All posts tagged: "continue your story"
Home Posts Tagged "continue your story"
September Activity Calendar
Where did the summer go? September is here and sweater season is just around the corner. Due to continued Covid protocol/safety, regular monthly activities continue to run as scheduled such as Farmer’s Market Tuesday, Sweet Treat Friday, Around the Room Bunco on Thursday and more.
We are welcoming OLA’s new Medical Director, Ramesh Viswanath, in the Angels Café on Thursday, Sept. 16th. Residents and staff will have the opportunity to meet, greet and enjoy some delicious treats.
Click here to view OLA’s September Activity calendar.
July Activity Calendar
Sun, heat and beautiful flowers; this is July.
This month, residents are invited to enjoy regularly scheduled favorites such as Drum Ball, Farmer’s Market Tuesday, On The Go Happy Hour, Around the Room Bunco and more. A few special events such as Coffee and Donut socials, birthday parties and a Luau Party from 1:30PM – 3:30PM on July 29th will add to the fun.
A special thank you to our residents, their families and friends for your ongoing patience as we continue to update our Covid building protocols, allowing more family interaction and opportunities for summer fun.
Click here to view the July Activity Calendar.
May Activity Calendar
We have added some neat activities, new ways to socialize and virtual events to our calendar this month. Residents have the opportunity to enjoy virtual tours of the Shed and Zoo as well as exercise virtually throughout Brazil. The nice weather allows us to use the patios and gardens for outdoor socially distanced gatherings as well. Ice cream socials, Popcorn Tuesday and Friday happy hour continue to be resident favorites.
Click here to view OLA’s May activity calendar.
December Activity Calendar Now Available
Ho Ho Hold up! December is here! We have an activity calendar jam-packed with activities this month for our residents to enjoy. Whether you enjoy holiday music, baking, arts and crafts or seasonal parties, we have a little something for everyone. Family members are welcome to accompany their loved ones to all activities as well! Below you will find a quick list of this month’s special Christmas activities.
To view this month’s full activity calendar, click here.
Dates to remember:
- 3rd 1:15 JCA Chime Choir
- 4th Hot Chocolate Bar
- 6th 1:30 Santa Hat (Spa Day) AR
- 13th Monthly Birthday Party with Karen
- 20th 1:30 Making Gingerbread house
- 27th 1:30 Paint & Sip
- 16th 2:00 2nd Floor Christmas Party with Roxanne
- 18th 2:00 2nd Floor Christmas Party with Ukulele Moonshiners
- 19th 2:00 Ring out Christmas OLA Chime Choir
- 24th Christmas Eve Party with Robinlee
- 24th Christmas Caroling
- 31 New Years Eve Party AR
Food for the Soul
During the month of October, specifically the week of October 6th – 12th, Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home recognizes and shows appreciation to our food and dietary service team for Healthcare Food Service Week. Food preparation is paramount in a senior living community requiring 3 daily meals for residents with various dietary needs in 4 different dining halls and ongoing events or catering needs. Sue Iverson, head of OLA’s Dietary Department, describes how she and her team meet these needs while keeping the residents’ dining experiences top notch.
Back – Shawn Bale, Angel Burich, Jerry Patao Front – Sr. Ellen Thomas, Sr. Helen Zulka, Sr. Bernie Campbell
“OLA’s dining halls are open 365 days a year, 7 days a week and serve mostly the same residents 3 times a day for breakfast, lunch and dinner” states Sue. “Our largest meal of the day is lunch so residents don’t sleep on a heavy meal. There are always two entrees to choose from at both lunch and dinner and our Independent and Assisted Living dining hall has buffet style dining with a hot food buffet, salad bar, and various jellos, fresh fruits and drinks.” Sue manages her team, food orders, menu preparation, event catering lists and ongoing day-to-day needs.
Most of OLA’s foods are made from scratch. “It’s homemade, good quality food because this is their home,” Sue mentions with a smile. From homemade cakes to traditional meat and potato meals, each is fresh and prepared with care.
Residents dining selections are built around their needs and dietary restrictions. Food selections range from regular menus to mechanical soft, pureed or thickened liquids. Dietary restrictions are also noted such as no added salt, no concentrated sweets, and low cholesterol-cardiac.
Holidays and special events add a special twist for residents’ dining experiences. Families can join their loved one(s) for the day and eat a traditional holiday meal. “Residents also love ‘Fun Friday’ once a month which includes a cheeseburger with fries and optional root beer float,” Sue remarks.
