WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021 | SENIOR LIVING | PAGE 1
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Thorne Crest is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, a not-for-profit provider of senior health care since 1930.
SENIOR LIVING
Area care facilities have new directors of nursing
Amelia Thompson is the new director of nursing at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community. She started in the position in June. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
New Thorne Crest leader has worked Leader at St. John’s impressed with in a variety of health care settings ‘welcoming attitude’ on the campus By Sarah Stultz
sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com
Thorne Crest Senior Living Community’s new director of nursing said she likes the opportunity her new position gives her to build connections with both residents and staff at the care facility in Albert Lea. Amelia Thompson moved to Albert Lea from South Dakota and started in the position June 7 after working in several other nursing positions since the start of her career. Thompson said she started her nursing career working for what was then called Regional Health in Rapid City, South Dakota.
She worked in a float pool there for a year, before transitioning to the emergency room for five years. She said she found a constant issue with patients coming in and out of the emergency room who had cares that were not being tended to at home. If those things had been done properly, they could have helped prevent the emergency room visits. These concerns prompted her to move into case management, where she could help set patients up for success at home. From there, one of her leaders came to her with an opportunity in the dialysis department, where she said
she worked with a great team and great patients. She said she loved building a connection with those patients and worked with many geriatric patients. She worked there for 1 1/2 years until her husband, Mark, got a promotion to run a Ford store in Clear Lake, and she applied to work at Thorne Crest in Albert Lea as the director of nursing. She said she thought it would be a great opportunity to have a job where she could build those same connections with residents and get to make a positive impact. Thompson said she See CARE, Page 4
By Sarah Stultz
sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com
The new director of nursing at St. John’s Lutheran Community’s Fountain Lake campus has had a history of nursing at many levels throughout the years. Kelly Preble started at St. John’s on June 28 and before that spent nine months at Oak Park Place and had retired from Mayo Clinic Health System after 25 years. She also was a travel nurse for a time. “I really love leadership and saw the posting, and with the wide services they offer and the reputation of St. John’s, I
Kelly Preble started as the director of nursing at St. John’s Lutheran Community’s Fountain Lake campus June 28. just applied and could not be happier,” Preble said. She said thus far she has been impressed with the
Senior Spotlight: Verla Courrier Age: 90 Native of: originally South Dakota; from Wells Place of residency: Good Samaritan Society-Hidden Creek Family: husband, married 69 years, four children, five grandchildren, 18 greatgrandchildren Education: high school, teacher training Former occupation: teacher and farmer wife 56 years What is your favorite childhood memory: a doll for Christmas that mother had gotten because she bought so many groceries What is your favorite memory
from adulthood? Getting married, winning the honor of being Faribault County Outstanding Senior Citizen What would you say is your greatest accomplishment? Seeing people get Bibles in Russia, India, USA, Cuba and to many youth Is there a piece of advice you wish someone had given you or you would have listened to when you were young? Read the Bible and walk the life. What is the greatest lesson life has taught you? Being obedient to the Lord What do you enjoy most about where you are living now? We all have many years of living with many different physical problems. All are very friendly.
dedication of St. John’s leadership and the can-do See ST. JOHN’S, Page 4
Page 2 | SENIOR LIVING | WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021
Senior Spotlight: Ardelle Knutson
Age: Aged to perfection Native of: Born in Iowa, moved to Minnesota when I was 16 and lived here ever since Place of residency: St. John’s Water’s Edge Independent Living, Albert Lea Family: Two sons, Jim and his wife, Julie Knutson, who reside in Hartland, and Kevin and Laura Knutson, who reside in Scottsdale, Arizona; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren Education: Graduated from Albert Lea High School, six months secretarial school at Manpower, Albert Lea Former occupation: A farmer’s wife, secretary at Farmer’s Mutual Insurance, Manchester What is your favorite childhood memory? Playing dress up with my cousin at my special grandma and grandpa’s house. They had a trunk in the attic full of fun old clothes like hats, shoes and dresses
What is your favorite memory from adulthood? My children’s weddings. They were important times in their lives as well as ours.
St. John’s celebrates parade
St. John’s Lutheran Community was so excited to be part of the 2021 Third of July Parade in Albert Lea. The organization thanked everyone who helped with the parade float and decorating. Provided
What would you say is your greatest accomplishment? Raising two sons who have enjoyed their careers and have both maintained strong faith. Both have a loving and caring family. Is there a piece of advice you wish someone had given you or you would have listened to when your were younger? To enjoy each day to the fullest as life is short and time passes so fast. What is the greatest lesson life has taught you? The trials we experience in life helps us to build character and helps us to help others going through similar situations. What do you enjoy most about where you are living now? The independence of keeping my social life in the community as well as meeting new friends at St. John’s Lutheran Community
A taste of the outdoors
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St. John’s Lutheran Community residents enjoyed a gorgeous evening with a bonfire and music. Residents and tenants at the Luther Place campus had a blast making s’mores and sharing stories. Provided
A St. John’s resident enjoys a s’more during a bonfire outside the facility.
The Meadows
Assisted Living Memory Care at the Fountain Lake Community 24-hour Care Staff Cognitive programming for enhanced memory care Specially-trained dementia care staff Full-time chaplain and worship services 901 Luther Place and 1761 Eagle View Circle Albert Lea, MN 507-373-8226 www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021 | SENIOR LIVING | PAGE 3
Thorne Crest residents play bags
Residents enjoy frisbee tourney
Residents at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community participate in a frisbee tournament. Provided
Thorne Crest Senior Living Community residents enjoy a game of bags recently. Here a resident plays while Activities Director Marilyn Claassen looks on. Provided
Enjoying a picnic
Thorne Crest Senior Living Community residents recently enjoyed a day in the courtyard for a picnic. Provided
Others enjoyed the picnic from indoors.
