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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.

This Spiritual Care Week, we are proud to honor the compassionate presence of Sister Janelle Sietsema, Chaplain and Benedictine Sister of St. Joseph, MN. For over 11 years, Sister Janelle has been a steady and comforting presence within our Ecumen St. Benedict’s community in St. Cloud, offering more than spiritual care; she offers connection, compassion, and a ministry of presence. A true creative spirit, her favorite hobby is making handmade greeting cards, which many of our residents have received over the years, signed by staff and filled with heartfelt messages.

Each day in her role looks a little different, but always with a focus on presence and service. Whether she’s updating communion lists for Eucharistic Ministers, assisting with meals, escorting residents to Mass or activities, or simply sitting at a bedside, Sister Janelle’s work is rooted in attentiveness. Her visits are often timely in ways that surprise even her. “I love it when people tell me my visit was just what they needed at that moment,” she says. “I don’t think it’s just by chance. I believe God is using me.” She also makes it a priority to connect with team members, offering support during personal crises or family losses, another quiet but powerful part of her ministry.

Sister Janelle’s journey into chaplaincy began with a foundation in theology, earning a degree in Pastoral Ministry and a Master of Divinity, and serving in parish roles before discovering her true calling in one-on-one spiritual care. Unlike parish work, where much of her time was spent organizing programs and recruiting volunteers, chaplaincy allows her to engage in the heart of what drew her to ministry in the first place: sharing her faith and listening to others speak about their relationship with God. One moment that stands out to her involved being with a man and his family during his final moments. The man, a friend of her Benedictine community, passed away while they prayed together, an experience she describes as an “honor to be there with them and for them at that time.”

What makes spiritual care at Ecumen unique, Sister Janelle says, is the diversity of the residents. Unlike her previous ministry settings that primarily served Catholics, Ecumen provides her with the opportunity to meet individuals from all walks of faith or none at all. “It gives residents a chance to talk about themselves, not just where it hurts or their pain level,” she shares. With the support of a priest on staff, residents also have easy access to sacraments like Mass, Anointing, and Reconciliation, which further enriches the spiritual environment here. Beyond that, Ecumen’s team-based culture allows chaplains like Sister Janelle to work closely with other departments, lending a hand wherever needed, from food service to life enrichment. Truly embodying a holistic approach to care.

To Sister Janelle, Spiritual Care Week is an important recognition, not just for her, but for all who serve in this vital field. “Other departments have recognition weeks as well—I wouldn’t want ours to be left out,” she says with a smile. She believes spiritual care is particularly essential in senior living communities, where residents can face isolation due to loss of mobility, hearing or sight, and technological barriers that make staying in touch with loved ones difficult. “Some wonder, ‘Why hasn’t God taken me?’” she says. “Personal visits sometimes take the edge off the loneliness.”

A misconception about chaplaincy she often addresses is the idea that chaplains are there to evangelize. In truth, the heart of her ministry is presence and deep listening. “Our purpose is not to convert people who’ve left their church,” she explains. “It’s to meet people where they’re at in their faith journey and assure them of God’s presence. We are primarily listeners.”

Sister Janelle lives by the words of St. Benedict: “All shall be treated as Christ.” This guiding principle is woven through her daily work and interactions. She stays grounded through structured prayer and community life with the Sisters of St. Joseph, drawing strength and renewal from both personal and communal spirituality. For those considering a path in chaplaincy, her advice is simple but profound: “Listen. Listen with your heart and mind. If you are being called, God will guide you and help pave the way.”  

This week, and every week, we are deeply grateful for Sister Janelle’s service, presence, and the many quiet ways she brings light to our community. Her ministry is a powerful reminder that spiritual care is not just a role—it’s a calling. As we celebrate Spiritual Care Week, we also extend our heartfelt thanks to all Ecumen chaplains who faithfully walk alongside residents, families, and staff, offering comfort, connection, and hope. Your work touches lives in ways seen and unseen, and we are honored to recognize and celebrate each of you.

Recently, something unexpected and heartwarming unfolded right in the front lobby of Ecumen Lakeview Commons, and it all started with a surprise guest on four legs.

A family member had just arrived to visit her grandma when a small, sweet dog darted in through the front doors alongside her. The pup didn’t belong to her, or to anyone we knew, and she wasn’t wearing a collar. Still, it was clear she had been well cared for and was likely someone’s beloved pet who had somehow slipped away from home.

Our Lakeview Commons team and residents immediately offered comfort (and, of course, treats), and the friendly little dog was more than happy to soak up the attention. While we kept her safe and warm, one of our wonderful nurses, Tenzin, quickly sprang into action. He turned to local social media, checking the Nextdoor app for any mention of a missing dog. Sure enough, he found a post about a missing French Bulldog named Sophie.

Her owners, Oakdale residents Joe and Yulia, were urgently searching for her and had even offered a reward to help bring Sophie home. Tenzin called the number in the post, and within minutes, Joe and Yulia were on their way to Lakeview Commons.

As you can imagine, our lobby was filled with excitement, hugs, and even a few happy tears as Sophie was reunited with her very relieved family. It turns out Sophie had traveled nearly three miles from home, frightened and cold on a crisp fall day, before finding warmth, safety, and lots of love right here with us.

Sophie is one of three Frenchies in Joe and Yulia’s home, and they were beyond grateful to have her back. As for the reward? No one here wanted to accept it. We were simply happy to have helped and to see a happy ending. But in an incredibly generous gesture, Joe and Yulia chose to donate the reward to Ecumen Lakeview Commons to support future life enrichment activities and events for our residents.

And perhaps the best part? In addition to helping a lost pup find her way home, we made some new friends, and maybe even gained a few new furry volunteers. We’d be absolutely delighted to welcome Joe, Yulia, and their pups back to Lakeview Commons anytime.

It’s moments like these that remind us how much joy and connection can come from simple acts of kindness, and from keeping our doors (and hearts) open.

If you step into Ecumen President and CEO, Shelley Kendrick’s office, one of the first things you’ll notice is a vibrant, abstract painting hanging on the wall. At first glance, it might look like a piece from a modern art gallery, but the real beauty lies in the story behind it.

The painting wasn’t created by a professional artist. It was lovingly crafted by residents living in memory care at Ecumen Prairie Lodge as part of an engaging and inclusive art activity. Some used their fingers to paint, others used brushes, whatever worked best for their abilities. Team members stood close by, offering help and encouragement where needed. Once the painting was finished, the team had it professionally mounted on a frame, turning it into something truly special.

The artwork was later put up for auction at a 2012 Ecumen fundraising event in Minneapolis. At the time, Kendrick had only been with Ecumen for a month or two. But the painting, and the story behind it struck a deep chord with her.

“I felt that painting needed to stay at Ecumen,” Kendrick recalls. “It was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.”

She placed a bid of $200 and won!

Since then, that painting has followed her from office to office, becoming more than just decoration. It’s a daily symbol of connection, compassion, and purpose. It reminds us that even small moments of creativity and joy can leave lasting impressions.

Shelley plans to leave the painting behind when she retires, ensuring that it remains part of Ecumen’s story for years to come.

Because sometimes, a simple canvas can carry the heart of an entire mission.