Palm Village Retirement Community: November 2011

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Adding Years to Your Independence at Palm Village Retirement Community

By Charles Buller, VP of Advancement
Palm Village Retirement Community

Originally published in a 2009 issue of the Palm Villager

Statistics can be made to say many different things. One particular statistic from Palm Village speaks for itself. “People who move into an independent patio home at Palm Village delay by 3-5 years their admittance into skilled nursing.” Stop and carefully think about that. Of all the statistics we could use to encourage people to consider moving into a Continuing Care Retirement Community, this is the one that speaks the loudest. It’s part of why we see Palm Village as a natural extension of the care that families and churches provide for persons who are aging. What better gift could you give a senior than adding quality of life to a life already well lived?

This represents good news for both the health of our resident at Palm Village and the health of our Mission. Skilled nursing is the costliest portion of a person’s health care in the course of a life. It’s that time of life that has created the need for the Living Legacy Fund to help provide assistance for those who outlive their resources. Between Medi-Cal, private pay and donor generosity, we assure people of the dignity of care that is deserved when a person needs skilled nursing. On the other hand, the longer it can be postponed the more likely it is that a person can continue to have enough assets to provide for their own.

We believe there are numerous reasons why people remain healthier when moving into a patio home at Palm Village.

They include:

   • Health Supervision
   • Security and Safety
   • Free Maintenance
   • Social Interaction
   • Financial Assistance
   • Balanced Diet
   • Stress Reduction
   • Moving Assistance
   • Many More…

We want to thank the donors who have contributed to Living Legacy of Palm Village recently. Of these, approximately 150 represent new donors! We so appreciate having you as part of our Living Legacy Team. The money given was used directly for the needs of those who require financial assistance that health and circumstances have dictated.

The “added years of independence…” are proof that donations have a tangible effect on the lives of residents. Thanks to each and every one of you who have contributed to this mission!

Palm Village Retirement Community is a smart choice for seniors searching for California retirement homes or California nursing homes. If you are seeking information on California Retirement Homes, you'll enjoy reading about Palm Village's Independent Living Patio Homes and Assisted Living Suites. If you are looking for information on California Nursing Homes and related services, Palm Village offers Skilled Nursing, Memory Care and Rehabilitation Therapies including Stroke Rehabilitation. COA 170 Lic. #100404809 - Admissions, room assignments and services are provided without regard to race, color, national origin, disability or age.

David Reimer: What a Difference 20+ Years Makes!

Originally published in a 2009 issue of the Palm Villager

Anyone who is fortunate to spend a day on the campus of Palm Village with David Reimer will realize that the compassionate yet cheerful environment of the community is a result of the goals he set and challenges he has met during his 20+ years as CEO.

David always has a lighthearted greeting for residents and staff and when time allows a jovial exchange of words pertinent to the person with whom he is speaking.

Yet it doesn’t take too many hours to realize that David constantly monitors the pulse of the organization on every level and responds appropriately, which means sometimes just letting staff do their job.

When David arrived at Palm Village in 1989, even though the community was already 40 years old, he knew he was going to be challenged with balancing the needs of residents, while keeping the organization financially stable within the guidelines of the board of directors as well as the state of California.

So he did a lot of talking…to residents who had expectations of “the new hire”, to staff who were experienced yet in need of guidance, to resident family members who cared from afar, to representatives of like facilities in other states, and to enhance growth, to potential residents who would need to be enticed to move to Palm Village.

Now, when you speak to current residents who of course were potential residents in 1989, you only hear praise for life at Palm Village. Comments such as, “I only wish I had moved here sooner”, “I love the independence I have, yet I know I will always be well taken care of”, or “Everyone is just so friendly and helpful”, signify that David has met those goals defined in 1989.

Add the respect by area doctors as well as the banks to this contentment of the residents and staff and the result is a reputation for stability.

With David’s guidance, the Health Care Center moved on campus in 1998 and grew from a 99-bed unit to a 120-bed unit. Patio Homes increased from 66 to 79 and the Assisted Living quarters stay full with 71 suites available.

He has tactfully repositioned the management of the community so that each department functions well individually yet cohesively in support of the residents. These accomplishments allow David time for his favorite work activity; “face time with the residents”.

