with Stonehill
“Living well is being able to go to bed at night knowing I don’t have to worry about anything. I’m glad I’m here.” – Helen Lyons
Assisi Village Resident
A Legacy of Living Well.
StonehillDBQ.com
VOLUME
well Livin gn
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The Stonehill Communities Campus Rd. Sheridan
Assisi Dr.
Davis St.
3 4 Assisi D r.
.
D r
As
5 2
Davis St.
Windsor Ave.
Windsor Ave.
Visitor Entrance 1 Administration Building Upper Level • Administrative Staff • Human Resources • Benevolent Foundation 2 Administration Building Lower Level • Caregiver Resource Center • GUIDE Dementia Program • Outpatient Therapy • Stonehill At Home
1
Padre Pio Dr.
6
i si s
Windsor Ave.
3 Health Center • Long-term care • Post-acute care • San Damiano Chapel 4 Assisi Village • Independent Living • Assisted Living • Assisted Living Memory Care 5 Wellness Center 6 Windsor Park
Stonehill Trivia How long does it take to mow the grass on the Stonehill campus?
Check your answer on page 10.
Table of Contents 2
Stonehill Updates
3
Assisi Village
4
Health Center
6
Caregiver Resource Center/GUIDE Dementia Program
7
Volunteer Updates and Opportunities
8
Resident Spotlight - Helen Lyons
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Outpatient Therapy
10
Upcoming Events
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Stonehill Benevolent Foundation
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Wellness Center & Home Care
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Windsor Park & Spiritual Care
Stonehill Updates 01. New Year Goals As we begin Fiscal Year 2027, Stonehill Com-
02. Employee Award Winners
In July we recognized two outstanding team
munities remains committed to advancing our
members with special awards.
mission of serving older adults through excep-
The Spirit of St. Francis award was presented
tional care, hospitality, and responsible stewardship. Our organizational dashboard reflects a balanced approach to measuring success by focusing on the people we serve, the employees who make our mission possible, and the financial strength needed to sustain our ministry.
to Lisa Tott, Assisi Village Activities Coordinator. This
award
consistently
recognizes
an
demonstrates
employee our
who
Franciscan
values of compassion, hospitality, stewardship, and reverence in their daily work with residents, coworkers, visitors, volunteers, or community
This year, our priorities include strengthening
partners. This person understands how these
employee retention by investing in engagement,
values form our culture and is a living example
leadership development, and a workplace cul-
of the spirit of our ministry.
ture where team members feel valued and sup-
The Sunshine Award was presented to Carol
ported. We will continue striving for exceptional customer satisfaction across every service line, including our residential services as well as home care and community wellness programs.
“Cookie” Wilson, Restorative CNA. This award recognizes a Stonehill team member who has a kind and positive attitude that helps brighten the days of coworkers, residents, and visitors.
Financial stewardship remains a key focus as we
They enhance our team culture with their
work to achieve strong operating performance
friendliness, respect, and joyful spirit.
while responsibly managing salary expenses and
Congratulations to both on these well-deserved
investing in future growth opportunities. These efforts position Stonehill to expand innovative
honors!
programs, strengthen partnerships, and meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve. Ultimately, our Fiscal Year 2027 goals are centered on the Quadruple Aim—enhancing the experience
of
those
we
serve,
supporting
the well-being of our employees, delivering high-quality outcomes, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. Together, we will continue building on our legacy of living well, guided by our Franciscan values and our commitment to excellence.
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Lisa Tott
Carol “Cookie” Wilson
We are pleased to welcome Meagan DeMoss as our new Nurse Manager. Meagan joins Assisi Village with 12 years of experience in senior living, most recently serving as a Registered Nurse in a local nursing facility. She is excited to continue learning about our residents, families, team members, and community workflows while expanding her leadership impact. She can be reached at 563.690.9644 or mdemoss@stonehilldbq.com. Please join us in welcoming Meagan to Assisi Village! Our Accushield security system is officially up and running! This system is now our primary visitor sign-in process and helps us provide a safer, more secure environment for our residents, staff, and visitors. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue to enhance the safety and security of our community. We look forward to welcoming you! Signing in with the kiosk is simple. You will enter your phone number and select the resident you are visiting and the door will open or our caregiver will be notified to let you in after hours! Our Assisted Living Memory Care residents have been enjoying time with the new donor-funded Tovertafel interactive table and it’s quickly becoming a favorite! From engaging games to interactive activities, the table encourages conversation, laughter, movement, and social connection!
