Top 5 Blog Posts — Dec. 5, 2016
Did you miss last week's most-read Changing Aging blog posts? Ecumen's online visitors found these articles most interesting:
State Loan Forgiveness Program for Nursing Home Nurses Accepting Applications Now
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is now taking applications for its loan forgiveness for nursing home RNs and LPNs. The award is up to $5,000 a year for up to four years — not to exceed $20,000.
The Soothing Role of Music in Hospice Care
At the end of life, music’s natural calming effect can help hospice patients express and experience a wide array of emotions at a time when self-expression and coping matter more than ever.
The Comfort of Touch in Hospice Care
Hospice is fundamentally about giving peace, support and comfort to people in the last stages of life. Often there is pain that cannot be managed by medication — a deeper spiritual pain and anxiety. Alternative and holistic therapies can help in ways conventional medicine cannot. Massage therapy is one of the most effective ways to help hospice patients relax and find comfort in their last days and hours.
How to Start Exercising Again After a Break
It can be hard to keep a normal exercise routine, especially during this busy holiday season. The National Institute on Aging offers some tips on restarting and staying on track with your exercise regimen after a break.
Grief and the Holidays: 15 Ways to Cope
“If your life has changed, then certainly your holidays will change,” said Chris Quistad, Ecumen’s Director of Spiritual Care. “Although there is no avoiding the holidays, there are ways to cope with both the grief that change brings and the stress that the holidays bring,” she added.
You can read these articles and more at www.ecumen.org.
Top 5 Blog Posts — Nov. 28, 2016
Did you miss last week's most-read Changing Aging blog posts? Ecumen's online visitors found these articles most interesting:
Grief and the Holidays: 15 Ways to Cope
“If your life has changed, then certainly your holidays will change,” said Chris Quistad, Ecumen’s Director of Spiritual Care. “Although there is no avoiding the holidays, there are ways to cope with both the grief that change brings and the stress that the holidays bring,” she added.
The Comfort of Touch in Hospice Care
Hospice is fundamentally about giving peace, support and comfort to people in the last stages of life. Often there is pain that cannot be managed by medication — a deeper spiritual pain and anxiety. Alternative and holistic therapies can help in ways conventional medicine cannot. Massage therapy is one of the most effective ways to help hospice patients relax and find comfort in their last days and hours.
Facing the Holidays with an Empty Chair: Ecumen Hospice Hosts Remembrance Service
The first holidays after the death of a loved one can be a looming and stressful time for loved ones. To help the family and friends of those who passed away in Ecumen Hospice this year cope with the upcoming holidays, Ecumen Hospice staff recently hosted a remembrance service.
Five Ecumen Sites Get National “Best Nursing Home” Rating from U.S. News & World Report
Five Ecumen owned and managed sites in Minnesota have received a “Best Nursing Home” rating by U.S. News & World Report magazine.
The Mission of Hospice Vigil Volunteers: Comfort at the Very End of Life
As St. Paul resident Molly McCarthy was considering volunteer opportunities, she remembered a significant event in her own life – when her father was in hospice just before he died. So Molly signed up with Ecumen Hospice-Twin Cities to become a vigil volunteer.
You can read these articles and more at www.ecumen.org.
Top 5 Blog Posts — Nov. 21, 2016
Did you miss last week's most-read Changing Aging blog posts? Ecumen's online visitors found these articles most interesting:
Five Ecumen Sites Get National “Best Nursing Home” Rating from U.S. News & World Report
Five Ecumen owned and managed sites in Minnesota have received a “Best Nursing Home” rating by U.S. News & World Report magazine.
The Mission of Hospice Vigil Volunteers: Comfort at the Very End of Life
As St. Paul resident Molly McCarthy was considering volunteer opportunities, she remembered a significant event in her own life – when her father was in hospice just before he died. So Molly signed up with Ecumen Hospice-Twin Cities to become a vigil volunteer.
A Good Night’s Sleep is a Key Player in Healthy Aging
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says that, older adults need roughly the same amount of sleep as all adults—7 to 9 hours each night. But, in the cases of many older adults, this is not reality due to variables such as chronic pain, sickness, or even medication.
Ecumen CEO Kathryn Roberts Urges Colleagues To End Ageism
Ecumen CEO Kathryn Roberts, who is also LeadingAge Board Chair, addressed providers from around the country on a subject she is personally passionate about: ending ageism.
Ecumen Detroit Lakes Women Honored for Community Leadership
Two Ecumen Detroit Lakes women – Sandy Lia, a 36-year employee and Marie Lundburg, a 99-year-old resident – recently were featured in Women 360, a magazine all about Becker County women, published by Detroit Lakes Newspapers.
You can read these articles and more at www.ecumen.org.
Top 5 Blog Posts — Nov. 14, 2016
Did you miss last week's most-read Changing Aging blog posts? Ecumen's online visitors found these articles most interesting:
Ecumen CEO Kathryn Roberts Urges Colleagues To End Ageism
Ecumen CEO Kathryn Roberts, who is also LeadingAge Board Chair, addressed providers from around the country on a subject she is personally passionate about: ending ageism.