The benchmark of an Olympian is that they make the result look easy. So take an insider’s look at the past twenty years and you will see that David’s consistent efforts to administer Palm Village within the conformity of the laws for a Continuing Care Retirement Community, keep it financially stable, while allowing the staff to celebrate their personal accomplishments and residents to rejoice in their quality of life. Certainly, this means that David Reimer deserves congratulations for his Olympian accomplishments at a place hundreds have graciously called home during David’s twenty years at Palm Village.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

California Assisted Living at Palm Village is Often the Best Choice for the Whole Family

Most of us enjoy the circle of family that gathers during the holidays and the various activities for loved ones from infant to elderly. We certainly recognize the joy that the elderly find in the playtime with the young ones. And often, it is at these gatherings that the changes in the stages of life of our parents and grandparents become especially evident.

Just as we are blessed to help the very youngest with their daily routines and development we may now recognize that this assistance is once again a part of life with the oldest generation.

The difference in the care of the two generations is that most of us are knowledgeable in the care of children, but not in the care of the elderly.

In many cases we do not have the time to add the duties of caring for an elder into our schedule. And bringing an elder into the home and trying to integrate the routine of three generations is most often challenging as it takes increased energy, focus, and financing. This is truly understandable, so wise individuals seek the services retirement communities offer to be sure the elders can continue to lead a healthy lifestyle and the family circle stays joyful.

“We looked at other senior communities and after several interviews it became obvious that Palm Village was a loving retirement community for Mom,” states Vallli Hansen from Sanger.

There are many retirement communities in this area that provide several levels of care. Usually the choice to move to an independent living community is made by the seniors themselves as they choose to and are able to plan for themselves.

The scenario of choosing assisted living is sometimes a more sensitive issue as the senior and their families need outside assistance.

When you visit with residents of assisted living communities you will most often be told by the residents that they are very pleased with the care they receive and the social environment of the community with activities they enjoy.

Residents are served 3 nutritious meals every day, receive laundry and housekeeping services, may participate in planned activities and have nursing personnel available 24 hours a day all in a secure and safe environment.

It is a lifestyle that those elders who have contributed so graciously to family and community deserve to lead. With a phone call to a retirement community, you will discover that life in assisted living will be rewarding in ways you have not previously conceived and that the benefit is one that is enjoyed by several generations. “It was my children’s idea (for me to move here),” states Laura Nickel, a resident of Palm Village. “I am very pleased. It’s comfortable, neat and clean and the people are good”, she continues.

To discuss the many options for retirement living, call Jim Dueck at Palm Village, 559-638-6933 and visit www.palmvillage.com

Activities of California Assisted Living Communities Keep Residents Involved with Friends

By Norma Froese, Activities Coordinator

As I think about the people I know here in Reedley, I realize that many who live here have been area residents for a very long time. Life in this city, has retained the pleasantries of small town living and yet grown with conveniences that for the most part enhance our lives.

So as the first generation living in the homes of Reedley ages and needs to consider if daily living requires a little extra help, the memories of raising a family in the home certainly becomes influential in the decision of whether it is time to move to an assisted living community.

Most likely, the children who grew up in the home are now living elsewhere and with the best intentions, give their parents as much of their time as possible. Yet, they now have their own children and family schedules and their parents are often alone in the home with no one to help them with their daily housekeeping, cooking, laundry or medications.

One of the most important aspects to be considered is that those living in a retirement community always have another person nearby. A resident of Palm Village Retirement Community recently said to me, “When I lived at home, I was alone. Here, someone knocks on my door daily to ask me to join them in an activity. I am so happy.”

At Palm Village, the residents are served three nutritious meals everyday in a dining room where they can talk and laugh with other residents. From there they may go to watch a movie, join the knitting and crocheting group or play Wii, move to an exercise video, or make crafts or table settings for our events here.

Those who like to leave the campus get on our bus to travel to Visalia for shopping, our once a month lunch excursion, or our mystery trips…a ride in the country to a destination of interest.

