him or her. If contact can’t be made via phone or a door knock, the neighbor requests a safety check from reception.

Pretty incredible, right?

Harold’s activism doesn’t end there. He supports Saint Therese employees by offering words of reassurance, lighthearted humor and complimenting even the smallest of things.

“As a first-time administrator, I cannot forget the long road of building trust and proving my credibility with the residents and staff. Harold would send me encouraging emails after a particularly challenging Resident Council or leave a funny joke on my desk [when its needed most]. I have several cherished emails I re-read during difficult days. It is these seemingly little things that have such a large impact on our team.”

– Katelyn Nowack, executive director, Saint Therese of Woodbury

Some of the other, mission-driven projects Harold has finished with extraordinary love:

Specially designed and installed kneelers for the existing chairs in our chapel so his friends and neighbors may pray more comfortably during Mass and times of reflection
Numerous beautifully crafted, raised garden beds (designed with wheelchairs in-mind) so long-term care residents can easily enjoy tending to their plants
Hand-carved birds as donations for the Saint Therese Foundation to help raise money for community projects and activities for his friends and neighbors
A coat rack for our Club Room; no one asked him for it, he simply thought everyone just might like one there to share
A very special leisure cart — filled with magazines, books, crosswords, word finds, coloring books and more — meant to help employees bring a little extra joy to residents living in our long-term care neighborhoods
Magazine holders for the library in Saint Therese of Woodbury’s Town Center; to help us stay neat and organized

Harold’s zest for life continues to redefine senior living. His love for others has shaped the culture at Saint Therese in such a positive way.

As an entire organization, we’re so proud to not only celebrate Harold’s many accomplishments but to applaud his generosity, compassion and selflessness.

Meet Saint Therese’s Mailman: Irv Wiese

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 16:35:00 GMT

Saint Therese of Woodbury ‘s Superhero Volunteer of the Year for 2020

Imagine being bedridden and unable to do daily tasks, like simply getting your mail, without help. What if you relied on a wheelchair for mobility and dreaded picking up that package you’ve been anxiously awaiting because it’s physically difficult? Have you ever been so sick you allowed a lovely bouquet of delivered flowers to sit lonesome on your porch? These seemingly small situations weigh heavily on some residents and guests who worry over both anticipated and surprise deliveries.

Like most senior living communities, every day there is an abundant amount of packages, flowers and mail delivered to the nearly 300 residents and guests at Saint Therese of Woodbury .

The post Meet Saint Therese’s Mailman: Irv Wiese appeared first on Saint Therese Blog .

Irv Wiese is an independent living resident at Saint Therese of Woodbury who strives to alleviate that extra stress for his neighbors. Every day, he can be found in our care center, enthusiastically delivering mail and packages to long-term care residents and transitional care guests.

“He always shows up with a smile and a friendly ‘hello’, said Community Life Director Katie Leonard. “All our residents and guests have formed a special relationship with our ‘mailman’ and look forward to seeing him daily.”

The team at Saint Therese has nominated Irv for LeadingAge Minnesota ‘s Volunteer of the Year Award because he literally delivers our mission , do ordinary things with extraordinary love, every single day.

He helps me out by delivering mail and packages missing apartment numbers. I cannot say enough good things about Irv,” said Rural Carrier Associate Alanna Proctor, United States Postal Service . “He’s so friendly, personable, responsible and helpful! He… makes my job easier.”

Irv has been our resident since March 2016. After settling into his beautiful apartment with his wife, Delores, it didn’t take him long to realize there was a great need for someone to assist with mail and package deliveries throughout our care center.

It takes approximately 30-45 minutes each day for Irv to make his rounds. His delivers sometimes include newspapers and literature from our organization or community. When he was asked if he would like some assistance or would prefer to limit his volunteering to specific days, he quickly said no — he enjoys his duties and looks forward to seeing his neighbors every day.

Since Irv became an official volunteer at the end of 2016, (meaning his hours are recorded), he has gifted Saint Therese with more than 600 hours of his time!

