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The holiday season often brings more sweets, special treats, and changes in our usual nutrition and activity routines, and that’s perfectly okay. As January arrives, many of us appreciate the opportunity to return to steady, nourishing habits that help us feel our best. 

One helpful focus for the new year is blood sugar balance. Balanced blood sugars support energy, mood, and overall well-being at every stage of life. When blood sugar levels are more stable, you may notice benefits such as: 

• More consistent energy throughout the day 

• Improved mood and focus 

• Fewer feelings of shakiness or fatigue 

• Support for heart and metabolic health 

Why Protein and Fiber Matter 

Two key nutrients play an important role in blood sugar balance: protein and fiber. 

Protein helps slow digestion and keeps you feeling satisfied longer, while fiber slows the rise in blood sugar after meals and supports digestive health. Together, they help create meals and snacks that provide steady energy rather than quick spikes and crashes. 

Below are a few practical ways to support blood sugar balance as you head into the new year. 

1. Aim for Consistent Meals 

Eating regularly—about every 3–4 hours—can help prevent large swings in blood sugar. Skipping meals or waiting too long to eat may lead to low energy, irritability, or overeating later in the day. 

2. Pair Carbohydrates with Protein 

Carbohydrates provide energy, and protein helps slow digestion and keep blood sugar levels steadier. Some simple, balanced pairings include: 

• Fruit with yogurt 

• Toast with peanut butter 

• Crackers with cheese 

• Oatmeal topped with nuts or seeds 

3. Include Fiber-Rich Foods 

Fiber helps slow the rise in blood sugar and supports digestion. Good sources include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and lentils. Aim to include at least one fiber-rich food at every meal. 

4. Enjoy Sweets Mindfully 

There’s room for sweets—especially when enjoyed intentionally. Having dessert alongside a meal rather than on an empty stomach can help reduce blood sugar spikes. Slowing down and savoring each bite can also increase satisfaction and mindfulness. 

5. Stay Hydrated 

Dehydration can sometimes feel like hunger or fatigue. Water, milk, soups, and unsweetened teas all count and are especially important during the winter months. 

A Balanced Approach for the New Year 

Balanced eating doesn’t mean giving up your favorite foods. It means supporting your body with regular meals, adequate protein, and enjoyable choices that help you feel energized and satisfied. Small, steady habits can make a meaningful difference—no “diet” required. 

Here’s to a healthy and nourishing 2026! 

About the Author 

If you’ve been rehearsing the conversation about how to bring up senior living with your loved one, you are not alone. It’s rarely an easy conversation. You navigate an emotional tightrope, trying to protect their safety while honoring their independence.

Many families wait for a crisis — a fall, a missed medication dose, or a sudden illness — to start the conversation. However, waiting for an emergency often strips your loved one of the very thing they fear losing most: their freedom of choice. By starting the dialogue early and focusing on partnership rather than placement, you can navigate this transition with dignity and love.

Continue reading for a practical, respectful way to start the conversation without making it feel like an ambush, a lecture, or a loss of control.

Why the Conversation Matters

Conversations about long-term care go beyond costs and logistics. They center on love, dignity, and making sure your loved ones get the support they deserve. Most families will face these decisions at some point, and early planning can reduce stress, protect relationships, and create clarity instead of crisis. When you talk now, you give your loved one a voice in their future and help ensure their next chapter feels stable, respected, and secure.

• Approximately 70% of older adults will need some form of long-term care during their lifetime. 
• Almost 820,000 seniors are in residential care communities in the US, and more than 1.15 million people are living in nursing homes.

Knowing this information helps you understand the stakes and approach the subject feeling more prepared.

Why Timing and Tone Matter

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in four older adults reports falling each year, resulting in roughly 37 million falls annually. While safety is a primary driver for families, seniors often view senior living as a loss of freedom.

To bridge this gap, approach the topic as a lifestyle upgrade rather than a medical necessity. Focus on the burdens they can shed such as lawn care, home maintenance, and the isolation that often comes with aging in place. Recent AARP research from December 2025 shows that 40% of US adults aged 45 and older report feeling lonely, underscoring the importance of the social connections found in community living.