No one is ever forced to participate, but usually each person finds an activity that interests them. Those who love to cook enjoy our “Tasty Treats Day.” We make it into an educational time and perhaps a time that elicits memories as we taste different varieties of food; maybe cheeses, apples, or an Orange Julius. A tasting brings back childhood memories of cheese at the State Fair or a trip to the apple farm and the residents love to tell those stories. The important part in activities is the fellowship.

And because all of the tasks associated with living alone at home are now taken care of by the devoted staff of Palm Village, the residents tend to be healthier living here than when they remain in their homes. We know that because our residents, should they need Skilled Nursing, will need it 3-4 years later in life than those who enter directly from their homes.

A move to an assisted living community may be a lifestyle change, however, if you ask the residents most likely they will echo these sentiments, “I love living here because I am not alone. I have physical limitations but my friends here always help me. It is a gift for the receiver and well as the giver. And when my son calls every night, I tell him about all of the wonderful people here.”

Decision Process Became Mom’s Best Choice - Palm Village California Retirement Community!

By Jim Dueck, Director of Marketing
Palm Village Retirement Community

The stages in our lives often include the time when we need to help an aging parent decide on the transition they will make to ensure that they will be well taken care of in their later years.

A recent conversation with the daughter of a resident at Palm Village Retirement Community gave a realistic point of view of the steps that are taken for the benefit of all of the family.

In this family, the daughter’s stepfather was in need of skilled nursing care several years ago. They started their search in Fresno, where Mom and stepfather lived. The family was very displeased by what they discovered was the standard of care in the facilities they visited. With this experience, the family understood why many families hesitate to find out of the home care for their elderly family members.

The family then visited Palm Village and realized that the elderly gentleman would be well taken care of by a staff that “really cares about the residents.”

The next decision to be made was how to discontinue Mom’s driving from Fresno to Reedley everyday to visit her husband. A mobile home park in Reedley was the answer, but only for about three years, when the stepfather passed away.

During those three years, the daughter and family were responsible for the maintenance of their Mom’s mobile home as well as being sure that she was able to cook and take care of her daily needs. About four months after her stepfather died, the daughter and her four siblings agreed that Mom needed to be approached about moving to a Patio Home at Palm Village.

Although Mom felt she was not ready at age 86, she responded that if the family felt it was time, she did not want to be a burden to them and agreed to make the move. Even with four siblings, the daughter is the prime caretaker. However she states, “I feel it is a privilege to care for my Mom after all of the years she took care of us.”

All of the concerns the family had about their Mom living alone in a mobile home have now disappeared. Although she was and still is driving, they knew Mom did not socialize with many friends. At Palm Village she is involved in activities daily and “everyone at Palm Village loves her”, her daughter says with obvious pleasure.

The overwhelming task of cooking has been replaced with nutritious meals her “Mom brags about”, prepared in the casual 50’s style diner, Barbara’s. “Mom loves that she can have lunch anytime from 11:30 to 1PM either at the diner or as a to-go meal enjoyed in her home. And all of the formerly worrisome home maintenance is now completed by the Palm Village staff for the Patio Home residents.

Most important to the family, however, is the health care that Mom receives. Although at age 90 she is in very good health, she recently fell and needed hospital care for the subsequent infection and pneumonia. When she was released from the hospital, the family was so grateful that Mom was able to go directly to Palm Village’s skilled nursing for four weeks, where she received excellent care and physical therapy.

When it was time to return to her patio home the physical therapy staff continued to visit her at home to be sure she was doing well. Neighbors often stop by to be sure Mom is okay and they bring her meals from their own homes or from Barbara’s.

When the daughter was asked, what improvements could be made at Palm Village, she hesitated for a long time and then replied, “I can’t think of any. I’ll ask Mom.”

And the final assessment from the daughter is this: “I can relax knowing Mom is well taken care of with everything including a bedside emergency button for response 24 hours a day to a social life she would not have if she remained in the mobile home. I don’t worry about her, even when I am on vacation. Palm Village is a gift to our family and to Mom. She tells us she is well taken care of and lives at a place she enjoys.”

Friday, November 11, 2011

Families Make Different Choices for Assisted Living

By Jim Dueck, Director of Marketing
Palm Village Retirement Community

As sad as it is when both sets of parents of a married couple are deceased, the woman interviewed this month was able to provide a valuable experience about family situations when the parents’ needs must be addressed.

