CommunityA MAGAZINE f rom UMRC

FALL 2015

IS TO LIVE WITH PurposeThe Purpose of Life

Learn How UMRC's Residents and Staff Give Back – and Get So Much More in Return ❱

Garden Party Supports New TowSLey ViLLaGe GaRdeNS

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Recently, I read about a study by the National Institute on Aging on the importance of having a sense of purpose or direction in life. Researchers found that people who reported a greater sense of purpose lived longer, healthier lives than their peers who described themselves as “aimless.” Having a purpose also seemed to protect them against the negative effects of stress. According to the study, it doesn’t matter at what age a person finds their purpose – whether in their 20s or in their 70s.

It is especially important for seniors to have that sense of purpose, to feel useful and valued. Our residents have so much to share. I love seeing the hub-bub of Chelsea 5th graders visiting our Dancey House residents as part of the Adopt-a-Grandparent program; our residents at Glazier Commons participating in the day-to-day activities of their community; and Thome Rivertown Neighborhood seniors sharing their stories with the Detroit Historical Society. It is also inspiring to see our staff members volunteering their time and talents in projects like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

At UMRC, we strive every day to promote the wellness, dignity, and independence of older adults. It is at the heart of our faith-based mission. By finding our passions and leading lives of meaning and purpose, we lift up each other and those in the communities where we live and work.

This year I am celebrating my 10th year at United Methodist Retirement Communities. I am honored to be part of an organization like UMRC with a rich history of nearly 110 years of innovation and service to older adults. The faith-based missions of UMRC and the UMRC Foundation set us apart.

I am so proud to be associated with staff members, residents, volunteers, and donors who support each other and help us live out our mission each day.

Sincerely,

John Thorhauer, President and CEO

John Thorhauer, wendy Brightman and the Kresge family at the Garden Party

LiViNG oUT oUR

Faith-Based Mission

In July, the UMRC Foundation celebrated its most successful Garden Party event ever, netting over $190,000 to help build spectacular garden spaces at Towsley Village. Dr. Bruce and Peggy Kresge served as this year’s honorary co-chairs for the event which took place in the newly christened Anne Ford Garden Oasis at Glazier Commons.

“We are thrilled to have had such an outpouring of love and generosity from individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors to help create outdoor magic for our memory care residents of Towsley Village,” says UMRC Foundation President, Wendy Brightman.

An anonymous matching grant of $50,000 also helped spark a great deal of excitement for the gardens, raising over $58,000 in matching gifts from June 1 to July 10. “This project definitely resonated with our donors,” says Wendy. “Because of the generous matching grant, we were thrilled to re-engage many donors who had not made a previous gift in five years or more.”

Gardening and outdoor activities have been found to help nurture body, mind, and spirit, especially for seniors living with dementia.

“These new garden spaces at Towsley Village will be an integral part of UMRC’s overall health and wellness initiatives for its residents.”

“Features will include hands-on container gardens where residents can dig in the dirt to grow their own flowers and vegetables, a spectacular cutting garden, fire pit, and plenty of space for gathering with friends and family,” says Wendy.

Groundbreaking for the Towsley Village gardens will take place this fall with completion of hard surfaces and walking paths expected by winter. Planting of the gardens will take place in the spring.

a Letter from President

and Ceo John Thorhauer

Pictured above: Residents alberta Sabin, Barbara Cowen,

and Betty Christler at the walk to end alzheimer’s

Walk into Glazier Commons Assisted Living Center and you’re likely to see Odie Elden feeding the fish in the courtyard koi pond, or Ermil Jones helping in the dining room or setting up for Saturday afternoon movies. You might see Arley Lake playing piano for Sunday Chapel, or Max Wolfe helping residents get to and from chapel and other activities. You might find Garry Walz taking pictures and creating PowerPoint presentations, or Betty Beese delivering flowers from the cutting garden. These helpful people, and many more, are not staff members, though. They are Glazier Commons residents, sharing their talents and leading lives of meaning and purpose.

Life Enrichment’s Kori Rochefort says that involving Glazier Commons residents with various “jobs” is something she has always wanted to do. “We have residents who were professors, pastors, teachers,” says Kori. “These are people who have always done for themselves and others and still want to ‘do.’ They still need purpose in their lives – to share their skills and passions, and to have something to look forward to.”

Glazier Commons resident Bob Benedict, for example, is a retired teacher and principal in the Chelsea Public Schools. When his wife, Carol, passed away in May, his daughter, Sandra Lantis, says her dad needed purpose for his life. “Storytelling is something he has always loved,” explains Sandra, who says her dad started telling stories to his grandchildren after retiring from school. Sandra contacted Kori who helped Bob get started. This summer, “Storytelling with Bob” became a weekly event at Glazier Commons with Bob sharing his stories with both Chelsea area children and their parents, as well as other Glazier residents. Sandra says they hope to continue his storytelling at North Elementary School in Chelsea this fall where she is a teacher.