The Power of Preparation

Before you sit down for the talk, do your homework. Research local communities, check their latest inspection reports, and understand the price points. Being able to answer practical questions about costs or pet policies can prevent the conversation from stalling.

Remember, this is rarely a one-and-done discussion. It may take several months of gentle check-ins to reach a decision. Your goal is not to convince them but to empower them to make a choice that protects their future while honoring their past.

Tips for Starting the Conversation

• Choose a Low-Stress Moment: Do not bring up moving during a holiday dinner, a doctor’s visit, or a stressful family event. Pick a quiet afternoon when everyone is feeling relaxed.
• Use “I” Statements: Instead of saying, “You can’t live alone anymore,” try saying, “I have been feeling worried about your safety when you use the stairs, and I want us to look at some options together.”
• Listen More Than You Speak: Ask open-ended questions, such as, “What parts of maintaining this house feel the most tiring to you?” or “How do you picture your ideal daily routine in five years?”
• Focus on the Plus Side: Highlight amenities such as chef-prepared meals, fitness centers, and social opportunities. Frame it as outsourcing the boring parts of life so they have more time for the things they love.

Sample Dialogue Starters

Talking about future living options can feel emotional for everyone involved. These conversation starters keep the focus on care, respect, and shared decision-making, helping you open the door to an honest discussion while honoring your loved one’s independence and priorities.

• “You’ve always taken care of so much for our family. I want to make sure you stay comfortable and safe, and I think looking at a few living options together could help us both feel more at ease.”
• “Would you be open to exploring a couple of places with me just to see what’s available and what feels right to you?”
• “If things started to feel harder at home — like managing stairs, cooking, or keeping up with medications — would you want extra help there, or would you want to talk about other options?”

Addressing the Fear of Losing Control

One of the most significant barriers to senior living is often the fear of becoming institutionalized. Modern senior living is far from the clinical nursing homes of the past. Today’s communities prioritize autonomy, offering everything from independent apartments to assisted living services that scale with a resident’s needs.

If your loved one is resistant, suggest a trial stay. Many communities offer respite care or short-term stays, allowing seniors to live on-site for a week or two without a long-term commitment. A short-term stay or casual visit often removes the mystery around senior living. Seeing daily routines, meeting staff, and sharing a meal can reduce anxiety and help your loved one picture what life there could actually feel like.

Common Signs It Is Time to Have the Conversation

• Unexplained weight loss or a fridge full of expired food
• Neglected home maintenance or cluttered living spaces
• Recent near-miss falls or new bruises
• Social withdrawal or a decline in personal hygiene

Ecumen Is Here to Help

Respecting a loved one’s independence means acknowledging that they are still the captain of their ship. By highlighting senior living as a way to lead a more vibrant, social, and worry-free life, you are not taking away their freedom — you are helping them protect it.

Ecumen is a nonprofit leader in innovative living spaces and services for older adults. Mission-driven since 1862, we remain committed to honoring those we serve. Based in Shoreview, Minnesota, we have almost 40 senior living communities and offer home care, hospice, therapy, and adult day services across Minnesota.

Your support helps individuals and families navigate aging with confidence and dignity. Thank you for ensuring aging remains a purposeful, supported journey.

Throughout the fall, Ecumen received a substantial number of applications for its President and CEO position. The search committee has been actively engaged in evaluating credentials representative of a broad and diverse array of interested professionals. Initial interviews have begun and will continue into January.

Since 2003, Ecumen has had two highly dedicated, talented, and purposeful individuals leading the organization. Kathryn Roberts joined the organization as President and CEO in 2003 and Shelley Kendrick became President and CEO in 2019 after previously serving as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Operations since 2015. Shelley Kendrick will be retiring from Ecumen during the first quarter of 2026.

Ecumen’s next leader and steward will have the opportunity and an imperative to build from and upon the tenures and continuity of these two effectual leaders in perpetuating the organization’s 164-year legacy and faith-based mission while navigating Ecumen’s unique and promising path forward.  