Her father and father-in-law died suddenly, at relatively young ages of 70 and 62, respectively. However her mother and mother-in-law each eventually needed assisted living care and their stories of how it was attained are very different.

This daughter was very familiar with the wonderful care provided at Palm Village Retirement Community and was able to help her husband and sister-in-law understand that assisted living was the best choice for their Mom as well as their families.

“My husband worked out of town most of the time and my sister-in-law lived in another city, plus my sons were teenagers at the time and I worked full time,” The daughter stated. “I was responsible for the daily needs of my mother-in-law, who was an alcoholic. She needed frequent visits to the doctor and for the most part was a person who many people would consider to be high maintenance. I was becoming overwhelmed as she lived 25 miles from us,” she continued.

With the encouragement of a family doctor, the decision was made that assisted living would surely be a blessing for all. And it was. Her mother-in-law’s daily needs, which had become almost impossible for her daughter-in-law and teen children to handle, were taken care of including her meals, laundry, housekeeping and medications. And yet she was able to keep her car and drive to nearby places. The most rewarding part was that with the atmosphere of the retirement community, she chose to no longer drink alcohol and visits with the family were so much calmer and enjoyable.

This lifestyle continued for many years and everyone felt that assisted living brought peace and joy to all of them.

“The story of my Mom’s situation is much different, she said. Because Mom lived 3,000 miles away from me, my brother and sister took care of her. Although our entire family conversed often, the experience was truly different for each of us. My brother was very much against retirement homes in principle and my sister would feel guilty unless she was involved in my mother’s daily care, even though she herself had breast cancer.”

As the years passed her Mother’s health continued to deteriorate and she refused to stop driving. “In the early years, she told us to arrange for her to live in assisted living when needed, however when the time came she decided to live alone in an apartment,” continued the daughter.

Stress mounted for the families as their mom aged, eventually having to make a nightly late evening visit to her apartment several miles away, in addition to the day visits, to be sure she was okay and ready for sleep.

“The heartbreak for me was that eventually Mom could no longer recognize who I was in our phone calls and I was so worried about her,” lamented her daughter. It wasn’t until I made more trips to the east coast that I was able to help my siblings understand that it was truly a wise choice to move Mom to an assisted living community.”

And oh what a change it made for her and the family, as she received the loving care that she deserved after so many years of taking care of her family. “Plus, now my sister was able to concentrate on her own health needs and I was relieved just for that reason,” recounts the daughter.

Unfortunately, because the family had waited until their mother’s health waned, she had a stroke a few months after she moved to the retirement community. “However, even in those last days, the staff was so comforting and loving to Mom, making sure that she was dressed and brought to an area of activity and not just lay in bed.”

“I always wished that I had more influence with my family and was able to have Mom move to a community much earlier. I think the daily healthy lifestyle in assisted living communities would have added years to her life.” continues the daughter. “I witnessed the care my mother-in-law received at a much earlier age in assisted living and I know it would have been beneficial for Mom too.

"Half Empty or Half Full” in Retirement?

By Charles Buller, VP of Advancement
Palm Village Retirement Community

Human Personalities can be divided in many different ways. While I’m not a psychologist it seems to me that most people I meet are either “cup half empty or half full” kinds of people.

As we get older our personalities tend to become even more fixed and resolute. So, when it comes to looking at Retirement options much of what goes into those choices is well established by the time we reach 55. First, our personal tastes, likes and dislikes are pretty much set in stone, even if that stone has been worn smoother through the storms of life.

Second, our financial habits and outcomes are often on a certain trajectory that is difficult to change. If a person chose a career with a defined fixed benefit retirement plan, chances are their view of retirement and the choices they have are very different from someone who chose to own their own business; for better or worse.

Third, family patterns and relationships are usually very well established. A sign on the road to Alaska says; “choose your ruts carefully; you will be in them for a long time!” How true of life. The person we marry, the children we have or don’t have, the jobs we occupy, the churches we attend, the clubs we join, the friends we make end up becoming like well-worn ruts on the road of life. And they will influence our retirement decisions well into the future. A bumper sticker I saw recently said, “Treat nicely whoever will choose your nursing home…” Good advice!