“My team and I really enjoy working with the residents and getting feedback from them about the meals we prepare. We are like a large family. I tell my team to be proud of the food we serve.”
Enhance your quality of living and continue your story with Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, a resident-centered, caring community. Call us today. To speak directly with OLA’s Admissions Coordinator regarding OLA’s levels of care, services and amenities, call 815-725-6631 ext. 4113.
Our Lady of Angels Rehabilitation Spotlight
Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home (OLA) offers rehabilitation services for seniors needing additional therapy to complete their recovery after an ailment or hospital stay. Nancy White, recently completed her rehab at OLA and shares her story.
At 85, Nancy is sharp-minded, an avid gardener, singer, tech-savy, and very independent senior. After an unfortunate fall caused her to break her left fibula, Nancy ended up in the hospital. Rehabilitation was recommended for full recovery. “When I was nearing the end of my hospital stay, a doctor recommended OLA for therapy,” Nancy states. “They said the therapists at OLA were great and the food was good, so my daughter and I decided to further explore this rehabilitation option.”
OLA offers patients physical and occupational therapy 6-7 days a week (to speed your recovery)and speech therapy 3-5 days a week, tailored to the individual’s recovery plan. Nancy’s recovery included both physical and occupational therapy. “The therapists were wonderful and considerate. They encouraged me as I made progress. I’m now back to walking using my walker,” Nancy says with a smile. Therapists work on patients’ mobility, strength and balance all while teaching safer practices to avoid reoccurring falls when returning home.
Patients can also take advantage of various amenities and life enrichment activities during their stay. Nancy comments, “I’ve attended all of Margaret Benoit’s sing-a-long music Mondays. I love singing!” OLA strives to ensure residents live at their highest level of comfort and security while enjoying each day.
Enhance your quality of living and continue your story with Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, a resident-centered, caring community. OLA’s Rehabilitation and Skilled Care is prepared and equipped to meet all of your recovery needs. Call us today. To speak directly with OLA’s Admissions Coordinator regarding OLA’s rehabilitation services and amenities, call 815-725-6631 ext. 4113.
Spreading Joy at OLA
Smiles, laughs and happy faces abound when Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home’s nurse, Leslie Brassard, walks into residents’ rooms. A newer addition to the OLA team, Leslie has worked at OLA for the past 5 months. While her job keeps her very busy, she finds joy in every minute of it.
“I really enjoy working at OLA,” Leslie states with a warm smile. “We are a team and that’s what I love about the work environment. I’ve had previous hospital and nursing home work experiences and I’ve never been to a place that’s so team-oriented.” OLA always strives to improve their quality care, in part, through open communication, team-building and positive work experiences.
Leslie applies a person-centered, caring approach to each senior she monitors within her assigned C-1 wing. “They are such sweet people and I try to reassure them that they are in good hands,” Leslie explains. “Patients within this wing are mostly here for rehabilitation recovery stays. I am often working with them each day, helping them get to physical and occupational therapy, overseeing medication and health related issues and aiding them throughout their overall recovery process.”
OLA’s rehabilitation wing is extremely busy with movement being critical to most every patient’s recovery plan. Patients are encouraged to be up and about, participate in their rehabilitation therapies and enjoy their downtime whether spending time with family, resting, attending activities and meal times or simply socializing with other rehabilitation patients.
Continue your story with Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home. OLA is a resident-centered, retirement home community providing high-quality care and rehabilitation services for seniors. Join our team! We are currently looking for caring CNAs and RN/LPNs.
Apply online at olaretirement.org/employment or complete an application in person at 1201 Wyoming Avenue. Questions? Contact us at HR@olaretirement.org
Bingo, Bunko and OLA
A familiar, friendly face of Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home (OLA) is none other than resident, Joseph Rice. Like several residents at OLA, Joe originally decided that OLA would be a wonderful fit for him based on close connections with the Joliet Franciscan Sisters. “My godson’s wife is the niece of Sister Mary Ann Clark,” Joe states. “I really liked the people and overall environment of OLA as well.”
Joe keeps his days busy with socialization, OLA activities and Mass. “I enjoy reading at Mass,” Joe says with a smile. “OLA also has entertaining outdoor concerts along with some fun weekly activities such as bingo, bunko and sing along with Margaret Benoit.” OLA posts activity calendars on all resident information boards throughout the building and internet-savvy seniors can view the calendar on OLA’s website as well.