Ecumen’s goal endures– to be the most trusted aging services provider and the best place to work for those serving older adults. The next President and CEO will be both passionate and proficient in leading an organization resolute in its commitment to provideexceptional living environments and healthcare servicesfostering independence, choice, and fulfillment for a growing population of older adults.

When the weather turns cold and the days grow short, winter can feel magical — and a little challenging, especially for older adults. Icy sidewalks, dry indoor air, and busy holiday schedules can strain your body, your mood, and your routines. Protecting yourself from the cold, preventing illness, and actively fighting loneliness are crucial parts of a proactive winter wellness strategy. By taking simple, consistent steps, you can enjoy a safe, happy, and connected holiday season.

Why Winter Hits Older Adults Harder

As we age, our bodies respond differently to cold, illness, and stress. That doesn’t mean winter has to be unsafe, but it does mean you should plan.

Here are a few reasons older adults should take winter especially seriously:

• Cold-Related Illnesses: In 2023, exposure to extreme cold or hypothermia caused 1,024 deaths in the United States, primarily in January, February, November, and December. Older adults are disproportionately affected. 
• Higher Risk From Flu and Other Viruses: Adults 65 and older have a higher risk of serious complications, hospitalizations, and death from flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends special higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines for this age group because they are more effective than standard shots.
  
• Falls on Ice and Snow: Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, and slippery winter surfaces pose a predictable risk. 
• Loneliness and Isolation: Research links chronic loneliness to higher rates of depression, cognitive decline, heart disease, and premature death. In fact, the 2023 US Surgeon General’s report warns that social disconnection can shorten a person’s life as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, making it as dangerous as other well-known risk factors, including obesity and inactivity.

Stay Warm and Safe Indoors

Older adults lose body heat faster than younger people, increasing the risk of hypothermia, even indoors. You must keep your home warm and take precautions against common winter hazards.

• Set a Safe Temperature: Maintain an indoor temperature of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). Even temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees can lead to hypothermia in older adults, according to the National Institute on Aging.
• Dress in Layers: Wear loose, warm layers, even when relaxing inside. For example, wear socks and slippers, use extra blankets when sleeping, and have a sweater or fleece jacket readily available. If your clothes become damp, change out of them as soon as possible.

Maintain Physical Activity and Nutrition

Don’t let cold weather stop you from exercising and eating well. Regular physical activity boosts energy and mood, while a healthy diet supports a strong immune system.

• Move Exercise Indoors: The CDC recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. When outdoor conditions make walking unsafe, shift your routine inside. Consider walking laps in a mall, using indoor walking videos, or trying seated chair exercises to maintain strength and flexibility.
• Fuel Your Body: Good nutrition supports immunity and helps regulate body temperature. Ensure your diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
• Prioritize Hydration: Even if you don’t feel thirsty, you still lose fluids through breathing and sweating in the cold. Drink plenty of water, and use warm beverages, such as herbal tea or broth, to stay hydrated.

Boost Your Immune System

Winter brings together indoor air, crowded gatherings, and respiratory viruses. Protecting your immune system is one of the best winter wellness strategies.

Early data from the 2024-2025 flu season show that flu vaccines reduced the risk of flu-related outpatient illness and hospitalization among adults 65 and older by roughly 38% to 57 %, depending on the study and setting. Even when vaccines are not perfect, they still reduce the severity of illness and the risk of hospitalization.

Flu vaccination coverage among older adults often starts low at the beginning of the season. For example, as of late September 2025, only about 12.7% of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries 65 and older had received a flu vaccine, underscoring the need to catch up before winter peaks.

Stay Up to Date on Vaccines

For adults 65 and older, health experts recommend:

• A flu vaccine every year, preferably a higher dose or adjuvanted version for older adults.

• An updated COVID-19 vaccine, following CDC guidance for your age and health conditions.

• An RSV vaccine for many adults 60 and older, especially those with underlying conditions, based on a discussion with their clinician.

• Pneumococcal vaccines to help prevent certain types of pneumonia, if your clinician recommends them.