“Irv may not be Superman, Spiderman or Aquaman but he is our ‘Superhero Mailman’ of Saint Therese of Woodbury,” said Caroline Cadalbert, marketing director. “Irv has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to older adults by going above and beyond his volunteer duties. That’s why we nominated him for the 2020 Volunteer of the Year with LeadingAge of Minnesota .”

And although Irv was not selected this year by LeadingAge, he’s truly a winner by our standards. We cannot thank him enough for everything he does — even the small things he does with the greatest of love.

Merry Christmas to our community members, friends & partners!

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 22:08:00 GMT

As a gift for Christmas to our community members, friends and partners, we invite you to enjoy this poem written by our talented care center residents at Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota .

The Hilltop

I’ve watched the seasons of my life
mixing together and blending in my heart…
Aspen leaves quaking in a light autumn breeze
brings my mind to a happy day long ago
when the shining sun feels peaceful…

Evening approaches inviting us on a trip to the Hilltop wagon rides.
With great excitement we get on that hay wagon…
children, family, friends, even a boyfriend.
Everyone is welcomed to join in the fun.

“The more the merrier,” we chant.

The scent of hay bales fills us as we jump on…
departing on a well-worn track
pulled by horses with a skilled guide
Stopping to toast marshmallows out in the field.

Reflections of our younger days,
Of children playing in the leaves after school.
I remember raking those same leaves…Then running through corn rows
Chasing, laughing, falling…
I look around me and notice all the things I have planted
are now growing beautifully.

Strolling and rolling into Anne Marie’s “chat group”,
we are greeted by new friends, old friends….
where we harvest our memories together
with our trusted guide, Anne Marie,
who pushes us to share stories, wisdom and reflections.

“You just know God is here with us.”

We feel so blessed to gather together…it warms our hearts
knowing that no matter the season of life
there will always be someone who cares and through the
busy chatter of the blue jays on this late October day,

We are grateful for our hayride of memories where all are welcomed.

Surrounded by friends this morning ,

We sit in fellowship at our chat group…our circle of trust
providing a safe place to bring our smiles, laughter and tears
as we walk this season of our lives
together, sharing prayers and love

And one more trip up to the Hilltop.

Written by Saint Therese at Oxbow Lake residents of the Roadhouse
and Lakehouse neighborhoods (October 2019)

Saint Therese residents give back to kids at Gillette

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 17:59:00 GMT

One special activity has a growing following: Kuddles for Kids.

Inspired by the Saint Therese community mission — do ordinary things with extraordinary love — residents throughout the Christmas season make fleece blankets for children at Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul.

“When I came into my role as a community life director here, one of the first things I did was to see what was missing… what did residents want that we didn’t offer?” said Katie Leonard.

The activities calendar at Saint Therese of Woodbury can make your head spin.

There’s bingo, movie night, stretch and flex, knitting club, Mass, manicures, pet therapy, coloring, Bible study, sundaes on Sunday, and dozens of additional offerings for residents of long-term, transitional and memory care communities as well as independent and assisted living neighborhoods.

Katie Leonard, director of community life

[Residents] wanted a purpose. A reason to give back.”

Patients at Gillette need comfort just as much as medical treatment. Having something warm and cuddly to snuggle with can make their hospital stay more pleasant and comfortable.

“When I discovered this need, I thought making fleece blankets was a good idea,” Leonard said. “It’s simple and easy to tie. And our residents love the fact that they are making something that will be given to kids at Gillette.”

Kuddles for Kids began last year, and about a dozen Saint Therese of Woodbury residents prepared and donated 50 tie-fleece blankets to Gillette. Leonard said they’ll easily surpass that number this year as the project draws about 20 participants from throughout the campus.

“A majority of the fleece fabric donations come in from our residents,” Leonard said. “They’ll go to JoAnn (Fabrics) with all the measurements when it’s 80 percent off, come in and rock-out 10 blankets.”

For Mary Paulson, 73, Kuddles for Kids has special meaning.

