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Shining through the years

NU senior communities celebrate Assisted Living Week

By Amy Zents 5 min read

NEW ULM – Senior living communities across New Ulm celebrated National Assisted Living Week Sept. 13-19 under the national theme “Shining Through the Years” with themed days, grill-outs and community events.

National Assisted Living Week was celebrated locally by Orchard Hill Senior Living, Vista Prairie at Ridgeway on 23rd and Vista Prairie at Ridgeway on German, Woodstone Senior Living, Oak Hills Living Center and Prairie Senior Cottages.

At Orchard Hill Senior Living activities coordinator Kari Apitz shared the schedule.

“We started Sunday with Grandparents Day with an ice cream social,” Apitz said. “Monday was random act of kindness day delivering root beer floats to fire and police departments. Tuesday we had floats with residents and staff outside and went to Carl’s Corner for supper.”

On Wednesday, Orchard hills staff grill out with the Black Diamond Band. Thursday Alan Lang played music with a popcorn bar. Friday was breakfast pizzas and bingo.

Resident Joe Cain moved to Orchard Hill from Bloomington after his wife passed away, following a recommendation his son received from a resident.

“I really enjoy my breakfast every morning of two eggs, toast, fresh coffee and orange juice,” Cain said. “The cooks are very nice and there is always someone to visit with. Everyone is so happy, staff and residents. Everyone is always smiling.”

At Vista Prairie at Ridgeway on 23rd and Vista Prairie at Ridgeway on German, Alexa Sandbakken outlined the week.

“On Monday, we held a tailgate party to kick off Assisted Living Week. We asked people to wear their Vikings gear or purple and yellow,” Sandbakken said. “On Tuesday, we had a donut and coffee bar because we ‘Donut know what we’d do without you.’ On Wednesday there was a duck hunt. Staff dressed in camo and looked for ducks throughout the buildings to win a prize.”

“Thursday we celebrated ‘our team is supreme’ with pizza. Friday celebrated ‘home sweet home’ with Vista Prairie colors of blue, gold and yellow with lemonade and cookies,” she said.

At Woodstone Senior Living, Executive Director Brittany Gulden said Activity Director Crystal Krebs planned themed days from farmer dress-up to Hawaiian Day to sports attire.

“It has been fun seeing individuals participate and laugh outside normal attire,” Gulden said. “Beyond the fun, this week is a great reminder to celebrate the incredible people who show up every single day, 24 hours a day, to care for our residents. It takes patience, compassion, dedication and a truly caring heart.”

The week featured therapy goats from Goat Shine Animal Therapy.

Oak Hills Living Center featured a Wall of Shining Stars where residents shared wisdom with ‘then’ and ‘now’ photos. Events included a Vikings opener viewing with brisket chili, Dudes and Donuts, an open house with s’mores, Wine and Dine night and Apple Dumpling Day.

“National Assisted Living Week is a wonderful reminder to connect with older adults who have contributed so much,” said Alyssa Birman. “Families can celebrate by spending time with loved ones, sharing memories, sending cards, volunteering or thanking seniors and caregivers.

“At Oak Hills we appreciate the unique experiences, wisdom and lasting impact our residents have made. We are honored to celebrate how they continue to shine through the years,” Birman said.

At Prairie Senior Cottages, Site Director Madeline Schmidt said, “Thank you so much for including us!” The cottages attended a Dementia Friends event Sept. 17.

“Everyone loves company, please stop by and just say hello to our residents,” Schmidt said.

Highlighting daily care, Schmidt shared a spotlight story written by Michael Schwertfeger, director of marketing and business development at Prairie Senior Cottages, on care partner Romaine Thormodson, who has spent nearly 10 years creating moments of joy.

For nearly 10 years, Thormodson has created moments of joy. Her journey began when a family moving to Prairie Cottages asked if she could continue caring for their loved one.

“Every day is different. Trying to put a smile on residents’ faces has always been my main goal, to make them feel safe, wanted and protected,” Thormodson said. “If you already have a connection with a resident, you very seldom lose that. They’re like my grandparents.”

Thormodson knows firsthand how difficult the dementia journey can be. Her father lived with the disease and she traveled to Florida to help. Today she uses personal and professional experience to help families understand what may come next.

One of those residents is Mike, a gentle man almost always smiling. Thormodson and Mike have built a connection through walks, doctor appointments and occasionally a treat on the way home.

“They’re like my grandparents,” Thormodson said. Asked what shines through, she answered, “Their smiles.”

Schwertfeger writes that during National Assisted Living Week, Thormodson’s journey is a reminder that through every stage of the dementia journey, a smile, safety and connection continue to shine through.

Throughout New Ulm, celebrations underscored dignity, engagement and shared joy in senior living, showing the vibrant spirit of local care facilities year-round.

Starting at /week.