Stay Connected: Protect Your Emotional Health During the Holidays

The holidays are a time for connection, yet feelings of loneliness can intensify during this season. Experts estimate that nearly one-fourth of adults ages 65 and older are socially isolated, a condition that poses serious health risks similar to smoking or obesity (Psychology Today).

• Make Communication a Priority: Don’t wait for others to reach out; initiate a connection. Set aside time for regular phone calls with friends and family, and explore video chat options, such as FaceTime or Zoom, to stay in touch with loved ones, especially grandchildren.

• Get Involved: Loneliness is strongly linked to poorer health because passive activities like watching TV don’t create connection — but active hobbies do. Look for ways to connect with others through your interests. For example, join a book club, take an adult education class, or volunteer for a local cause, all of which help you foster new relationships.

• Welcome New Faces: If a family member or caregiver is hosting a holiday gathering, ask them to make accommodations to ensure your comfort and full inclusion. If you live alone, consider reaching out to neighbors or community groups. The National Council on Aging suggests contacting the Eldercare Locator for resources or calling The Friendship Line for a caring conversation.

Enjoy a Warm, Joyful Holiday Season

• Call your clinician to ask which vaccines you should receive before peak winter.
  

• Audit your home for cold spots and fall hazards, and fix at least one thing this week.
  

• Reach out to one person today to schedule a call, a visit, or a shared activity during the holidays.

Your health, safety, and sense of connection matter — not just in winter but all year long.

At Ecumen Brooks & CountrySide, they are fortunate to have team members who consistently go above and beyond, not just in their work, but in the joy and kindness they share with our residents. One shining example is their incredible housekeeper, Deb. 

For 14 years, Deb and her family have volunteered their time to create a magical holiday tradition for their residents. They set up a Christmas tree and decorate it with love. This is no ordinary tree. It is adorned with cookies, gifts, and even a special visit from Rudolph, bringing smiles and holiday cheer to everyone who lives here. Their residents eagerly anticipate this tradition every year, and it has become a heartwarming highlight of the season. 

Beyond the holidays, Deb continually spreads joy through thoughtful gestures that go far beyond her job description. She has donated beautiful homemade cards, allowing residents to take a few home to share with loved ones, and shared strawberry and cinnamon cakes with residents and staff, brightening everyone’s day with her kindness. These actions, along with many others, make Ecumen Brooks & CountrySide a place where residents feel valued, cared for, and truly at home. 

Deb and her family consistently exemplify the heart of the community. Their generosity and dedication remind us all how small acts of kindness can have a big impact. 

If you are looking for a workplace where you can make a meaningful difference and see the impact of your care every day, consider joining Ecumen. You might just be the next person to create smiles and traditions that residents will cherish for years to come. 

November is National Hospice Month, a time to honor the caregivers who bring comfort, dignity, and peace to patients and families during life’s most tender moments. It’s also a time to reflect on why hospice care is such a meaningful career path and why professionals like our very own team member, Kendra Wilson, have chosen to dedicate their lives to it. 

Kendra began her healthcare career at just 18 years old, working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). After five years in that role, she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification and continued serving for another five years. In May 2023, she proudly achieved her Registered Nurse (RN) degree. 

Throughout her career, Kendra has primarily worked in the senior living industry, with additional experience in group home settings and oncology. Her passion for nursing was deeply inspired by the compassionate care her grandparents received during their battles with Alzheimer’s disease. That experience solidified her commitment to advancing in healthcare and making a meaningful impact. 

In 2021, while working as a travel LPN, Kendra served at Ecumen Lakeview Commons. What began as a temporary assignment quickly became a long-term connection, and she officially joined the team after nearly a year. From the beginning, the Ecumen team made her feel like part of the family. 

During her time at Lakeview Commons, Kendra had the privilege of working alongside the Ecumen Hospice team. As she neared the completion of her RN program, they encouraged her to consider hospice care, believing it would be a perfect fit. They were right. Hospice became her calling. 

In May 2023, Kendra joined Ecumen Hospice of the Twin Cities as an RN Case Manager. After two years in this role, she was honored to be considered for the Clinical Operations Manager position in St. Cloud. 

