All posts tagged: "retirement home"
Home Posts Tagged "retirement home"
11 Years of Compassionate Care at OLA
Dedicated, compassionate, wonderful and caring are just a few words residents use to describe Ashley Vehrs, a CNA at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home. Vehrs has built lasting friendships with OLA staff and residents over her past 11 years of work. “We all know each other,” states Vehrs. “OLA has such a wonderful family environment and homey feel.”
Each day, Vehrs assists residents of the B2 wing with their daily routine. She helps them get ready to start their day, checks their vitals, aids with their basic needs and stops by to check on them hourly to make sure they are doing well.
Ashley Vehrs with resident, Dorothy Anderson
When asked to recall some favorite moments with residents, Vehrs smiled fondly saying, “There are so many that come to mind. One memory that stands out is a resident’s 100th birthday. It was my day off, but I came in early that morning to help her get ready for her birthday party later that day. She and her family were so excited about the celebration and I was blessed to experience those moments with them.”
Vehrs continued, “About 6 years ago, I worked with a woman who didn’t communicate verbally very often and mostly used nonverbal facial gestures. When I would walk into her room she would bunch up and wrinkle her nose like a bunny to say ‘hello’ and I would do the same in return. So many little things and all so meaningful.”
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. A welcoming staff awaits perspective seniors and their families. Call and schedule a tour today. To speak directly with OLA’s Admissions Coordinator regarding what level of care is best for you or your loved one, call 815-725-6631 ext. 4113.
Helping Caregivers & Their Loved Ones
Caring for a loved one full time is a major responsibility. Being available to take care of that person 24/7 is not always possible. Whether going on vacation, having an unavoidably busy weekend or just needing a mental and physical break, Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home (OLA) provides respite care services for seniors. Have peace of mind in knowing your loved one’s wellbeing is in the best of hands while you are away.
OLA works hand-in-hand with families. Based on patient needs, OLA will determine what level of care is needed during respite stay. There is no minimum or maximum number of days required, but commonly seniors will stay anywhere between 3-14 days. “Should a longer respite stay be desired, a prescreening and 10 day processing time will need to be arranged through senior services” states OLA Admissions Coordinator, Paula Hargis. “We like to encourage families to include a few personal items when packing for OLA, to make their loved one feel more comfortable and secure throughout their stay.”
Hargis also mentions, “Senior Services can help families help offset respite care costs through The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP).”
While away, the family can call OLA’s Nurses Station to get frequent updates. If the family is in the area and would like to stop in, it is nice to take a break from the caregiver role and return to son, daughter, spouse etc. and simply enjoy themselves while visiting.
Enhance your quality of living and enjoy Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, a resident-centered 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 regarding respite care services, call 815-725-6631 ext. 4113.
A Retirement Home that Speaks to the Soul
Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home is committed to serving the whole person – mind, body and spirit – with compassion, justice, hopefulness and joy. Founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate and rooted in spirituality, OLA visibly speaks to the faith and Franciscan values that are core to the mission, as well as reflects these Catholic traditions through person-centered care.
Visitors and residents might first notice the statue of Our Lady as they drive by the front courtyard. Walking in OLA’s front doors, you are greeted by large mosaics of saints Francis of Assisi and Clare that welcome visitors into the Chapel located at the center or hub of the building. Residents and surrounding community members can attend mass in the OLA chapel every day of the week.
With warmer weather here, OLA residents take advantage of beautiful walking paths for outdoor Stations of the Cross. Numerous statues of saints, angels and the Sacred Heart grace all flower gardens and walkways.
Le Anne Tjelle, Director of Mission & Spirituality, states that OLA is unique in that, “we are Gospel centered, celebrate Franciscan values, respect all faiths, and show compassion. We pass on the Franciscan value of compassion to our residents and have the highest respect for all people entrusted to our care.”
Special religious programs are offered to residents seasonally and throughout the year. In May, residents gather in the Chapel daily to pray the Rosary. A special “May Crowing” celebration is also held. The first Friday of each month is Eucharistic Adoration and Anointing of the Sick. Special programs assist with residents’ spiritual needs in an individual or group based environment.
Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home offers residents a different focus and atmosphere for senior living centered around supporting and nurturing each person’s spirituality. All are welcome!
90 At Heart – Lillian Howard’s OLA Story
Pictured in photo: Back Row – LeAnne Tjelle and Sr. Lucille Adelmann Front Row – Lillian Howard and Jean Konrad
Lillian Howard, at age 86, moved into Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home (OLA) with a wish to live to ninety. With compassionate care from OLA and a loving, supportive sister-in-law, Jean Konrad, she lived within weeks of her ninetieth birthday. Lillian was ninety at heart! Jean Konrad shares Lillian’s story and journey with OLA.
“Lil (Lillian) was an only child. After her husband, my brother, passed away, I became her support system” states Konrad. “Lil fell at another retirement center and broke her right arm and leg. Knowing she would require more assistance, I immediately thought of OLA. I wanted the best care for my sister-in-law and knew OLA would be a perfect fit. There was no question in my mind.”
“As soon as Lil arrived, everyone was so wonderful to her” Konrad elaborates. She frequently visited Lillian and they attended many of the activities available to OLA residents. “Lil loved singing while Margaret Benoit played the piano and playing instruments during Sister Odelia’s music therapy” Konrad states enthusiastically. Lillian also enjoyed attending mass regularly in OLA’s chapel.
“When I wasn’t at OLA, I could call the nurses station at any time and they were right there to assist me.” OLA’s staff, nurses and CNAs really keep communication lines open between resident and their loved ones. “I’m so just thankful to everyone at OLA. Lil truly had the best. With all the great care Lil received, that’s how she made 90” stated Konrad.
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. A welcoming community awaits perspective seniors and their families. Call and schedule a tour today. To speak directly with OLA’s Admissions Coordinator regarding what level of care is best for you or your loved one, call 815-725-6631 ext. 4113.