“Dad likes to share the older stories and getting kids involved. He likes the challenge of keeping kids attentive and knowing ‘I’ve still got it!’”

Kori’s goal is for all Glazier Commons residents to have meaningful “jobs” to do. “Finding their purpose helps them think about the future,” says Kori. “They just feel better when they’re helping.”3 4

Kori Rochefort is one of three UMRC staff members who were honored recently by LeadingAge Michigan for their outstanding work with seniors. Kori received the 2015 Caring Spirit Award, which recognizes the achievements of direct care staff who have made a significant impact upon the lives of older adults. Val McGuirt, a member of the environmental services team at Chelsea Retirement Community, was honored as the runner-up for this award. UMRC’s senior vice president and chief operating officer, Lori Herbig, received the 2015 Leadership in

Action Award, honoring the achievement of an individual whose actions and leadership greatly enhance the work environment in their organization as well as the quality of life for residents in the entire community. LeadingAge Michigan represents mission-based providers across the state who serve frail seniors and adults with disabilities. Says John Thorhauer, UMRC President and CEO, “I am so proud to work with these three individuals who exemplify the excellence and compassion UMRC strives for each day in our service to older adults.”

Thome Rivertown Residents Remember

Detroit riotsLast spring, Julia DeHart, Housing Administrator for Thome Rivertown Assisted Living Neighborhood in Detroit, learned about the Detroit Historical Society’s plans to conduct an Oral History project, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1967 riots. She knew immediately this was something exciting the native Detroiters living at Rivertown could help with. This summer, Detroit Historical Society interviewers visited with several Rivertown residents to hear their personal stories of this difficult and pivotal time in the city’s history.

Henry Stallings recalls returning to Detroit from a trip with his family. A high school student at the time, Henry remembers seeing a big black cloud of smoke in the distance: “As we approached it closer we could see the riot. Everything was aflame… We could see people looting and burning and stealing stuff. It was a terrible thing.”

Shirley Davis was a young wife and mother living in southwest Detroit in 1967. When she heard the news on TV, then saw the military tanks in her neighborhood, she thought the world was coming to an end. Her husband worked in the city and she wondered if he would ever make it home. “We sat there and we prayed that night,” says Shirley. “The next day we saw the devastation.”

Interviewers Lily Wilson and Noah Levinson say the Rivertown residents “had such a range of experiences and were very open to sharing their memories.” Noah remembers distinctly his interview with Shirley: “When she recalled seeing the tank on her street, I just saw her look straight up with this look of awe, remembering its immense size like it was right there in front of her. That was the moment I knew this was a special project, to be able to talk to people about these transformative memories.”

“The Rivertown residents are living history,” says Julia. “They enjoy telling others of their experiences. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from older adults. The residents hope to have future opportunities to share their life lessons and memories.”

Shirley agrees. “We are the last of that generation and we were there, so an eye-to-eye view is better than what you read about...”

Shirley loves the city of Detroit where she grew up. “I feel we are coming back, and we are going to come back strong. You can’t keep Detroit down. I love this place.”

We are saddened by Mr. Stallings’ passing on September 7, 2015, but thankful for the opportunity he had to share his memories with the Detroit Historical Society.

Henry Stallings and Shirley davis

Resident odie elden feeds the koi Resident Bob Benedict shares stories with Chelsea children

Finding Purpose THRoUGH TaLeNT

LeadingAge Michigan Honors UMRC employees

1967 2017

“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways

you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” – attributed to John Wesley

While serving at Ypsilanti First United Methodist Church a couple years ago, I was contacted by a resident from Chelsea Retirement Community asking if I would come and provide a Christmas Program. I agreed and my wife, Fiona, and I put together a musical program

for the event. It struck me that I had received this request from not a staff member, but a resident. When we arrived for the program, we got a bit of a tour, met a number of residents, and were privileged to hear stories about the many residents who have had and continue to have such an impact in the lives of their neighbors.

The lasting impression that I came away with inspired me by showing how our UMRC ministries embody the strong social ethos on which Methodism was founded. Wherever we live…whatever our ages…we can be good neighbors…faithful disciples…and loving friends!

UMRC’s Focus on FaithRev. Timothy Dibble, Pastor at West Branch First United Methodist Church

A Gift withA Lasting Impact

“Giving has always been part of my life and my family’s life,” says Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC) resident Hertha Laupmanis. A native of Austria, Hertha immigrated to the U.S. during World War II with her husband, a Methodist pastor. Since then, she has dedicated her life to helping others.