Mary McAlpine, left, and Audrey Betz of Saint Therese of Woodbury tie one of more than 50 blankets to be given to patients at Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul. They are among about 20 residents of the senior community working on the Christmas project | Nov. 14, 2019

“I had polio in 1946 and was in and out of Gillette for surgeries until age 18,” Paulson said. “Having been there and done that as a kid, it’s important that children know people care.”

Mary Paulson, Saint Therese resident

Gillette has special size requirements for the blankets and strict washing instructions prior to delivery.

“We have five volunteers who’ll take the blankets and wash them for us; they’re very serious about it,” Leonard said. “One told me, ‘My hands hurt so I can’t do the tying but I can wash them.’”

There’s another important benefit from Kuddles for Kids: the camaraderie of the residents uniting each week to undertake the blanket tying.

“There’s a lot of conversation while we’re working, and everyone is so satisfied to be doing something so worthwhile,” said Gretchen Helkamp, 84. “And it’s fun seeing all the cute fleece fabrics with all the fun patterns like Star Wars and geese and knowing how much the young people are going to enjoy these blankets,” she said.

Leonard plans to take interested Saint Therese residents to Gillette to drop- off the blankets on Dec. 20.

“Kuddles for Kids has been a fantastic project,” Leonard said. “It’s a great way for our residents to come together and give back.”

Saint Therese partners with Inver Grove Community College

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 16:19:00 GMT

Saint Therese of Woodbury was featured in an Inver Hills News blog post dated December 3, 2019.

To read the original post, click here .

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: NURSING

Nursing students visit healthcare facilities to study leadership in their field

During fall semester 2019, nursing students in their fifth semester at Inver Hills Community College (INCC) participated in a clinical experience as part of their Nursing Leadership 1 coursework. The students are graduating from INCC this December with their Associate of Science (A.S.) in Nursing ; most will continue on to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) via the Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education (MANE) program.

“The Nursing Leadership course is designed to allow students to apply leadership concepts to enhance quality and improve outcomes in a healthcare setting,” said Amy Matthys, MS/MA, RN, nursing faculty at the college. “Each clinical group is assigned a quality topic and a healthcare facility such as Saint Therese of Woodbury and Good Samaritan Society to study the topic in the field. Prior to arriving at the clinical site, the group researches the organizational structure, reviews the literature for best practices and analyzes available data.”

Amy added the nursing students gather further information through observation and inquiry. “The group interviews nursing leaders, considers available informatics and reviews current facility policies and procedures to formulate potential solutions that may impact their quality topic. The goal is to identify best practices and discuss how leaders—at all levels— can impact outcomes. At the end of the semester, each group summarizes and presents their findings to the facility nursing leaders at the clinical sites.”

Amy noted the nursing students realized their role as advocates and leaders (even as novice nurses) while providing fresh eyes and innovative ideas that delighted the nursing program’s clinical partners.

Student spotlight: Erica Rgnonti

Originally from Cottage Grove, Erica Rgnonti, 35, graduated from Park Senior High School in 2002. Erica is will graduate from INCC with her A.S. in nursing in December 2019.

Katelyn Nowack, LNHA
Executive Director
Saint Therese of Woodbury

Saint Therese of Woodbury’s perspective…

Saint Therese of Woodbury greatly values the partnership we have with Inver Hills. Not only do we get the opportunity to recruit the skilled nurses that come out of INCC’s program, we get to grow from their ideas.

One program we implemented was based on the student presentations on pain management. Because of this idea, our residents now receive comprehensive treatment of pain from point of admission that even the Minnesota Department of Health has complimented.

Another program we are currently working on is Walking Passport, which was brought forward as an idea from student presentations. This program will encourage residents to ambulate throughout our community and gives us an easy way to track the distance walked. The Walking Passport program is being introduced within our whole community, from independent living to memory and skilled care.

We are so grateful for the opportunity to work with INCC to strengthen the future leaders of healthcare while simultaneously improving the lives of the seniors we serve.

Erica has plans to continue her education at Metropolitan State University via MANE. The MANE curriculum is designed as a dual-admission Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in nursing program with the option to graduate with an A.S. degree after completion of 75 credits.

