Brookdale Troy held a luncheon to honor their seniors on National Senior Citizens Day. “We try to do special events and make it special here for [the residents],” said Gil Heckel, Brookdale Troy's sales manager. Caregiver John Goings gushed about the residents at Brookdale. "They are our second family here."
Read moreThey were high school classmates. Now, they're friends at Brookdale Midland. Joyce Parson and Doris Graham, both 95, spotted each other while eating a meal. “The first day I was here they sat me at the table with her and that’s when I found out -- we knew each other!" Joyce exclaimed. “That’s right, we were amazed that we had gone to school together," added Doris. Now, all these years later, bingo, gospel singing, lunch and bird-watching are just some activities on the docket for these two. And, of course, each other’s company.
Read moreThe CEO Forum Group, a media and marketing company focused exclusively on CEOs, has unveiled its latest list of the "Top 10 CEOs Transforming Healthcare in America" for 2024. CEOs on the list were selected after interviews with Robert Reiss, Forbes contributor and founder and CEO of the forum group, and then criteria-based evaluation and approval by the forum group's editorial board. Brookdale's President and CEO Cindy Baier was selected for the "culture" category. Her story will be featured in an upcoming edition of The CEO Forum magazine.
Read moreThe Women of Poetry at Brookdale Grandon Farms took a quick break from their poems to share a Wake Up Call for WGAL.
Read moreWhen Shirley McMinn and Mary Wearsler reunited at Brookdale Alliance, they hadn't seen each other in 80 years. In the 1940s, they were majorettes at high school together. "We grew up in the same area, in the north end," Shirley recalls. "It was reassuring to know someone." Although hearing problems may make conversations difficult, the two women sit together for meals and at other activities, noting that Shirley is good at "brain" games, and Mary is the resident artist.
Read moreSeniors at Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg are wrapping up their own Olympics. 10 games over five days, bookended with opening and closing ceremonies. The community's executive director, Joel Abercrombie, says camaraderie is the key to events like these. “The whole idea is friendships first, program second...this was a perfect example of that from the way that it was organized and the way that it was pulled off. It was an opportunity for residents to create lasting friendships."
Read moreA much-loved resident of Brookdale Saginaw - Helen Rysse - is celebrating her 103rd birthday. Folks at the community say Helen is known both for her sense of humor - and her wisdom. She shared some of that wisdom with WJRT: "Eat well, sleep well and practice religion."
Read moreHelen Rysse credits swiss cheese to her 103 years of age. "My father was a master Swiss cheese maker from Bavaria," she recalls. "I was born in a cheese factory." Now, Helen lives at Brookdale Saginaw, which celebrated her birthday with balloons, flowers, and cake. And Helen's words of advice for living a long life? "Be the best you can."
Read moreDuring World War II, Henry Arrowood served in the Army with the 76th Infantry Division. 80 years later, he's the only living member of the World War II Last Man Club of Gaston County, in North Carolina. Henry was recognized with a botte of whiskey on August 11th - known as "The Spirit of 45 Day". It commemorates the end of World War II.
Read moreMichael Miller’s passion for flowers continues to bloom at Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg in Williamsburg, VA. Michael has loved flowers his whole life and started working for a florist at just 14 years old while still in school. He now wows fellow residents at Brookdale with beautiful and elaborate flower arrangements for the dining room. To show their appreciation, residents gave Michael over 50 thank-you cards and then awarded him “resident of the month.”
Read moreGlen and Marilyn Tranbarger's love story spans 75 years. They met in high school, and Glen popped the question soon after graduation. Their love for one another grew to a family of four soon after. Now, Glen and Marilyn are both 95 years old, but their love is as strong as ever.
Read moreEthel Wright is Brookdale Woodward Estates' newest centenarian. She turned 100 this weekend, complete with a birthday party. And even at 100 years old, Ethel isn't slowing down. "I take life as it comes. I love people. And I love doing things," Ethel says. "I never hope to leave here."
Read moreOf all the things residents at Brookdale Hearthstone Moses Lake expected to find in the halls of the assisted living facility, a horse wasn't one of them. Luna, a miniature horse, visited them, wandering through the facility, charming residents. “It makes me wish I had a farm," says Charlotte Cramer, a resident. The horse's owner says miniature horses like Luna can provide therapy, just by being around people.
Read moreAt Brookdale Valencia live some of the bravest women of their generation. A new documentary called Route 66 Women highlights how women overcame gender discrimination and segregation. They joined the Navy during World War II as part of the Women Accepted For Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVES. The documentary was screened at Brookdale Valencia senior living center. Through the film, the women are sharing their stories and history for generations to come.
Read more“Where are we going next?” Linda Austin, who calls Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, home, is leading her fellow residents on an unique worldwide tour as part of her travel club. Through her High-Level Life club, Linda has helped residents experience more than a dozen countries virtually. Linda hopes her fellow seniors enjoy the view from their high level of life.
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