If you are at the point of making critical choices about retirement, there is a good chance that all of the above factors are already in place. What you now need is a new group of influential people who can guide you through a labyrinth of choices that you, your children, and your advisors have never had to make before as part of your life. As the wise King Solomon once said, “A wise man has a wealth of advisors…”

Here is a list of advisors we recommend to anyone who is past the age of 55 who is looking at retirement options for their parents or themselves.

First, find a retirement advisor who has no vested interest. These are hard to find. I would call these, “friends who have already retired ahead of you”. Friends can give advice, and you can take it or leave it. Ask a lot of friends who have chosen very different options. Ask them the pros and cons of their choices.

Second, have someone in the retirement field describe the differences between “living Well at Home”, living in a Continuing Care Retirement Community, living in a Multi-Level Provider Community, and the “just rolling the dice and seeing what happens” community. This last group is by far the largest and easy to find in Sunday school classes, service clubs, coffee shops, and family gatherings.

Third, whatever financial assets you have, make sure you have an Insurance Provider, Certified Financial Planner, and Attorney to help you tie up loose ends to your estate. Even if you have no assets, it is so much easier on your children when you pass away to have a very inexpensive “Living Trust” in place to help them bypass a myriad of state regulations and possible probate court processes. Remember, the affordability question is usually at the top of the list. A group of advisor’s can help you determine that with you, but only if they have all the information.

Last, be a good shopper. If you think you want to “live well at home”, interview several home care providers and get hard costs and schedules well in advance, including how you will handle transportation, shopping, doctor’s visits, home repairs, etc.

If you think you might want to live in a full-service facility in the area, visit many. We suggest of course, Palm Village Retirement Community. We are a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) with many positive and secure reasons why people choose to live here. You are welcome to visit and join in an activity to get a feel for who lives here and how the residents socialize at our 50’s style diner. They are a fun bunch of folks.

There are obviously other fine facilities in the area and we suggest that you make yourself familiar with what they provide. An important question to ask is, “Are you RCFE Licensed?” Only with that license can medical care be provided in the Independent Living Home or Assisted Living Suite of the resident.

So, whether you are a life “half-empty” or life “half-full” kind of person, the older you get the more necessary it is to make decisions about where your “cup” is going to reside and who is going to fill it!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Healthy Lifestyle in Palm Village Independent Living is Beyond Expectations

“Now that we live here, I never think about my age. We don’t think of ourselves as old. We wish we had moved here sooner!”

These are comments that are frequently spoken by the residents of retirement communities and were recently made in a phone interview by Palm Village Retirement Community residents, Ed and Verona Neufeld.

To answer the question of what was the most important factor of the ideal retirement community when they started their search five years ago, they replied, “to have varying levels of health care.”

However, the predominant part of the conversation was not about the continuing care, but the freedom they have to participate in so many activities with so many friends. Their enthusiasm for retirement community living was evident in their tone of voice over the phone lines. “We jump for joy for our lifestyle here, “ stated Mr Neufeld.

Ed and Verona Neufeld

The Neufeld’s had hoped to live closer to their children, however, the cost of living in the cities where their children live, just didn’t fit in their budget. With the recommendation of friends who already live at Palm Village they investigated the community and knew this would soon be home.

They stated that some folks balk at the entrance fee associated with a continuing care retirement community, however Mrs. Neufeld commented that if we expect to be taken care of we feel the entrance fee is very justified.

So they moved in and discovered that a Patio Home not only provides them with a lovely residence, but also a place where they feel “happy, loved and secure with plenty of friends to enjoy activities like movies, chapel, coffee breaks, games, and going to places off campus and doing things that are fun”.

Mrs. Neufeld goes to the on-site fitness center every morning 5 days a week and feels that this habit of physical and mental activity helps her stay healthy and live longer. Mr. Neufeld is especially pleased with the opportunity to help with projects at the community. He recently participated in the group effort to refurbish the chapel chairs. “Our group had so much fun that when it was finished, we all asked, what’s next”, he stated with a chuckle in his voice.