Before enrolling at INCC, Erica was a customer service manager at Webb Company. She also flipped houses. She is focused on becoming a registered nurse (RN). She is unsure which branch of nursing interests her the most.

Erica originally chose nursing as her career path because the field has so much variety and flexibility. She also likes that the knowledge she’ll gain will benefit all parts of her life, including caring for her mother as she ages.

Another key factor was that RNs make a good living. Erica and her family live a frugal lifestyle and she hopes to save money and invest in real estate to support her retirement.

Erica has been married eight years. Her husband, Dustin, works as an HP large-format printer specialist. They have two children: Ryland, 6, and Mira, 3. The family also has a Pomeranian named Onyx.

In her free time, Erica loves spending time with her family at home in West St. Paul. She also enjoys home projects and baking sweet treats.

Three words that describe Erica as a nursing student:
DEDICATED. MOTIVATED. PASSIONATE.

Q&A with Erica Rgnonti

Why did you choose nursing as your career path?
I chose nursing because I wanted a profession where there is a good outlook for job opportunities. I love people and I’m interested in healthcare.

What do you like best about the Nursing program at Inver Hills?
I love that the professors have real-life experience and are sincerely dedicated to your professional advancement.

How would you describe your experience at Saint Therese of Woodbury?
Saint Therese of Woodbury is a beautiful facility with a very positive atmosphere. The employees really value teamwork and show appreciation for others. Overall, Saint Therese is a place I could see myself working at in the future.

What is your greatest strength as a future RN?
I am a very passionate person who strives to do my best. I think passion is necessary for any profession and it will be reflected in my care when I start working.

Student spotlight: Hannah Mesmer

Hannah Mesmer, 22, grew up in Eagan, Minnesota. Hannah is a 2015 graduate of the School of Environmental Studies. She is on schedule to graduate from INCC with her A.S. in nursing in December 2019.

Hannah is making plans to transfer to either Metro State or Minnesota State Mankato to complete her B.S.N. through MANE. Her career goals are centered on working in pediatrics at a children’s hospital. She chose pediatrics because she has always enjoyed being around children.

“They are playful, honest, and look at the world in a beautiful way,” Hannah said. “Being able to help make their hospital visit more enjoyable and be an advocate for them is what I strive to achieve.”

Hannah’s mom, Monica, works at Nordstrom; her dad, Steve, is a strategic planning consultant for education technology start-ups and chief operating officer at Write the World. Hannah’s sister, Maddy, is majoring criminal justice at INCC.

Hannah enjoys spending time outside—she especially likes hiking. She loves acrylic and watercolor painting; exploring a variety of subjects. Her favorite movie genres are horror and sci-fi. She spends a majority of her free time with friends, family and her two dogs: Pickles, a 7-year-old Yorkshire/schnauzer mix, and Layla, a 2-year-old adopted mutt. Hannah resides with her family in Eagan.

Three words that describe Hannah as a nursing student:
POSITIVE. PASSIONATE. INTERPERSONAL.

Q&A with Hannah Mesmer

Why did you choose nursing as your career path?
From a young age, I have been interested in the medical field and the different approaches humans have developed to treat themselves. I knew I wanted to have a career in which I could make a difference in people’s daily lives and offer a positive helping hand when they need it most. For me, nursing is the perfect combination of these two things.

What do you like best about the nursing program at Inver Hills?
To describe what I like best about the nursing program at INCC is difficult because there are so many amazing attributes. The instructors have been invaluable resources since the beginning. They truly care about students and want every single one to become true nurses of excellence. Additionally, the community at INCC is outstanding, not only within the nursing program, but throughout the entire college; I have felt nothing but acceptance and support.

How would you describe your experience at Saint Therese of Woodbury?
My experience at Saint Therese has been incredible. Everyone we met with was exceptionally helpful and receptive to our project and the questions we posed. They have previously implemented students’ suggestions for quality improvement and seemed excited for the insights we will provide during our SWOT presentation. It has been an amazing opportunity to apply the knowledge we have gained in the classroom to an actual healthcare facility.