Kendra’s story is a powerful reminder of why hospice care is such a rewarding career path: 

• Deeply meaningful work: Hospice nurses provide comfort, dignity, and peace at life’s most important moments. 
• Connection with families: Caregivers build lasting relationships, supporting families through tender transitions. 
• Team collaboration: Hospice professionals work alongside compassionate colleagues who share the same values. 
• Personal growth: Hospice challenges caregivers to grow not only as professionals but also as human beings. 

As we celebrate National Hospice Month, Kendra’s journey shows how hospice can be a place where purpose and passion meet. For healthcare professionals seeking work that truly matters, hospice offers the opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of patients and families. 

At Ecumen Hospice, caregivers like Kendra are more than part of a team, they’re part of a family. And the organization is always looking for compassionate, dedicated professionals to join in this mission. 

If you’re ready to find purpose in your nursing career, consider hospice. It may just change your life—just as it did for Kendra. Visit our careers page to learn more.

At Ecumen Hospice, honoring those who have served our country is an essential part of the care we provide. Every day, we have the privilege of serving veterans, men and women whose lives have shaped our nation’s history and whose stories continue to inspire us. 

Since 2021, Ecumen Hospice has formally integrated Veteran Pinning Ceremonies into our standard hospice care, ensuring every veteran patient has the opportunity to be recognized for their service. Before that, our teams held ceremonies occasionally as part of the Mosaic Moments program. Now, they are a deeply valued tradition, one that connects generations, celebrates lives, and offers comfort at a meaningful time. 

Each pinning ceremony is individualized to reflect the wishes of the veteran and their family. Some gatherings are small and intimate, just the veteran, a few loved ones, and members of the hospice team. Others are full of life and laughter, with 30 or more family and friends filling the room. In some cases, when time doesn’t allow for a ceremony during care, families choose to include one during a memorial service. 

Before each ceremony begins, our team invites the veteran or a family member to share part of their story. Many bring treasured photographs, medals, or memorabilia from their time in service. The ceremony often includes: 

• A personalized certificate, recognizing the veteran’s courage, dedication, and sacrifices. 
• A flag pin, placed on the veteran’s shirt—often by a loved one. 
• A handmade honor quilt, created by local volunteers and funded by generous community donors. 

These quilts have become a beloved Ecumen signature, made with care and respect by quilters in our community. Each one is unique and offered as a tangible reminder that our veterans are never alone and will always be remembered. 

As one Vietnam veteran shared through tears when receiving his quilt, “This is for me? I can’t believe someone made this for me.” His family later expressed their gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much for the way you honored my dad—the certificate and pin were lovely, but the quilt was amazing.” 

Hospice care is rooted in honoring the whole person. Their life, their history, and their legacy. Our pinning ceremonies reflect that mission. They offer a moment for reflection, healing, and connection, whether the tone is celebratory or solemn. 

As of 2025, Ecumen Hospice has had the honor of pinning 48 veterans, with each ceremony leaving a lasting impact on patients, families, and teams alike. 

Ecumen Hospice is proud to be a Level 3 partner in the national We Honor Veterans program, and we are actively working toward Level 4. This partnership empowers end-of-life care providers to meet the unique needs of America’s veterans through respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and grateful acknowledgment. 

When we say, “thank you for your service,” it goes beyond words. It’s a promise to listen, to honor, and to care for the men and women who have given so much for our freedom. 

To every veteran and family member we have served, and those we have yet to meet, thank you. Your courage and sacrifice continue to guide us in the work we do every day. 

From the moment Anna joined the family 11 years ago, she felt at home.

“We’re high school sweethearts,” she said of her husband, Justus. “And our very first Christmas together, Grandpa Gary immediately welcomed me in. He treated me like a granddaughter from the start.”

That’s just who Gary was. His arms were always open, his home always warm, and his heart always full. Gary and his wife, Kate, were a couple everyone admired. To Justus, Gary was more than a grandfather; he was a steady, fatherly presence and a source of comfort through every stage of life.

When Anna and Justus shared they were expecting, Gary and Kate were overjoyed. “They supported us through everything,” Anna remembered.

