With 25 years of serving dementia patients, Brookdale Roanoke associates say they're excited to see what's ahead of them. For over a year, the community has had full occupancy with a running waitlist. They celebrated their anniversary with a ribbon-cutting, and visits from the mayor, vice mayor, and local Chamber of Commerce.
Read moreBob and Lucille Alloca met over 70 years ago. And this week, their senior living community, Brookdale Colonial Park, threw them a party complete with a cake, balloons and entertainment. It was a packed house as the couple reminisced and gave the secret to a long-lasting marriage. "There aren’t any secrets," Lucille said. "You just put up with each other, seriously," she said.
Read moreA fishing club is bringing local seniors from Brookdale Mariana Butte out for a day at the lake. They cover the cost of licenses and admission to the facility along with equipment, bait and a picnic. Resident Andy Scott said it was nice to get out and do something fun. “I think it’s pretty neat."
Read moreA North Carolina resident has died at 108-years-old. Her name was Joan Smith. WITN spoke to Joan on her 108th birthday in December. Joan enjoyed playing bridge and bingo, and loved orange. “She eats an orange every day,” her caregiver said in December.
Read moreOn September 12th, Kenneth Thayer will be honored by the king and queen of the Netherlands for his service in World War II. His division crossed over the Belgian border into the Netherlands. "[Kenneth] is revered by the people of the Netherlands,” a friend says. After the war, the Dutch gifted a cemetery to the U.S., where 8,203 American soldiers are buried. Kenneth says he is going to the Netherlands to represent all those men.
Read moreOver the last 36 years, Fred Messiner reckons he's whittled over 100,000 wooden crosses. “I made my first cross when I was 55 years old for my mother,” Fred says. “My second when I was 62. In making crosses, it became an obsession.” From a NASA employee to a cross-maker, Fred feels that the path he took has touched more lives than he ever could have in front of a congregation.
Read moreAn IV company is partnering with local assisted living communities - including Brookdale - to make sure elderly residents stay hydrated during these hot months. The IV gives seniors nutrients and vitamins which can reduce dizziness, kidney issues, and bladder infections.
Read moreIn Arizona, a company - Prime IV Hydration and Wellness - is launching mobile IV services to help hydrate seniors. Dehydration in the elderly can lead to severe health issues. This company is partnering with senior living communities like Brookdale Baywood. “We are excited to offer this innovative service that can significantly improve the quality of life for our residents," says Ellie Sweum, Baywood's community sales manager. "Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining their overall health, and this partnership is a great step towards achieving that goal.”
Read morePauline Hamman lives at Brookdale Chickasha, and she spends her days going on walks, working on puzzles, and playing bingo. But Thursday, she got to ring in her 100th birthday with a party full of her friends. "I love all of my friends very much," Pauline says. "They're just like family to me."
Read moreLocal veteran, long-time volunteer, and community leader Chet Danforth celebrated a milestone birthday - his 100th - at Brookdale Medford. Residents came together for Chet's birthday. He says he doesn’t feel old at all. As for his secret to making it to 100: "Not a secret at all…my Lord did it for me.”
Read moreWhen Chet Danforth turned 100 years old, he looked back at a century of accomplishments. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. He worked for Boeing as a quality assurance control representative. He volunteers boys' and girls' clubs. To this day, service remains a big part of his life.
Read moreHerb Kolodny lives without one of his legs. And three years ago, when he was searching for senior living, they wanted a place with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, amenities such as a fitness center and pool, and some specific features to accommodate people with mobility needs. He and his wife found it at Brookdale. “They have a lot of experience with seniors who use canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and motorized carts,” Kolodny says. “There are aides who will push you in your wheelchair. But I’m the only amputee - I’m here setting the pace.”
Read moreEvery Tuesday and Friday, you can find 90-year-old Pat Chambers volunteering at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. She's been doing it for 18 years. Recently, family and friends donated over $10,000 in honor of Pat. The hospital also gave Pat her own space - "Pat's Miracle Corner." Pat says she has seen dozens of miracles working at the hospital. "I get to see miracles and I hope your child is one of [them.]"
Read moreBrookdale Russellville is celebrating 25 years of membership with the Russellville Chamber of Commerce. They held an event to bring together community members, local businesses, and residents. Executive Director Brittney Howell said she's proud of Brookdale's long-standing relationship with the Chamber and its role in the community.
Read moreBrookdale Troy is raising money to fight Alzheimer's. They held a "Grab and Go" lunch, giving out $5 hot dog meals. The Brookdale team is also encouraging folks to participate in Troy’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in September.
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