Then, returning to conversation about the health care options, both agreed that the advantage of on-site health care is comforting because if one of them does need skilled nursing, it is just a short walk across campus for a visit by the spouse. They feel that those who don’t choose retirement community living miss out on this option that is so beneficial to them.

So after all this praise, the question that had to be asked was, “What improvements to your lifestyle do you feel could be made?” After a long pause the Neufelds simultaneously responded, “No complaints from me.”

Residents agree that life at Palm Village Retirement Community is good!

When you speak with Louise Friesen about her life at Palm Village Retirement Community, you will hear a lighthearted voice with a chuckle in almost every sentence. That should be taken as a reflection of her opinion. “I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”

Louise is an energetic woman with a circle of friends “who live up the street,” and one especially close friend who “just clicks with me,” she states with exuberance.

Palm Village resident, Louise Friesen, her daughter Brenda Wall and great granddaughter, Jasmine.

“My friend and I go out to dinner on Friday nights and it is also easy for me to drive to my daughter’s home here in Reedley. My doctors are in Fresno and my son lives there so I only drive there in the day on the back roads and I enjoy that trip.”

When you meet Louise, a guess at her age would be late seventies, and her laugh and verbal response are an expression of disbelief yet pleasure that she appears so much younger than she is.

However, like many Palm Village residents whose life style is so healthy, her lovely appearance hides the fact that she is eighty-five.

Her story of why she moved to Palm Village is similar to the story of many who reside here. Her husband had Parkinson’s disease and her children suggested that they should move to the retirement community. They sold their home and moved to a two-bedroom Patio Home so her husband could have access to the health services provided at Palm Village.

Mrs. Friesen’s husband eventually moved to Skilled Nursing and her walk to the on-campus center was easy. “Because we were at Palm Village, he was very well taken care of by the staff and yet I could visit him and help him as much as I was able to.”

And her reply to the question of what’s best about living at Palm Village is also concurrent with the reply of most residents. “I feel safe here. There are many activities and we can participate in as many or as few as we like. The property is very big and I get plenty of exercise just walking here”, Louise states. She enjoys the group trips to the movies and off-campus places to eat as well as the many planned activity trips.

And again the common Palm Village Resident attitude resonates when Louise is asked how could life be improved and what would she tell other people in her age bracket. Her chuckle dominates as she says, “No complaints, life is good here. I tell people don’t wait too long to move here. I am very happy we came here when we did.”

Monday, November 7, 2011

Change was in the air at fall jamboree!

The 2011 Fall Jamboree saw many changes. From the conversations with residents and guests, they were welcomed and celebrated!

Here are the changes we enjoyed:

Time: We shortened the time by one hour; 10:00-1:00pm.

Menu-Brunch! With omelet stations, Eggs Benedict, pancakes, multiple meat platters, all prepared by the excellent Kitchen staff at PVRC; and delicious pastries from Panera Bread, Cinnabon, and Eddie’s Bakery, the food was delicious. While guests could still take home a box, or samples of each pastry from a wonderful display in Barbara’s Café, they were encouraged to take their time and sample as much food as they liked.

Donations! Rather than selling tickets for individual items, PVRC simply asked guests to make a donation and enjoy the all-you-can eat brunch. It appears our guests prefer this approach. We raised approximately 33% more than usual for our Living Legacy Fund simply by asking for donations. The total was very near $15,000! And our costs for food were decreased because it was mostly prepared in-house! We look forward to what our kitchen comes up with next year.

Corn Toss! This simple game that replaced the iron horse shoe with bags of corn was very popular. We again did not sell tickets or ask for advance sign ups and easily filled the time from 10:00am to 1:30pm with non-stop competition. We congratulate the winners and all who competed!

Fun for Kids of all Ages! Thanks to Bank of the Sierra, we added two additional bounce houses! And the new, most popular event was the puppy display for children. Chris and Kasey Thiessen of Pawsitive Connections brought 10 very cute rescued puppies that were a real hit. They promise to bring even more next year.

Change sometimes is exactly what we all need to get us inspired by events and traditions that have become familiar. We encourage you to join us next year and sample these changes with us on October 6, 2012! Thanks to all who participated and donated to the ongoing mission of the Living Legacy Fund at PVRC!