View our monthly activities at stonehilldbq.com
Residents enjoyed an outing to the Arboretum complete with golf cart tour.
Golf cart rides around the Stonehill campus and Mount Saint Francis are a hit in the warmer months.
Assisi Village offers independent living, assisted living, and assisted living memory care. For current openings or waiting lists, please call 563.583.8234. 3
Summer has flown by, and our residents have certainly made the most of every sunny day. From DQ bus rides and backyard activities to cool treats and relaxing outdoors with friends, the past few months have been filled with laughter, conversation, and memories. We have been fortunate to receive incredible support from our community. Tyler from Hospice of Dubuque volunteered at our Father’s Day picnic, where he spent time golfing with the gentlemen and helped make the afternoon extra special. Musician Randy Plunkett generously donated his time and talent to help raise funds for Alzheimer’s Awareness at our Longest Day Celebration. His performance was a huge hit and residents loved spending the afternoon outside singing along with his music. With plenty of warm weather still ahead, we plan to continue enjoying the outdoors whenever we can. We encourage families to join us for these special events and spend time making memories with their loved ones. August 11: Music and Mocktails! This outdoor event is sponsored by Hospice of Dubuque. We will be serving Strawberry Lemonade Fizz and featuring music by Alexis Healey. Fore! Tyler (Hospice of Dubuque) and Bob shared plenty of smiles while enjoying a friendly round of golf.
August 18: Classic Car Show & Cool Treat August 27: Ice Cream Social, generously sponsored by Performance Food Services Every Thursday Afternoon: Cool treats served during outdoor visits, weather permitting.
Joan enjoys planting flowers on the memory care patio.
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Tom Hickey is all smiles as he waits for his Father’s Day brat!
Randy Plunkett entertains with “Surfin’ USA.”
Our popular DQ Bus Rides and Dine Outs will also continue throughout August. Residents always look forward to getting out for a sweet treat and a scenic drive. On August 13 we will go to Kelly’s Café and on August 20 we will visit Breitbach’s Country Dining. Family members are always welcome to meet us at the restaurant to enjoy a meal and quality time with their loved one. As summer winds down and fall begins, we will continue offering scenic Leaf Rides, Dine Outs, and seasonal outdoor activities. Residents can look forward to crisp autumn days, warm apple cider, pumpkin treats, and other festive fall favorites. Our fall Dine Out opportunities are currently planned for September 11 and 25 and October 8 and 22. One of our most anticipated events in the fall is our annual Trick-or-Treat Event on Thursday, October 29, at 2:00pm. Our residents enjoy dressing up in costumes, greeting staff and their children, and handing out candy. We are incredibly grateful for the generous candy donations we have received in past years and hope our wonderful families and community will help us continue this tradition. We are also asking for costume donations in larger sizes to help freshen up our inventory and provide more options for residents. Thank you for your continued support of our Activities Department! We love having family and friends join us for activities and special events. Please note that all activities are subject to change. If you would like to participate, volunteer, or ask questions, please contact Holly at 563-557-7181, Ext. 1212, or hduve@stonehilldbq.com.
Doris, Katie and Florence relax in the sunshine.
View our monthly activities at stonehilldbq.com
Ladies enjoyed creating delicious red, white, and blue treats.
We welcomed a new social worker to our Health Center team in June. Jessica Brimeyer is assisting as our Admissions Social Worker, facilitating a smooth move-in process for new post-acute and long-term residents and their family members and representatives. She can help answer questions, connect families with resources, and assist with admissions, care transitions, discharge planning, and navigating services throughout your stay.
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Caregiver Resource Center & GUIDE Dementia Program
Stonehill is now serving 20 individuals and their caregivers through the GUIDE Dementia Program, a model program funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, that provides wrap-around support and case management for individuals living at home with dementia. This program is open to Iowa residents who have Medicare as their primary payer (enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and not a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare hospice benefit). The program offers no-cost caregiver education, care coordination, individualized support, and respite services to help families navigate the challenges of dementia. Generous grant funding from the Medical Associates Foundation has recently allowed Stonehill to offer similar services under the Navigating Dementia program to ten Medical Associates Health Plan members, who were not eligible under the GUIDE program requirements. We are thrilled to be able to extend these services to a wider population and improve the dementia experience for more families. One of the highlights of the summer was a trolley tour outing for caregivers and their loved ones. Participants enjoyed a relaxing ride through Dubuque while learning about the city’s rich history. The outing provided an opportunity for caregivers and their loved ones to spend meaningful time together while connecting with others who understand the dementia caregiving journey. Programs like these remind us that social engagement and shared experiences are an important part of living well. Upcoming events will feature local experts discussing topics such as palliative care, hospice services, caregiver resources, and strategies for supporting individuals living with dementia. These presentations are designed to provide practical information while creating opportunities for caregivers to ask questions and connect with one another.