Have a story idea? Call the newsroom at 507-373-1411
Page 4 | SENIOR LIVING | WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021
How seniors can approach exercise Exercise is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. By making exercise part of their dayto-day routines, people of all ages, including men and women over the age of 65, can greatly improve their overall health. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that seniors should aspire to be as active as possible. Exercise is a great way to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine and has been linked to reduced risk for diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Though adults with chronic illnesses may be hesitant to exercise, the AAFP notes that it’s possible for men and women who have been diagnosed with such conditions to exercise safely. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that regular physical activity is one of the most important things seniors can do for their health and can potentially prevent many health problems associated with aging.
Frequency of exercise
Seniors, particularly those who have not exercised much in the past, may not know how much exercise they need to reap the full rewards of physical activity. Though it’s best to discuss exercise with a physician prior to beginning a new regimen, various public health agencies advise seniors to get at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic exercise each week. Brisk walking is one example of moderate aerobic exercise. Seniors who want to sweat a little more when exercising can replace moderate aerobic
Norman and Barbara Seberson
Regular physical activity is one of the most important things seniors can do for their health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Provided exercise with one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as jogging, each week.
Is strength training safe for seniors?
The CDC advises seniors to incorporate musclestrengthening activities into their weekly fitness routines twice per week. Lifting waits, working with resistance bands, heavy gardening, and even some forms of yoga qualify as muscle-strengthening activities. Exercises that use your body weight for resistance, such as sit-ups
and push-ups, also can help build strength. Always speak with a physician before beginning a musclestrengthening exercise regimen and, if possible, work with a personal trainer, especially if you’re a novice.
When to stop a workout
It’s imperative that seniors recognize when to stop working out. Exercising more than is recommended by your doctor can increase the risk of illness or injury. In addition, stop exercising
if any of the following symptoms appear: • Dizziness or shortness of breath • Chest pain or pressure • Swollen joints • Nausea • Tightness in muscles or joints • Pain anywhere in the body • Throbbing or burning sensations Exercise can help seniors stay healthy and feel more energetic throughout the day. Before beginning a new regimen, seniors should discuss physical activity with their physicians.
Senior Spotlight: Norman and Barbara Seberson Names: Norman and Barbara Seberson 81;
memory: Barbara: really enjoyed high school; Norman: lots of great childhood memories.
Native of: Barbara, Brooklyn, New York; Norman, Albert Lea
Greatest accomplishment: Staying healthy and active as we age.
Ages: Barbara, Norman, 90
Place of residency: Thorne Crest Senior Living Community Family: one daughter and one grandchild Education: Barbara, high school graduate; Norman, business college, Mankato Former occupation: Barbara, payroll clerk; Norman, tax compliance professional Favorite
childhood
St. John’s Continued from Front Page
attitude of the staff. Preble said she grew up saying she was going to be a nurse with her mother’s encouragement, and initially wanted to go into nursing to do hospice work. In all her years, she said her work she is doing now with the elderly through St. John’s skilled nursing facility is actually the closest she has been to that initial goal. Most of her career was spent in cardiacrelated departments. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone go through pain and difficulties smile,” she said of why she wanted to do hospice work initially. She has found that the work has been similar coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic and helping the elderly who have been isolated during the pandemic. “To walk into those rooms and see somebody smile and hear about their lives, it’s perfect — the perfect position,” she said. As director of nursing, she works to support
Care Continued from Front Page
oversees about eight to 10 nurses and 10 to 12 certified nursing assistants in the long-term and transitional care units. She also oversees a clinical manager and an MDS coordinator. Her primary duties are making sure staff are meeting quality measures, including charting correctly and initiating care plans. She is also trying to help as much as she can on the floor with the other nurses and trying to get to know the residents. She said when she was on the floor as a nurse when she first started, there
Advice you wish someone had given you: Lessons learned regarding pursuing education.
Greatest lesson life has taught you? It’s important to pursue a good education as it can have an effect on your future opportunities.
What do you enjoy most about where you are living now? The staff! Everyone is very courteous, patient, caring and professional! Always service with a smile!
the organization’s nurse managers and the nursing staff, providing leadership over policy, procedure and with things they might need to perform their job. Because St. John’s, like many other health care facilities, is short-handed, she has also stepped up to fill in for shifts as a nurse as needed. She said she appreciates that everyone is able to pitch in and help as they are able. “I have only been in this position for three weeks, but the welcoming attitude of St. John’s — I invite everyone from Albert Lea to witness. …” she said. She has also been impressed with the beauty of the campus and is impressed with the ability staff have to work between St. John’s two campuses and support each other. Preble and her husband, Brian, have three sons and enjoy microbreweries, particularly Gravity Storm Brewery Cooperative in Austin, in which they have a corporate ownership. She also likes scrapbooking and spending time with her dog, Lily, a black Labrador German shorthair mix.
were people in leadership who hadn’t worked in their shoes. “I know what it feels like to be there,” she said, noting that she wants her staff to feel like they can have their voices heard. Thompson has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and is pursuing her master’s degree in health care administration. She and her husband have two children. She said they wanted to live somewhere close to her work and found a house and fell in love with it. She will work across the street from Hawthorne Elementary School, where her children will go to school, and be close to home to let their two dogs, a bulldog and a great Dane, outside.
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email: Sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com