Anna and Justus’ daughter, Jeanie, was born at just 33 weeks and spent 57 days in the NICU. The first place they visited after she came home was Grandma and Grandpa’s house. “Their bond grew so strong, so fast,” Anna said. “Jeanie adored him. She always wanted to be with Grandpa Gary.”

When Gary was diagnosed with ALS, the entire family felt the weight of it. He lost his voice early on, and communicating became difficult.

As his health declined, Gary entered hospice care with Ecumen. Anna, who had recently joined the Ecumen Hospice team herself, was by his side, helping care for him and support her mother-in-law, Melissa, who was his primary caregiver.

It was during that time that Anna learned about Ecumen’s Heartbeat Recording Legacy Project, which combines a patient’s heartbeat with meaningful music to create a lasting keepsake for loved ones.

Martha, a board-certified music therapist with Ecumen Hospice, visited to record Gary’s heartbeat. He passed away while she was present, and the family was grateful to have captured his last few heartbeats.

For Anna, hearing the recording for the first time was both painful and healing. The family chose the song “Even Though I’m Leaving.” A tribute that perfectly reflected Gary’s deep bond with his daughter, Melissa.

Looking back, Anna feels immense gratitude for the compassion and personalized care Ecumen provided. “The hospice team didn’t just care for Gary,” she said. “They cared for all of us.”

If Gary could know his heartbeat was preserved in this way, Anna believes he would be deeply moved. “He was such a sentimental man,” she said. “Knowing that it brings peace to our family would give him comfort. He was the glue that held us all together.”

Because of generosity like yours, families like Gary’s can hold onto the sound of a heartbeat, and the love it represents, forever.

Make a gift to support meaningful moments like Gary’s. Listen to the song recording of Gary’s heartbeat here.

In August, President and CEO Shelley Kendrick announced her plans to retire from Ecumen sometime during the first quarter of 2026 following seven years in the role. Since joining the organization as the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Operations in 2012, Shelley has provided more than a decade of passionate and distinguished leadership to those who care for and care about the thousands of older adults and family members served by the organization.

Ecumen’s next leader will have both the opportunity and an imperative to build from and upon the organization’s 160+ year legacy while navigating Ecumen’s unique and promising path forward.

“Ecumen and its approximately 2,800 team members and direct care providers continue to serve our communities with an enduring commitment to quality, innovation, and compassion. We seek a visionary and bold executive for our next President and CEO to lead efforts to maximize resources, ensure financial resilience, and drive intentional growth and development within our faith-based mission and values,” said Marcia Kull, Board of Trustees Chair.

Earlier this year, Ecumen adopted a new three-year strategic plan which focuses on strengthening sustainability, reducing organizational risks, elevating customer experience for older adults and families served by the organization, enhancing its people-first focus, driving innovation, and building connections to advocate for the organization’s mission and create lasting impact.

The next President and CEO will lead the purposeful execution, active management, and timely adaptation of the plan while taking strategic advantage of emerging opportunities and mitigating challenges intrinsic to providing exceptional living environments and healthcare services for a growing older adult population.

This position will remain open until filled. Additional information about the position and on how to apply can be found on the Ecumen website here.

When Harvey moved into Ecumen Pathstone last year, he, like so many others, worried about what he might be giving up. His sprawling gardens, his 20-year-old geraniums, and his greenhouses full of propagations and seedlings had been a part of his life for decades.

Instead of focusing on what he was losing, Harvey saw opportunity. He discovered one of Pathstone’s large courtyards and, with the support of our Life Enrichment Specialist Gabby and Maintenance Technician Tracy, he turned it into a thriving oasis.

And Harvey did not stop there. Just a few weeks ago, he gathered friends and volunteers, pictured here, to help revamp two enormous, raised flower beds. That is not the only way he is preparing for next spring’s planting. His apartment is once again full of seedlings and plants, proof that his passion never takes a season off.

Thank you, Harvey, for sharing your talent, dedication, and love of gardening with all of us. You have created more than a beautiful courtyard; you have grown a community.