Shining Through the Years: Assisted Living Week
Tenants and staff at the Hammond Center for Assisted Living in Grinnell celebrated National Assisted Living Week, September 13–19, with a lineup of events centered on the theme "Shining through the Years."
The week began with families joining their loved ones on Grandparents Day. Ruth Honold was delighted to have several members of her son Todd's family visit her, including granddaughter Abby Pals and great-granddaughter Andi.
In keeping with the theme, the dining room bulletin board showcased photos of tenants at various ages, and short videos of tenants answering lighthearted questions were shared on social media. Asked about their favorite age of life, many of the women said it was the age they got married. Responding to the prompt “I once was a…,” tenants revealed a colorful mix of former roles: a second-grade teacher, two farmers, a nurse, a cheerleader, a store owner, two basketball players and Shirley Sieck answered, “I once was a sidekick to Lloyd at S & S Electric.” When asked about the worst trouble they got into as a kid, Ruth Honold confessed to swiping a couple of candy bars her mother had been saving to send to Ruth's uncle while he was in the service. Advice for their younger selves included: think before you act, be a good listener, finish college, and learn to cook before marrying a farmer.
Other highlights of the week included a visit from Kiki’s Taco Truck, brownies and ice cream with pharmacy and hospice staff, live music by Paul Davis, and an outing to the Grinnell Historical Museum.
“It was wonderful to hear how our tenants have shined throughout the years with each story a reminder of the remarkable lives lived," said Sammi Bryan, RN/Manager of the Hammond Center. "A special thank you to Activity Director Ryanne Jansen for creating such a meaningful and memorable week as everyone came together to celebrate and share memories from over the decades."
For more information about the Hammond Center for Assisted Living or to schedule a tour, contact Sammi Bryan at 641-269-5454 or sbryan@stfrancismanor.com. One studio apartment is currently available, and names are being added to the waiting list for one- and two-bedroom apartments.