Call 563.690.9765 to learn more about the GUIDE Dementia Program or Navigating Dementia.
View our monthly activities calendar at stonehilldbq.com 6
Volunteering
Thank you for your patience as we continue the leadership transition within our Volunteer Program. While change can sometimes bring uncertainty, one thing has remained constant: the incredible dedication of our volunteers. The transition has certainly not deterred anyone from serving, and the compassion our volunteers show to this community is truly unmatched. The time, talents, and gifts shared by our volunteers make a meaningful difference every day. Whether offering a friendly smile, lending a helping hand, or simply being present for our residents, your commitment helps create the caring and welcoming environment that makes our community special. We are deeply grateful for the countless hours you give in service to others. As the new school year approaches, we encourage high school and college students who are looking for service opportunities, class requirements, or club volunteer hours to consider joining us. Volunteering is a wonderful way to gain experience, build relationships, and make a positive impact in the lives of others. Current volunteer needs include assisting with resident escorts to and from off-campus appointments and serving as Eucha-
Volunteer Opportunities
Join our volunteer team with one of these great opportunities to help!
1. Assisi Village Dining Assistant
Help the Dining Services staff at Assisi Village serve and clean up after breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
2. Musicians
Share your instrumental, vocal, or other musical talent with performances for our residents. Days and times are flexible.
3. Eucharistic Minister
Distribute Communion to residents in the Health Center following 10:30 Mass on Mondays, Fridays, or Sundays.
4. Beauty Shop Escort
Help residents get from their room to our in-house salon for appointments on Thursdays.
ristic Ministers for residents who are unable to attend Mass. We also offer a variety of other volunteer opportunities and welcome new ideas for ways individuals can share their talents and interests. If you are interested in volunteering or would like to learn more about available opportunities, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can continue making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
See current opportunities and apply online at www.stonehilldbq.com/volunteer or call 563.690.9660. Melinda Rettenberger and Donna Roeder bring big smiles to the June Birthday Party at the Health Center!
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Resident Spotlight Helen Lyons
Helen has spent her 93 years cultivating the things that matter most: family, faith, friendship, and service to others. Raised on a farm, Helen never imagined she would marry a farmer herself, but life had other plans. She and her husband, John, built a life together, sharing 73 years of marriage and raising five children. Today, their family has grown to include 12 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. While some family members live as far away as Ireland, others remain close to home on the family farm near Key West, Iowa. No matter the distance, Helen stays connected through visits, phone calls, and the steady stream of family photos she treasures. Over the years, Helen embraced a variety of interests and adventures. She owned an art gallery, developed a love for card games, and continues to walk more than a mile every day to stay active. She has always believed in making the most of life and finding ways to contribute to the world around her. That spirit of service has come alive through her faith. A mission trip to the Dominican Republic opened her eyes to the difficult conditions many women and girls face around the world. The experience left a lasting impression. Later, when a visiting priest spoke at her parish about similar needs in Ghana, Helen eagerly joined other parishioners in supporting efforts to expand a hospital, build a school for girls, and construct a church. When her husband passed away last year, Helen found herself facing a new chapter. She began to worry about living alone. She explored other independent living options, but when she came to tour Assisi Village, she liked it as soon as she walked in. “It seemed friendly and nice. People are so nice here, whether you’re talking about the employees or the residents,” said Helen. She is happy in her bright apartment, which is filled with artwork and family memories. Just outside her door, the community room provides extra space for visits when the grandchildren come to see her. She enjoys the meals, activities, and the company of fellow residents, but one feature stands out above all others. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the Chapel,” she said, “I liked this room, but when I saw the Chapel, that’s when I said I wanted to come.” Since moving in, Helen has discovered familiar faces and welcomed others. A longtime friend lives in one of the villas, another close friend moved in across the hall, and two of her sisters now live at Assisi Village as well. Her brother and sister-in-law reside at the Stonehill Health Center. Looking back on her life, Helen says, “Life just flies by. It really does.” Yet the legacy she has built endures—in the family values passed down through generations, in the lives she has touched through service, and in the faith that continues to guide her every day.