Today, Hertha looks after her CRC neighbors and community by volunteering and making an annual gift to the UMRC Foundation’s Tree of Life.

A cherished holiday tradition at UMRC, the Tree of Life offers a meaningful way to honor and remember friends and loved ones. Most importantly, your gift supports our Benevolent Care Fund and helps ensure our residents always have a home where they are loved and treasured.

The Tree of Life has become a family affair for Hertha – not only does she honor her five children with her gift, but they return the kindness as well, honoring their mother with their own gifts in support of Benevolent Care.

With your gift of $35 or more, we will add an ornament to the Tree of Life. Your ornament will adorn the Tree of Life during the holidays, and will then be sent to you or a person you designate.

A Tree of Life gift envelope is included for your convenience. You may also contact the UMRC Foundation office at 734.433.1000 ext. 2 or visit our website at umrcfoundation.com.

Silver Maples resident Ruth Barnard, Ph.D., retired from the University of Michigan School of Nursing faculty in 2000. An active member of First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor, Ruth’s pastor approached her shortly after with an important question: “Could a school of nursing be built in Haiti?” Ruth replied, “Sure!” His next question required a bit more thought: “Will you lead the effort?” After much prayerful consideration, Ruth agreed.

One month after 9-11, Ruth traveled to Haiti to learn about the country’s healthcare needs. “I knew it was important that the people of Haiti take pride and ownership of the school. It needed to be ‘theirs,’” Ruth explains. She soon learned there were three times more doctors than nurses in Haiti; in the U.S., that ratio is reversed. There were few educational opportunities for young women, and still fewer training options for nurses. Ruth immediately saw how important this new nursing school would be.

“Haiti needed educated nurses,” says Ruth who envisioned the school as a four-year BSN program. The nursing school became part of

the Episcopal University of Haiti and, on January 10, 2005, opened its doors with 36 students enrolled in its first class.

“I’m so thankful to God that the right people came along to serve this project,” says Ruth. One of those people was The Cedars of Dexter resident, Margie Van Meter, also a retired nurse from the University of Michigan, who has shared her expertise as a tireless volunteer on the project. “It’s a project that is dear to my heart,” says Margie.

Both Ruth and Margie have lost count of their many visits to Haiti and continue to serve on the Haiti Nursing Foundation Board of Directors. In January 2015, the school celebrated its 10th anniversary and saw its total number of graduates reach 100 nursing professionals; 95 are helping improve healthcare in their country.

“God prepared me for something like this. Retirement is the best

time to do something to make a difference.”

Making a Difference in Haiti

Not sure what to get that special someone? Tree of Life

makes the perfect gift!

Hertha Laupmanis and her family

– Ruth Barnard

Pictured: Residents Margie Van Meter and Ruth Barnard

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towsley village Celebrates 15 Years

Ten years ago, Eric and Margi Chriscinske knew something was wrong with their mother, Ann. Only in her mid-50s, she began losing the ability to speak, behaving differently, and making decisions that “were outside of what we recognized as ‘mom,’” says Margi. For almost four years, Ann’s symptoms went misdiagnosed – possibly a series of mini strokes or a psychological issue. Ann even

underwent hypnosis. Finally, Eric and Margi took their mom to a neurologist at University of Michigan who specializes in Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Ann was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a disorder occurring most often in people in their 50s and 60s. FTD causes progressive nerve cell loss in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to loss of function and deterioration of behavior, personality, and language.

As their mother began to require more assistance and care, Eric and Margi looked to Towsley Village. They were familiar with Chelsea Retirement Community because their grandparents had lived here, and they knew Towsley’s setting would appeal to their mom, a “country girl.” Most importantly, Eric and Margi knew Towsley Village and its staff would provide the loving interaction their mom, once active and outgoing, would need.

“The staff really treated her like their own mom.”

Ann passed away at age 67 in January 2015. Her legacy lives on, though, through her children who made a generous gift to the UMRC Foundation in her memory. The gift will support both the Howard S. Holmes Endowment, supporting Benevolent Care for Towsley Village residents who have outlived their savings, and to help create spectacular garden spaces for Towsley Village residents and visitors to enjoy. “It’s the least we could do,” says Eric. “Mom was a very giving person, and it’s what she would’ve wanted.” Regarding the importance of Benevolent Care, Margi adds, “We don’t want someone to miss out on that opportunity to live at Towsley Village. We wouldn’t want someone to have to move. That is stress that nobody needs.”

Partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association In the United States, someone develops Alzheimer’s disease every 67 seconds. Currently, over 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s; by 2050, that number is expected to more than triple. It is devastating to those with the disease and takes an emotional and physical toll on caregivers as well (Alzheimer’s Association Fact Sheet, March 2015).

UMRC is pleased to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association – Michigan Great Lakes Chapter (MGLC) which serves 23 counties across the state. Last fall, the UMRC Foundation made its first ever Community Grant of $10,000 to MGLC to provide training and resources to the chapter’s Caregiver Support Groups. “UMRC has long been committed to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,” explains Wendy Brightman, UMRC Foundation President. “This grant to the Alzheimer’s Association meets our mission and helps caregivers in the greater community receive the support they need. The UMRC Foundation is honored to make a difference in the lives of local residents with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.”

Thanks to this grant, MGLC substantially expanded its reach by adding support groups, training new volunteer facilitators, and creating a portable lending resource library. Volunteers shared that “caregivers were excited, grateful, and eagerly checking out books” from the new lending library. Many caregivers wrote their own thank you notes to the UMRC Foundation: “My parents struggle with this awful disease. We are blessed to have some wonderful people here to educate, support, and help.”

“The support groups are really a lifeline for caregivers who feel isolated, a safe place where they can be with people who truly understand what they’re going through,” says Jennifer Howard, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association MGLC.

“We are thrilled to partner with UMRC to continue to provide

and enhance support groups in the communities we serve.”

UMRC and the Alzheimer’s Association partner in many ways. MGLC provides a monthly support group at Towsley Village for family members and caregivers. UMRC has also helped sponsor and organize the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Chelsea over the last three years. Approximately 100 UMRC employees, families, and residents participated in this year’s event held on September 26. “By partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association, UMRC staff, residents, and families unite to raise awareness for this devastating disease,” says Ashley Martin, Executive Director, Chelsea Retirement Community. “We are all connected to this cause in one way or another. Some of us care for residents with Alzheimer’s and others may have lost a loved one to the disease. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s allows UMRC an opportunity to join the fight while also living out the ‘Chelsea Experience’ which promotes an enduring culture of caring and excellence across our campus.”

To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, call 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org/mglc.

UMRC has long been a leader in innovative care for people with memory loss – from Wesley Hall in the 1980s, the first assisted living environment in the country for people with dementia; to Towsley Village, UMRC’s state-of-the-art facility for residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss which opened in 2000. The vision, philanthropy, and generosity of foundations and individual donors made Towsley Village possible. Today, UMRC continues its commitment to the best possible care for residents with dementia and their families.

CRC residents at the walk to end alzheimer’s Bob Brown and Carolyn Luciani at the walk

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eRiC & MaRGi’S Story

ann Chriscinske

UMRC Foundation is pleased to announce that it has received a generous grant of $2,000,000 from the Edward N. and Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation. This naming grant will provide start-up funds for UMRC’s latest Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE®), located at 2282 Springport Road in Jackson.

Serving Jackson, Lenawee, and Hillsdale counties, The Edward N. and Della L. Thome PACE® is the first and only center of its kind in this region, and one of only ten PACE® centers in the state. UMRC has partnered in the launch of three of these PACE® programs, more than any other organization in Michigan. A collaboration between UMRC and Region 2 Area Agency on Aging, Thome PACE® provides an innovative alternative to nursing facility care, allowing eligible participants, ages 55 and older, to live safely and with dignity in their homes and communities.

“We were absolutely thrilled and honored to receive this grant from the Edward N. and Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee,” says UMRC Foundation President, Wendy Brightman. “This gift helps to ensure that low-income, frail elderly in

Jackson, Lenawee, and Hillsdale counties get the medical care and support services they need, while maintaining their independence at home and in their communities.”

Expected to open in early 2016, Thome PACE® will provide comprehensive medical, therapeutic and pharmacy needs; nutrition and meals; health education; social and recreational activities; medical specialties; and transportation. This grant from the Thome Foundation will provide start-up support for PACE®’s interdisciplinary healthcare team. UMRC Foundation received a previous grant of $500,000 from the Thome Foundation in August 2014, also in support of the PACE® project in Jackson. “Rural Michigan is important to the Thome family which has its roots in Owosso,” explains Wendy. “UMRC and the Thome Foundation share a commitment to providing for the dignified treatment of older adults.”

“We are delighted to partner with the Thome Foundation to make a

difference in the lives of local seniors.”

Martha Hicks calls herself a “planner.” So when her mother needed care, Martha and her husband, Jack, did their homework. To quote Martha, “We chose UMRC based on its excellent nursing care rating. Mother began living in an Independent Living apartment and later transitioned to Assisted Living. She also required skilled nursing following several hospital stays. The care she received was excellent, and the nursing staff was competent and caring.”