Our Favorite Veterans Day Stories Told by Ecumen Residents
Many Ecumen residents are veterans with rich and deeply moving stories about their military experience and how profoundly it influenced their lives. On this blog we try to capture those stories as a way to thank our veterans and memorialize their service. Here are links to some of our favorite stories over the past few years.
Read the "History of Veterans Day"
Do you know the historical significance of November 11?
Teamwork and Training Save the Life of an Ecumen Bethany Community Employee
Lynn Malvin knew she worked with a great team at Ecumen Bethany Community in Alexandria. She found out how truly great they are the day they saved her life.
Deb Dodgen of Ecumen Meadows Named Volunteer of the Year by State Activity Organization
The Minnesota Statewide Activity Professionals (MN SWAP) recently named Deb Dodgen as Volunteer of the Year for her work at Ecumen Meadows in Worthington, Minn.
You can read these articles and more at www.ecumen.org.
Top 5 Blog Posts — Nov. 7, 2016
Did you miss last week's most-read Changing Aging blog posts? Ecumen's online visitors found these articles most interesting:
Teamwork and Training Save the Life of an Ecumen Bethany Community Employee
Lynn Malvin knew she worked with a great team at Ecumen Bethany Community in Alexandria. She found out how truly great they are the day they saved her life.
Heritage at Irene Woods Voted “Best Assisted Living”
Heritage at Irene Woods, an Ecumen-managed senior living community near Memphis, Tenn., has been voted “Best Assisted Living” in the Collierville area by readers of the Collierville Independent.
Deb Dodgen of Ecumen Meadows Named Volunteer of the Year by State Activity Organization
The Minnesota Statewide Activity Professionals (MN SWAP) recently named Deb Dodgen as Volunteer of the Year for her work at Ecumen Meadows in Worthington, Minn.
Ecumen Names Stacy Hanley Chief Philanthropy Officer
Stacy Hanley has been named Ecumen’s Executive Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer.
A Walk Through Time with Dr. John Sanford and Dr. Julie Moller at Ecumen Lakeshore
Today, like every day, Doctors Sanford and Moller are making their rounds at Ecumen Lakeshore in Duluth. It’s been a few years since they practiced medicine, but their regular walks through the rehabilitation unit and around the campus are a reassuring ritual.
You can read these articles and more at www.ecumen.org.
Top 5 Blog Posts — Oct. 31, 2016
Did you miss last week's most-read Changing Aging blog posts? Ecumen's online visitors found these articles most interesting:
An Art Trove at Ecumen Meadows Wows the Worthington Community
Art treasures were hiding behind closed doors throughout Ecumen Meadows in Worthington.
Ecumen Considers Operating Skyway Senior Center in Minneapolis
The popular Skyway Senior Center in Minneapolis has a funding crunch, and Ecumen received approval from the Minneapolis City Council last week to study the center’s work and possibly assume responsibility for its operation.
A Tribute to Pastor John Peterson, Beloved Hospice Chaplain in Litchfield
Pastor John Peterson recently retired as chaplain at Ecumen Home Care & Hospice-Litchfield. The staff held a retirement party for him and reminisced about his special way of comforting people.
Scott McGuire Named Ecumen CFO
Scott McGuire has been named Ecumen’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He replaces Dennis Johnson, who retired after 11 years with Ecumen.
Ecumen Housing Director Kiza Olson Participating in Blandin Foundation Leadership Program
Kiza Olson, Housing Director at Ecumen Oaks & Pines in Hutchinson, Minn., is among 24 Litchfield area residents participating in the Blandin Foundation’s Community Leadership Program.
You can read these articles and more at www.ecumen.org.
Top 5 Blog Posts — October 17, 2016
Did you miss last week's most-read Changing Aging blog posts? Ecumen's online visitors found these articles most interesting:
Ecumen Bethany Community Named Employer of the Year by Lakes Area Professional Women
Ecumen Bethany Community in Alexandria, Minn., has been named the Employer of the Year (in the large employer category) by Lakes Area Professional Women. The annual award recognizes employers who make opportunities available to women employees.
An Understandable Explanation of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer's is a complex condition that eludes simplification. But this 8-minute video expertly explains how it works, who it affects and what happens as it progresses.
Ecumen Velocity 2017 Class Holds First Workshop
The Ecumen Velocity 2017 held its first two-day session this week, focusing on the theme of “Authenticity and Emotional Intelligence.” The workshop included numerous leadership development activities, a Velocity alumni panel, and a discussion with CEO Kathryn Roberts.
A Purposeful Woman: Wendy Griese, Life Enrichment Manager at Grand Village
Wendy Griese is very clear about her purpose in life. It’s to help others find their purpose.
Dramatic Demographic Shift in Age Affects Employers, Seniors and Communities in Minnesota
Finding the right people to fill open positions is a growing challenge for employers all across Minnesota. It is a very serious issue aging care providers, who are faced with a double whammy of large numbers of retiring employees and a smaller pool from which to draw younger employees. This is especially concerning, because the senior portion of our population will continue to grow as Baby Boomers retire, and more and more people will need aging care services.
