Thorne CrestR e t i r e m e n t C o m m u n i t y

Fall 2014

In This Issue:

Experience the New Thorne Crest

Thorne Crest HealthCenter RecognizedFor Excellence

Staying Active Is EasyAt Thorne Crest

Retirement Community

Thorne Crest Classic Senior Style

Looking at an aerial view of what Thorne Crestwill look like after the renovations, which startedin June of this year, are completed, I believe

everyone would agree, “we are excited”!! Residents arewatching the construction daily, staff is excited to seethe changes and families are anxiously awaitingupdates on the progress being made. To keep everyoneupdated on the project we host monthly meetings todiscuss project details and answer questions.

At our September meetings with residents, wepresented our 2014 Customer Satisfaction Surveyresults, which were fantastic. To validate the directionand success of our programs we have just received theExcellence in Action Award from the NationalResearch Corporation, which gathers information onover 8,500 seniorliving locationsthroughout thecountry. This awardrecognizes seniorliving organizationsthat achieve highlevels of excellence inoverall customersatisfaction. MaryOakes, Vice Pres-ident of Post-Acute at National Research,states, “Every day, these providers are making adifference in the lives of residents across all facets ofthe long term care and the senior living spectrum toensure they are receiving the utmost quality of care.”

We are honored to have received this award and wouldlike to thank the residents and families who providedfeedback and responded to the survey, helping make usthe best we can be.In addition to the Excellence in Action Award, this past month Thorne Crest’s Health Center also receiveda 5-Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare andMedicaid (CMS.gov)! The 5-Star Rating is awardedonly after a community is considered overall, muchabove average in staffing levels, quality measures and

health inspection. TimO’Brien, V.P. of QualityServices for AmericanBaptist Homes of theMidwest, parent companyto Thorne Crest, states,“Achieving this level ofexcellence clearlyillustrates Thorne Crest’sdedication andcommitment to deliveringsuperior service to residents and the greater Albert Leacommunity.” For more information please view ourrating on-line at CMS.gov or Medicare.gov.

Residents and staff members celebrated thisachievement byhaving a 5-starparty with foodand games for all.We also had a pieeating contestwhere residentsand staff alikeparticipated.

Redevelopment OurRedevelopment

continues with changes happening daily! The garage iswell on its way to completion. This will allow ourapartment residents to get to their car without battlingthe cold this winter. The new Assisted Living area isexpected to have the first of the apartments ready tooccupy by late Fall. The wellness center is starting now,and the pool will be filled and ready to use in thespring. Needless to say it is an exciting time as wewatch the new Thorne Crest being created before ourvery eyes.

Stop by and take a look. Be sure to “like” us on Facebook for regular progress updates.www.facebook.com/thornecrest

Shanna Eckberg, Administrator

– FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR –

Thorne Crest Receives Top Marks

An Aerial View of the New Thorne Crest to be Completed In 2015

Thorne Crest AdministratorShanna Eckberg and RN

Brenda Herman with theExcellence In Action Award

Retirement Community

Thorne Crest Classic Senior Style

“ ”

Thorne Crest Health Center Has Received A 5-STAR Quality Ranking from Medicare.gov

Thorne Crest’s Health Center has been name a 5-Star rating by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS.gov). The 5-Star rating is awarded only aftera community is considered overall much above average in staffing levels, quality

measures and health inspection. Tim O’Brien, ABHM’s V.P. of Quality Services, states“achieving this level of excellence clearly illustrates Thorne Crest’s dedication and commit-ment to delivering superior service to residents in the greater Albert Lea community.”

Thorne Crest Health Center has also received the “Excellence-In-Action”award by the National Research Coroportation’s Innver-View. Thisaward recognizes senior living organizations that achieve high levels of

excellence in overall customer satisfaction. Mary Oakes, Vice President of Post-Acute at National Research, states “every day, these providers are making adifference in the lives of residents across all facets of the long term care and thesenior living spectrum to ensure they are receiving the utmost quality of care.”

Thorne Crest Also Receives Customer Satisfaction Award “Excellence-In-Action” by National Research Corporation

Architect’s Rendering of new entrance to ThorneCrest Health Center, to be completed in 2014.

For 40 years, Thorne Crest has been known forbeing a great place to spend your retirement,and that tradition continues today. We have awonderful, caring staff, offer home cooked

meals, daily social and physicalactivities, as well as transportationaround town–which isparticularly convenient during

the winter months. Residentsfeel secure knowing if they ever do

need a little extra help, we have a 24-hour staff and can provide assistance

right in their own home.

If you have an interest in senior living, now is thetime to stop by for a visit and tour our beautifullyrenovated Independent Living apartment homes.When you choose to make the move to Thorne Crest,your apartment will be new from top-to-bottom witha brand new open floor plan to create a home that iscomfortable and welcoming. You also have theopportunity to choose from a variety of granitecounter tops, appliances, cabinetry, flooring and tile,making this home truly yours.

Experience the

Thorne Crest

Retirement Community

Thorne Crest Classic Senior Style

This is your home and your style – & now our 90% refundableentry fee option makes Thorne Crest the best deal in town.

To learn more about Thorne Crestcall today to schedule a personal tour with Karen at 507-373-2311.The Independent Living apartments at Thorne Crest feature the latest indesign and care-free living. Completely renovated one and two-bedroomapartments with balconies and garages are available. All apartmentsoffer safety and security with optional meal plans, laundry and house-keeping services. With winter weather right around the corner, now’sthe time to make the move to our Independent Living Apartments!

