Ecumen Prairie Lodge Introduces Job Opportunities to Banyan Community Students
Students from the Banyan Community had an opportunity to tour Ecumen Prairie Lodge and learn about the various jobs available in senior housing.
The Banyan Community’s primary mission is to help youth go to college, graduate and succeed as adults. The program works with youth of all ages in the Philips neighborhood of South Minneapolis, providing opportunities to gain leadership skills and experience. The Banyan Community’s philosophy centers on students succeeding through connection and engagement within their communities.
A panel of Ecumen Prairie Lodge staff gave insight into their roles within Ecumen. Panel members also told of their educational paths and years of experience. Employees encouraged students to find their passion through volunteerism and involvement in their communities.
With the ever-growing need for employees in senior housing, visits like these are crucial. “The population of older adults who will need assistance is growing and will continue to grow,” said Prairie Lodge Housing Manager, Janelle Meyers. “These visits help plant seeds in a young person’s mind about what the diverse career possibilities associated with the field of aging are. We need to get young people interested in a career in aging services because we will always need people to care for people.”
Not only was the visit important to Ecumen Prairie Lodge, but students also enjoyed their time. One student remarked, “I really want to help people and it seems like I would love it there.”
To learn more about Banyan Community and their mission, please visit http://www.banyancommunity.org.
On the Eve of Her Retirement Ecumen Bethany’s Sandi Vatthauer Reveals Her Secrets for Hiring the Very Best Caregivers
Sandi Vatthauer knows the stakes are high when hiring caregivers, and she has developed a shrewd method of screening the best prospects that has very little to do with the job interview.
Last Week's Top 5 Blog Posts- July 7
In case you missed one, here are the blog posts our online vistors found most interesting last week:
"A Dance To Remeber" at Ecumen Detroit Lakes
The Lost Remedies of Broken Love by Jim Klobuchar
Miss Minnesota 1944 Is Much Younger Than Her 90 Years
Ecumen Scenic Shores: Residents to Explore Music and Memory
Ecumen Lakeshore Residents Sing the Praises of Opera
To read more Changing Aging blog posts or to learn more about Ecumen, please visit ecumen.org!
The Lost Remedies of Broken Love by Jim Klobuchar
Ecumen blooger Jim Klobuchar takes a tongue-in-cheek trip down memory lane, longing for the days when music captured good old fashioned despair in ways that could make you laugh and cry at the same time.
"A Dance To Remember" at Ecumen Detroit Lakes
Laughter and stories of 50 years of memories filled the Detroit Lakes Pavilion June 20 as more than 300 residents, family, friends, volunteers and employees gathered for "A Dance to Remember." The event, celebrating 50 years of service at Ecumen Detroit Lakes, featured food, beverages, music, dancing, classic cars and beach volleyball.
Last Week's Top 5 Blog Posts- June 30
In case you missed one, here are the blog posts our online visitors found most interesting last week:
Miss Minnesota 1944 Is Much Younger Than Her 90 Years
The Ecumen IT Nurses: Comforting Those Suffering From Technology
Ecumen Century Club: Happy 102nd Birthday Mildred Nelson
Bodybuilder Creates a Boot Camp for the Elderly and Changes Their Lives
Seven Ways To Pay for Long Term Care
To read more Changing Aging blog posts or to learn more about Ecumen, please visit ecumen.org!
Ecumen Scenic Shores: Residents to Explore Music and Memory
Local pastor Jim Joseph is helping Ecumen Scenic Shores in Two Harbors, Minn., kick off a new "Music and Memory" program. Learn more about Joseph's efforts and how local organizations have pitched in to support a program that brings those living with dementia and Alzheimer's comfort and joy without medication.
Lake County News Chronicle article by LaReesa Sandretsky: "Ecumen Residents to Explore Music and Memory"
Our thanks to Mr. Joseph, Neighbor to Neighbor Thrift Store, the Two Harbors Christian Ministerial Association and First Baptist Church in Two Harbors for their support.
Ecumen Lakeshore Residents Sing the Praises of Opera
The residents at Ecumen Lakeshore in Duluth are discovering the enchantment of opera, thanks to the passion and knowledge of residents Jay Amato and Patricia Richard-Amato.
Jay and Pat suggested the idea of viewing operas on film to their fellow members of The Lakeshore Readers — the Ecumen Lakeshore book club. After reading 70 books together in seven years, book club members were open to new ideas, but even Jay and Pat were surprised by how popular the opera series has become.
"I have been very gratified by the number of residents who have appreciated something new and different at Lakeshore," said Jay. "I have had many appreciative comments from people who are getting exposure to the opera."
Residents of Ecumen Lakeshore now have the opportunity to view a new opera each quarter. On June 18 the group saw Gaetano Donizetti’s Opera, L’ Elisir d’ Amore (The Elixir of Love) and applauded enthusiastically. Residents stayed for discussion, h'ordeuvres and wine following the showing.
The events are open to any resident at Ecumen Lakeshore, even those who are unfamiliar with the opera. Each viewing begins with Jay briefing viewers on highlights to watch for, music and background information about each opera.
“Residents at Lakeshore come from all walks of life,” said Lakeshore Chaplain Alice Olson, who is also a member of the book club. “Events such as our book group and the opera provides us with both sharing life experiences, continuing to learn and have new experiences. The arts and literature feed us both mentally and spiritually.”
Bodybuilder Creates a Boot Camp for the Elderly and Changes Their Lives
A bodybuilding champion from West Africa, who believes improving the lives of elders is a high virtue, teaches the frail elderly how to get rid of their canes and walkers. Martin Addo, the two-time winner of the Mr. Ghana bodybuilding championship, has a storefront gym in New York City that focuses on helping elderly clients restore balance, mobility and strength. See The New York Times story and watch the video below for a testimonial from Addo’s favorite 90-year-old client.