You can read these articles and more at www.ecumen.org.
Top 5 Blog Posts — October 10, 2016
Did you miss last week's most-read Changing Aging blog posts? Ecumen's online visitors found these articles most interesting:
Ecumen Velocity 2017 Class Holds First Workshop
The Ecumen Velocity 2017 held its first two-day session last week, focusing on the theme of “Authenticity and Emotional Intelligence.” The workshop included numerous leadership development activities, a Velocity alumni panel, and a discussion with CEO Kathryn Roberts.
A Purposeful Woman: Wendy Griese, Life Enrichment Manager at Grand Village
Wendy Griese is very clear about her purpose in life. It’s to help others find their purpose.
'Celebrating Wisdom'--A Short Video History of Aging in Minnesota
“Celebrating Wisdom,” sponsored by the Minnesota Board on Aging, is a Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) program that examines getting older in American and in Minnesota. It shines a light on many important aging issues for Minnesota's continuously changing landscape, including the impending "Age Wave" and the increasing diversity within the state's population.
The Aging Workforce Is a Wellspring of Opportunity
You don’t immediately become an empty husk of the person when you turn 60, writes Lee Naik, Managing Director of Accenture Digital. How, he asks, do we ensure that we’re not needlessly putting a whole generation out to pasture because they’ve hit some meaningless number?
Dramatic Demographic Shift in Age Affects Employers, Seniors and Communities in Minnesota
Finding the right people to fill open positions is a growing challenge for employers all across Minnesota. It is a very serious issue aging care providers, who are faced with a double whammy of large numbers of retiring employees and a smaller pool from which to draw younger employees. This is especially concerning, because the senior portion of our population will continue to grow as Baby Boomers retire, and more and more people will need aging care services.
You can read these articles and more at www.ecumen.org.
Top 5 Blog Posts — October 3, 2016
Did you miss last week's most-read Changing Aging blog posts? Ecumen's online visitors found these articles most interesting:
A Purposeful Woman: Wendy Griese, Life Enrichment Manager at Grand Village
Wendy Griese is very clear about her purpose in life. It’s to help others find their purpose.
Get Moving! It’s Active Aging Week — A Good Time To Change the Way You Age
Stand up and get moving! Those are the watchwords for Active Aging Week, which ran from September 25 to October 1. This year’s theme was “Explore the Possibilities.”
Dramatic Demographic Shift in Age Affects Employers, Seniors and Communities in Minnesota
Finding the right people to fill open positions is a growing challenge for employers all across Minnesota. It is a very serious issue aging care providers, who are faced with a double whammy of large numbers of retiring employees and a smaller pool from which to draw younger employees. This is especially concerning, because the senior portion of our population will continue to grow as Baby Boomers retire, and more and more people will need aging care services.
Ecumen Century Club: Happy 100th Birthday Irma Kreie
Ecumen honors Irma Kreie, a resident of Ecumen Oaks & Pines in Hutchinson, Minn.,who is 100.
Abiitan Mill City Executive Director Erwan Moison Speaks the Language of Hospitality
When it comes to customer service, Abiitan Mill City's new Executive Director does not mince words.
You can read these articles and more at www.ecumen.org.
Top 5 Blog Posts — September 26, 2016
Did you miss last week's most-read Changing Aging blog posts? Ecumen's online visitors found these articles most interesting:
Dramatic Demographic Shift in Age Affects Employers, Seniors and Communities in Minnesota
Finding the right people to fill open positions is a growing challenge for employers all across Minnesota. It is a very serious issue aging care providers, who are faced with a double whammy of large numbers of retiring employees and a smaller pool from which to draw younger employees. This is especially concerning, because the senior portion of our population will continue to grow as Baby Boomers retire, and more and more people will need aging care services.
Ecumen Celebrates National Adult Day Services Week
Ecumen joined care providers across the country to celebrate National Adult Day Services Week, September 18-24, 2016.
Music and Memories on the Jukebox at Ecumen Pathstone Living
Warren and Beverly Smith met their senior year of high school and married the following summer. It was the 1960s— a magical time when the music of Elvis and the Beatles played on jukeboxes all over town. Warren and Beverly loved that jukebox music, so much so that they put a jukebox right in the living room of their Mankato home.
Drama on the High Seas at Ecumen Prairie Lodge
The “mateys” at Ecumen Prairie Lodge in Brooklyn Center recently put on a pirate play, complete with pretend swords, sea monsters, booty and buccaneers. It was a glorious day of make-believe on the high seas as residents starred in Ahoy, Me Pirate Tale! — an interactive, improvisational play designed specifically for people with dementia.
Honoring Dr. John Beaumier and His Life of Giving Back
When a young John Beaumier was trying to make his way in the world, someone was always there for him. With help from others along the way, he became a highly accomplished Mayo-trained orthopedic surgeon who loved his work and prospered. Now a resident of The Crest at Ecumen Lakeshore, John deeply believes in paying his good fortune forward. In his retirement and throughout his career, he has generously given his time, money and expertise to others who need a little help.
You can read these articles and more at www.ecumen.org.