Lifestyle!

Retirement Community

Thorne Crest Classic Senior Style

Artist’s Rendering of New Bistro Area

Artist’s Rendering of New Lobby Area

Today, the idea of aginggracefully has beenreplaced with the efforts of

successful aging. We all know theimportance of physical exercise inmaintaining health, but did youknow that keeping mentallyfit/active and socially engaged areequally as important as we striveto age successfully?

Research has shown that keepingmentally fit and socially engagedcan help us ward off many of theconditions and diseasestraditionally associated withaging. Maintaining mental fitnessis important to warding offAlzheimer’s disease and dementiaand mental well-being goes hand-in-hand withkeeping our bodies strong. Being socially engaged canhelp lower blood pressure and may reduce the risks forAlzheimer’s, cardiovascular problems, some cancers,osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

At Thorne Crest Retirement Community we recognizehow important physical, mental and social activitiesare in helping residents maintain their active lifestyle.When a new resident makes Thorne Crest their home,

we see anopportunity toengage them inactivitiesdesigned to helpthat person livelife to theirfullest – no

matter what their limitationsmay be. We welcome thechance to help residentscontinue to enjoy the hobbiesand pastimes they have spent alifetime mastering – as well asintroducing them to newexperiences that may justbecome their new passion.

The Activities and Wellnessteams at Thorne Crest, alongwith input from residents,create a vast number ofactivities and events that keepresidents engaged throughoutthe campus. Although manyactivities are open to allresidents, there are several

programs designed for residents at a specific level ofcare.

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Residents in independent living enjoy an extensivesocial calendar. There are monthly dinner excursions,and to make it easy, Thorne Crest provides thetransportation for the group. Residents host birthdayparties every month and, of course, celebrate specialoccasion like the Mother-Daughter Tea, Fathers DayBarbecue and the annual Holiday Dinner. Theresidents themselves also plan a number of otheractivities and outings.

ASSISTED LIVING

Life is equally as active for Assisted Living residents atThorne Crest! Exercise classes are offered throughoutthe week and every afternoon residents can enjoy

Activities Aboundat Thorne Crest

Retirement Community

Thorne Crest Classic Senior Style

Thorne Crest is proud to welcome Katie Bielefeldas the new Wellness Director. Katie comes toThorne Crest with many years of training,

education and experience. Katie will oversee all of theWellness classes and activities. Thorne Crest startedthe Wellness program in 2010, and the program hasgrown to include a restorative program in the skilled

nursing center that has beenextremely successful. Katie stated“I’m really excited to continue togrow our wellness programs.Watching the impact that wellnesshas on people really draws you in.My goal is to continue to helpresidents and community membersto not only maintain strength, but torestore and improve overallwellness.” Katie is looking forward to the new wellnesscenter with a pool currently under construction. “Thehealth benefits of using the pool are phenomenal, nomatter what your level of fitness.” Katie and herhusband Jordan live near Northwood, Iowa, and have3 children, William 7, Madeline 6, and Weston 2.

social activities that include musical entertainmentand even monthly social hours. Assisted livingresidents also enjoy group outings. Each week thereare shopping opportunities when residents can takethe Thorne Crest busright to the door.

HEALTH CENTER

The Activities Calendar isfull of all kinds ofmusical, spiritual, socialand entertainment eventsfor our Health Centerresidents as well. Crafts,baking, movies, evenmanicures are offeredthroughout the week.Health Center residentsalso have the opportunity go on excursions such asfishing trips and country drives.

Thorne Crest also plans regular events that are open toall residents and families. The residents especially

enjoyed the all campus outdoor picnics and makinghome made ice cream is fun to make, and eat! Inaddition, Thorne Crest participates in local areaparades, hosts weekly communion and chapel

services for areadenominations.

At Thorne Crest, werecognize the importance ofintegrating physical, mentaland social well-being intoeach resident’s lifestyle orcare plan. We are committedto helping each residentreach their fullest potentialand we encourage andsupport each resident toremain engaged and active.

Living a quality life is no longer just the luck of thedraw - being mentally fit and socially engagedpromotes physical well-being, and all three togetherprovide the best guarantee of aging successfully.

Thorne Crest Announces New Wellness Director

Katie BielefeldThorne Crest

Wellness Director

Retirement Community

Thorne Crest Classic Senior Style

Artist’s Rendering of new Wellness Center Pool

We hope that youhave had an

opportunity to checkout the new ThorneCrest website andFacebook pages.Today we are excitedto announce the thirdpart of our newexpanded online presence, the new Thorne CrestFoundation web page. You can find the new page atwww.thornecrest.net/thorne-crest-foundation orunder “Community Information” on the mainThorneCrest.net web page. Here you will findinformation about the many ways you cancontribute and become part of our tradition ofquality care and service. Please visit us online and learn how you can give today!

Now You Can Support ThorneCrest Online Through Website

Thorne Crest Retirement Community is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest,a not-for-profit provider of senior housing and healthcare since 1930.

Thorne Crest Retirement Community1201 Garfield Ave.Albert Lea, MN, 56007(507) 373-2311www.ThorneCrest.net

Like?Thorne CrestThorne Crest

www.Facebook.com/ThorneCrest

and Stay Up-To-Date on the Community!