During his time at OLA, the staff and residents have made an impact on Joe as has he, them. “We root each other on in bunko,” Joe says with a hearty laugh. “It’s really a fun time. I also appreciate that the nurses, activity aides and even fellow residents go out of their way to help me or have a conversation. Terry in activities always gets me my special chair or offers to grab the newspaper for me. There are always friends to chat with at meals or events.”
“OLA is a special place,” Joe continues. “I’m definitely happy to be here.” Continue your story with Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home. Enhance your quality of living and enjoy a resident-centered, retirement home community providing high-quality care and rehabilitation services for seniors. A welcoming community awaits perspective seniors and their families. Call and schedule a tour today. To speak directly with OLA’s Admissions Coordinator, call 815-725-6631 ext. 4113.
Making an Impact at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home
There are not many people at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home who do not know the name, Bonita Kimbrough. A familiar face of OLA, Bonita, has touched the lives of many over her 20 years as a nurse. Inching towards part-time work and eventually retirement, Bonita happily shares her thoughts on her time at OLA.
A minister at her church, Bonita always had an interest in learning about other religions. “I felt that a religious organization would be a good fit for me,” states Bonita. “My interview went extremely well, and I was hired on the spot. The staffing was great and everyone went out of their way to introduce themselves and welcome me.”
Bonita with resident, Paul Nemenski
Bonita began her journey with OLA experiencing what she now reflects on as some of the most heartwarming, humorous, spiritual and profound moments. “There are just so many memories,” laughs Bonita. “I recall watching two sisters that hadn’t seen each other in a long time reunite. They hugged and hugged, started twirling in happiness and the next thing you know they tipped over on the floor. Their joy couldn’t be contained!”
Bonita continues, “There was another sweet woman who missed mass one morning. We tried to explain that the mass had concluded, but she insisted we take her to the Chapel anyway. Upon walking in the door, the woman stated, ‘Good morning, Jesus. They didn’t want me to come, but I just had to say good morning.’ And that was that…so heartwarming.”
At OLA, person-centered care is paramount. “You do the extra at OLA,” Bonita says with a smile. “I want OLA to remain the residents’ home and for them to feel comfortable here. I’ve always hoped to make an impact on their lives.”
When asked for her final thoughts, Bonita pauses, “It’s been such a joy working here and I am so attached to these people. They truly are my second family. I laugh with them. I pray with them. I take care of them. I’m even with some of them as they pass away. I would do this entire experience over in a heartbeat.”
Bonita has made an impact on the OLA community and will be dearly missed when she retires.
Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, a resident-centered, retirement home community providing high-quality care and rehabilitation services for seniors. Join our team! Visit us at olaretirement.org/employment or call us at 815-725-6631 for more information.
Surrounded by Love, Cared for with Kindness
Helen “Jayne” Josephson, accompanied by daughters, Nancy (Scott) Perinar and Suzi (Scott) Ness, fondly reflects on her time living at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home. Before even beginning her interview, simply by entering her room, one can feel the amount of love and care.
“A dear friend and resident of OLA, whom I often came to visit, recommended OLA,” states Jayne. “I receive great care and everyone is very encouraging and friendly. I have never gone past a resident or staff member that didn’t say, ‘hello’.”
Helen “Jayne” Josephson with daughters, Nancy and Suzi
Some of Jayne’s favorite activities include craft classes, quilting, painting pictures and Sister Odella’s music therapy. When asked to recall a favorite event at OLA, Jayne says, “I had a good time at OLA’s hotdog roast with my girls. The ice cream socials are also nice.”
“I also enjoy talking to the aides,” Jayne mentions with a smile. “They go out of their way to make me feel at home.”
Nancy and Suzi gesture towards a colorful wreath with an ‘H’ for Helen hanging in their mother’s room. Suzi elaborates, “One of my mom’s aides made this wreath for her. She noticed that my mom had an empty section on her wall and surprised mom with the wreath. It was such a lovely gesture. Mom enjoys seeing it and decorating for every season.”
Looking around Jayne’s room, one will notice a few African Violets on her desk. One of Jayne’s past hobbies included growing African Violets. She still keeps a few in her room to brighten her day.
Nancy adds, “Communication is also really wonderful at OLA. They will call and update us often on how mom is doing.” OLA strives to make residents feel safe in their surroundings and their loved ones secure in knowing they are receiving the care they need.
Surrounded by love, supported by her family and cared for with kindness, Jayne’s story with Our Lady of Angels continues.
Enhance your quality of living and enjoy Our Lady of Angels, a resident-centered, retirement home community providing high-quality care and rehabilitation services for seniors. Call and schedule a tour today, 815-725-6631 ext. 4113.