What is your greatest strength as a future RN?
I believe my greatest strength as a future RN is my positivity and ability to connect with others. In my experience, patients often just want to know their concerns and feelings are heard and validated. Through the use of therapeutic communication, you are able to establish a genuine connection and provide holistic nursing care, which is essential to recovery.

Student Spotlight: Nick Welisevich

Nick Welisevich, 33, is a 2004 graduate of Saint Agnes, a private, Catholic high school in his hometown of St. Paul. Nick will earn his A.S. in nursing and graduate from INCC this December.

Nick’s transfer plans include attending Metro State or Minnesota State Mankato to complete a B.S. via MANE or the University of Minnesota to complete a B.S. in nursing. Nick is looking forward to a career in pediatric oncology. His chose this branch of healthcare due to a remarkable experience he had as a patient at Saint Mary’s Hospital (see Q & A below). Before enrolling in the nursing program at INCC, Nick worked as a home health aide and hospice CNA.

Nick’s pastimes and hobbies include building personal computers, snowmobiling at the family cabin in Cumberland and playing soccer. Nick and his wife, Erica, have been married three years. He has a half-brother, Aedon, and a half-sister, Isabel, who is a college student in Ireland. Nick resides with Erica in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of St. Paul.

Three words that describe Nick as a nursing student:
OPTIMISTIC. RESILIENT. ALITTLEOFFMYROCKER.

Q&A with Nick Welisevich

Why did you choose nursing as your career path?
I got into healthcare as the result of picking up a part-time job at an assisted living facility and fell in love with the clientele. I didn’t decide I wanted to be a nurse, however, until I was at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rochester recovering from a second surgery related to my recent cancer diagnosis.

My surgery comprised being opened from the base of my neck all the way down to my pelvic region so doctors could remove 76 infected lymph nodes in my lower back. Needless to say, I was a difficult patient as I was in a tremendous amount of pain.

During my third day of recovery, I met a young girl who had a large portion of her skull removed. She asked me “how I was feeling”. A child who was in a much worse state than I was asking me if I was okay.

In this moment, everything was put in perspective for me. I realized not only do I want to care for people for the rest of my life, but especially children who are dealing with cancer.

What do you like best about the nursing program at Inver Hills?
The instructors. They are on a totally different level than anyone I’ve ever met before.

How would you describe your experience at Saint Therese of Woodbury?
Very welcoming and forthcoming!

What is your greatest strength as a future RN?
I have been told that my bedside manner is a gift that cannot be taught.

Interested in becoming a nurse?

To learn more about the nursing programs available at Inver Hills Community College, contact Diane Elifrits , interim director of nursing: 651.450.3470.

Saint Therese Resident credits St. Therese of Lisieux for WWII survival

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 15:07:00 GMT

The Catholic Spirit
Dave Hrbacek | October 30, 2019

A German Messerschmitt fighter plane was bearing down on
Don Stoulil’s B-17 bomber as he flew a mission during World War II.

Stoulil, the pilot, looked out the windshield of his cockpit and saw the enemy plane zooming straight at him with machine guns blazing.

“This is it,” he thought, as he braced for the barrage of bullets that he expected to blast through the glass and tear into his body.

It didn’t happen. Not one piece of lead penetrated the cockpit. Stoulil, a member of Sacred Heart in Robbinsdale, recently offered his explanation during an interview with The Catholic Spirit . He believes he had a layer of protection no German machine gun could penetrate — a first-class relic of St. Therese of Lisieux. Tucked into the pocket of his uniform pants, it was with him on every mission. He believes St. Therese kept him alive in the cockpit during six months of bombing runs that ended in 1944 when he reached the end of his tour of duty and returned to the U.S.

The then-22-year-old got the relic from a chaplain, Father Edmund Skoner, at an airfield in Molesworth, England, shortly after arriving in December 1943. After surviving 31 bombing missions into Germany, Stoulil came to believe that St. Therese was watching over him. He escaped several close calls and saw other planes flying near his get hit and go down. Nary a bullet touched his cockpit. Only once did a member of his 10-man crew get injured. None were killed.