Martha and Jack have been faithful friends of the UMRC Foundation ever since. Martha explains,

“UMRC exceeded our expectations. Because we believe

this is due to the benevolent nature of the institution, we have been

long-time supporters of UMRC.”

Today, Martha, a retired Ford Motor senior quality assurance executive, and Jack, retired president of a machine tool manufacturing company, generously support the UMRC Foundation through their gifts which benefit UMRC residents both now and in the future. The Hicks are members of UMRC Foundation’s Pillars of Faith multi-year giving society, as well as our beloved Wesley Legacy Society through their thoughtful estate planning.

Always looking ahead, Martha and Jack – who plan to make CRC their home one day – are ensuring that UMRC residents will share in the promise of Benevolent Care for years to come: “We believe the mission provides security to many elderly souls who would have to worry about their future without the UMRC guarantee of a permanent place to live. This is a mission we feel privileged to support.”

To learn more about how you can join Martha and Jack in caring for seniors, please contact Wendy Brightman, UMRC Foundation President, at 734.433.1000 ext. 2 or by e-mail at wbrightman@umrc.com

UMRC leadership members at UMa conference9

Reaching New HeiGHTSUMRC leadership and staff are currently undertaking a rigorous process to earn EAGLE accreditation through the United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare-Related Ministries, Inc. (UMA).

UMA’s mission is to promote, inspire, empower, and recognize excellence in healing and caring ministries. EAGLE, or Educational Assessment Guidelines Leading toward Excellence, is the only faith-based accreditation program in the United States, and combines a performance excellence approach with a peer-reviewed accreditation standards process.

Last March, the UMRC strategic leadership team attended the 75th annual UMA conference in St. Petersburg, Florida, to learn more about the accreditation process by completing the EAGLE Reviewer training. Since then, UMRC has set in motion its self-assessment, the first step

in the EAGLE accreditation process. Once completed, UMRC will submit its application for EAGLE review in 2016. “UMRC has long been a member of UMA,” says John Thorhauer. “We are excited about undertaking this process which recognizes and strengthens the already outstanding work we are doing at UMRC. By seeking EAGLE accreditation, we believe we will take our faith-filled mission to even greater heights.”

GeNeRoUS GRaNT HeLPS LaUNCH

thome PACe® Meet Our doNoRSMartha & Jack Hicks

You, too, can leave a lasting legacy of caring for seniors

by becoming a member of the

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Chelsea Retirement Community805 West Middle StreetChelsea, Michigan 48118P: 734.433.1000

The Cedars of Dexter411 Cedars LaneDexter, Michigan 48130P: 734.792.9702

The Pines325 Wilkinson StreetChelsea, Michigan 48118P: 734.433.9130

Communities in Harmony

UMRC FoUndation BoaRd UMRC BoaRd oF tRUstees

Jane Banaszak-Holl

John w. Boyse, Ph.D.

Peg Bravo

Rich Brown

Christine Cigolle M.D., M.P.H.

Colleen dolan-Greene

Michael Fritz

Kathleen Griffiths

Rev. elizabeth Hill

Rev. dr. Matthew Hook

H. Russell ives

Sheryl Laughren

dick Lundy

John Nixon iii

edward Southworth

Sherry d.o. Taylor

John Thorhauer UMRC President & CEO

www.umrc.com 805 W. Middle Street, Chelsea, MI 48118

Graham Battersby, Ph.D.

Peg Bravo

Marianne Conner

Gwen dunlap

ann Feeney

Stephen Fetyko

Leonard d. Frescoln

Lisa Herrick

H. Russell ives

Margaret Leary

Rev. Tom Macaulay

Tom McMullen

John Nixon iii

Mark ouimet

Henry L. Paulson, M.D., Ph.D.

edward Southworth

John Thorhauer UMRC President & CEO

wendy Brightman, CFRE, CFRM UMRC Foundation President

Silver Maples of Chelsea100 Silver Maples DriveChelsea, Michigan 48118P: 734.475.4111

The Thome Rivertown Neighborhood250 McDougall AvenueDetroit, Michigan 48207P: 313.567.8045

Huron Valley PACE®

2940 Ellsworth Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197P: 734.572.5777

Caring Partners Home Health3909 Research Park Dr., Ste. 600Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108P: 734.769.5758

Thome PACE®

2282 Springport RoadJackson, Michigan 49202P: 517.768.9791

Senior CommUnity Care of Michigan 1921 East Miller RoadLansing, Michigan 48911P: 517.319.0700