‘The Little Flower’

Today, the 98-year-old, who married after the war and had four children with his late wife, Shirley, is as passionate as ever about his favorite saint, “The Little Flower.” Fittingly, he lives at a facility in New Hope that bears her name: St. Therese of New Hope . He has told his story numerous times, both to Sacred Heart parishioners and students at Sacred Heart Catholic School.

Don Stoulil |Army Air Corps Veteran and Resident of Saint Therese of New Hope

“St. Therese, oh, she took care of us — absolutely,” said Stoulil, 98. “She means just about everything because I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for St. Therese.”

Stoulil crossed paths with the relic by chasing his boyhood dream of becoming a pilot. He had what he called “a romance with the clouds.” Growing up in Olivia about two hours west of the Twin Cities, he often would run out of his house to watch World War I-era planes fly overhead.

After graduating from high school in 1938, he enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1940 with the hope of becoming a pilot. He was placed into the regular Army after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. Transferred to Camp Haan in California, he noticed a nearby aviation training facility called March Field.

“I used to watch those B-17s take off over at March Field,” he said. “My body was in Camp Haan; my heart was over there across the road at March Field. I wanted to get in the (Army) Air Corps.”

It took some persistence. Initially, he was assigned to operate anti-aircraft artillery. That landed him in Alaska, where U.S. forces were anticipating a Japanese attack. For several months, it looked as though his military tour would involve firing at enemy fighter planes.

“But, I still had my heart in the air,” he said. “I wanted to do that more than anything else in the world.”

With the help of a commanding officer, he was able to go to Anchorage to apply for aviation cadet training in the Army Air Corps (now called the Air Force). He was rejected the first time because of a medical condition, but eventually passed in June 1942. The news “was like going to heaven,” he said.

Once in flight school, he chose to be a bomber pilot and was assigned to the 303rd Bomb Group in Molesworth, England.

Sharing his story

There he met the chaplain who gave him the relic. The details are still fresh in his mind, and eighth-graders at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Robbinsdale heard them over several years during presentations Stoulil gave at the school.

“It was awesome just to be able to listen to him talk,” said Alex Bowback, 24, who heard Stoulil’s presentation in 2009 as an eighth-grader. “If I (would have) had a recording device then, I would have wanted to record his whole story. It was admirable to hear him speak about his experiences.”

Bowback remembers Stoulil bringing his leather flight jacket. Bowback said his best friend even got to try it on. The jacket is one of Stoulil’s prized possessions, and he still fits into it today.

Stoulil was first invited to speak at the school by a teacher, Julie Harty, who thought he would be a good fit for middle schoolers. He landed in the classroom of social studies teacher Pat Greshwalk, who has since retired. She said he was a hit each time with the students — and with her.

“I thought he was just fascinating because … he took you there, back to World War II,” Greshwalk said. “When you hear it from a person who actually experienced it, it’s real. … You could feel the fear and the bravery and the tenaciousness of these pilots.”

Principal Karen Bursey, who also taught at the school and went there herself, knew Stoulil from childhood because she was friends with one of his daughters. She said she was “thrilled” when she found out he had agreed to come to the school to share his story.

“Don is such an animated person, and his memory is so sharp,” said Bursey. “His eyes just sparkled when he talked about (his experiences). And, he made it interesting for the kids, and he knew the stories that they would enjoy. Classes were only 50 minutes, and when class was up, they wanted to keep going with Don instead of going on to their next (class).”

Stoulil wants to make sure his story — especially the part about the relic — lives on. After carrying the relic in his pocket for decades after coming home, he gave it to the pastor of Sacred Heart , Father Bryan Pedersen, three years ago. The two met just a week after Father Pedersen came to Sacred Heart in 2008. They forged a friendship through weekly breakfasts at a local restaurant after morning Mass, and built a trust that motivated Stoulil to place the relic in his pastor’s care.

“I just felt humbled that he would want me to have that relic,” Father Pedersen said.

Meanwhile, Stoulil continues his devotion to St. Therese. He currently is reading her autobiography, “The Story of a Soul,” and also makes regular visits to a smaller, secondary prayer space at his care facility called Little Flower Chapel. He goes to this chapel for Mass twice a week and tries to stop by daily to acknowledge the saint’s help in the cockpit of his B-17.

“I go by there and I’ll say, ‘Thank you, Therese, for 31,’” he said. “She got me through those 31 missions without a scratch. There were some mighty, mighty, mighty close calls. If it hadn’t been for her taking care of me, I wouldn’t be here right now.”

Father Pedersen is glad to have the chance to know someone from what is known as The Greatest Generation. The priest said Stoulil is “a man of service, and dedicated to country, to family and to his faith, the Catholic faith in particular. We need more men like Don Stoulil today. Our world, our country would be far better off.”

Saint Therese renews commitment to safe senior care

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 16:49:00 GMT

The City of New Hope Declared Minnesota’s First Safe Care for Seniors City

1. Commitment, training & engagement in Safe Care for Seniors program

2. Designation of a Safety Champion to lead improvement initiatives

3. Ongoing participation in learning & improvement opportunities

4. Engage seniors & families in ways to grow community, safety & quality

5. Build & strengthen a culture of safety

Inspired by Saint Therese’s ongoing commitment to compassionate senior care, City of New Hope Mayor Kathi Hemken spoke during the event and declared the City of New Hope a Safe Care for Seniors City—a first for Minnesota.

On October 23, community members gathered at Saint Therese of New Hope to renew their commitment to enhancing seniors’ lives with respect, safety, dignity by taking the Safe Care for Seniors Pledge, a movement designed by LeadingAge Minnesota to empower senior communities to create and strengthen inclusive, safe and trusted places seniors are proud to call home. The Safe Care for Seniors pledge is focused on respect, dignity and preventing harm and kicks-off the implementation of an organization-wide five-step action plan:

– City of New Hope Mayor Kathi Hemken

“The City of New Hope commends Saint Therese for its pledge to serve seniors with safe care. Our city council supports the Safe Care for Seniors program in our community.”

Creating a culture of safety and person-centered, holistic care has been a key focus for Saint Therese since 1968. And in the years since, the organization has thoughtfully grown around what’s right for residents, families and the neighborhoods it serves. Today, the organization operates five Twin Cities’ senior living communities providing a continuum of compassionate care that incorporates everything from independent living to long-term, memory and comfort care.

– Brooke Peoples, Executive Director of Saint Therese of New Hope

“We united to renew our heartfelt commitment to seniors; to always advocate for safe community living and be driven by our faith-based Guiding Behaviors so we provide the best care with respect, dignity and extraordinary love.”

In addition to Saint Therese employees attending the event, senior residents and their families were present as well as notable representatives from in and around the New Hope area. West Metro Fire & Rescue , the New Hope Police Department , State Representative Lyndon Carlson and Minnesota Senator Karin Housley were among the those pledging to advocate for seniors’ quality of life.

CEO receives top leadership award

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 17:57:00 GMT

Barb Rode, President & CEO, Saint Therese was recently honored by LeadingAge Minnesota with the Ray Johnson Pioneer Leadership Award.

Fear Falling? NASA Has Residents’ Backs

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 18:03:00 GMT

Until recently, Phyllis Sisinni, a member of St. John in Hugo and resident of St. Therese of Woodbury, had a very real fear of falling. Learn more .

Comfort(ing) Food at Saint Therese

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 18:01:00 GMT

Newman’s Own Foundation featured our St. Odilia community on CommonGood , a website meant to share every day good often overlooked.

Local Liberians Rally to Salvage Deportation Protection Program

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 18:05:00 GMT

Liberians in Minnesota are making a last-ditch push to save a little-known deportation reprieve program, lobbying on Capitol Hill and issuing a plea to local employers. Learn more .

New Saint Therese Senior Apartments Open

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 18:07:00 GMT

Saint Therese officially opened an addition of 64 senior apartment units at its Woodbury campus on Nov. 21. The Redwoods serves independent living residents. Learn more .