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Outpatient Therapy Specialized Lymphedema Treatment Lymphedema is a chronic condition caused by a buildup of lymph fluid, usually in the arms or legs. Symptoms include swelling, a heavy or tight sensation in the affected limb or area, reduced joint flexibility, and skin that feels warm, thick, or tight enough to leave temporary indentations when pressed. According to the Lymphatic Education and Research Network, roughly 10 million people in the United States live with lymphedema, with higher prevalence in those who have received treatment for some cancers. There is no cure for lymphedema, but physical and occupational therapy play a vital role in treatment of this condition. Therapy can help enhance mobility, decrease pain, prevent tissue damage, decrease the risk of infection, and improve overall quality of life. Stonehill is fortunate to have a physical therapist who is certified in lymphedema treatment. Randie Richmond, DPT, joined our therapy team in February and has been working with residents in the Health Center and Assisi Village. Shirley Burbach, a resident at Assisi Village, was experiencing lymphedema in her arm. With therapy, she saw an 85 cm decrease in size of her arm. “I was always having to wear tank tops for comfort but now can wear my normal blouses again,” shared Shirley, “And she [Randy] was able to help me get a pump to keep the lymphedema down.” Another resident, Rosemary Mallie, has lost a combined total of 80.5 cm(s) in her legs and has seen improvement in her walking and mobility as a result. “I feel therapy not only focused on my lymphedema, but also my abilities to move around the facility,” said Rosemary. In addition to a personalized treatment plan, our therapist can assist with measuring appropriate compression stockings and work with vendor representatives to get lymphedema pumps.
For more information on lymphedema treatment or outpatient therapy please call 563.690.9637.
Mobility Matters
Free Functional Wellness Screenings with Outpatient Therapy 10-minute screenings with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to give you information to help you make healthcare decisions. Call the Outpatient Therapy Clinic at 563.690.9637 to set up your free appointment.
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Upcoming Events Please join us at one of these upcoming events for family members, friends, and the community.
01. Windsor Park Music on the Lawn
02. Senior Expo
03. Active Aging Week
Thursday, September 3 5:00-7:00pm
Thursday, September 17 9:00am-Noon
October 5-9
Windsor Park
Dubuque County Fairgrounds
801 Davis Street Dubuque, IA 52001
14569 Old Hwy Rd Dubuque, IA 52002
Join us at Windsor Park for a neighborhood night out and live music! Bring your lawn chair and enjoy music by Steve Cavanaugh.
Visit a variety of vendor booths from organizations and businesses providing support, services, and products for healthy aging and living well. There will be a free sack lunch and prize drawings throughout the event. Free admission.
Stonehill Campus and Community Locations
Celebrate active aging and participate in a variety of free activities throughout the week that address different aspects of wellness including physical, social, financial, cognitive, and more! A schedule and details can be found at www.stonehilldbq. com/activeagingweek.
Stonehill Trivia Answer It takes Stonehill’s Maintenance Team 20 hours to mow all the grass on our campus just one time!
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Benevolent Foundation Stonehill’s Spring Appeal is off to a great start! We are grateful for the many donors who have already responded with generous gifts. This year’s appeal supports important upgrades to the dining areas at Windsor Park, helping create welcoming, comfortable spaces where residents can gather, dine, and enjoy time with friends and family. It is also helping us prepare for a future service expansion that we hope to share more about soon. Every gift, regardless of size, helps enhance the daily experience of those who call Windsor Park home. If you have not yet participated in the Spring Appeal, there is still time to make a difference. Your support directly impacts the quality of life of our residents and strengthens our mission of compassionate care. Departments across Stonehill Communities will soon be awarded internal grants through the Area of Greatest Need Fund. This fund is created from unrestricted donations and the grants provide an opportunity for Stonehill team members to identify projects, programs, and equipment that will improve resident care, employee experiences, and overall quality of life throughout our communities. This cycle, we are excited to award more than $37,000 to support innovative ideas and important needs across Stonehill. Thank you to all who were able to join us at Darkbird Tip Night! What a wonderful evening enjoying community, good food and drink, and live music. The funds from this event will support our Employee Scholarship Fund, helping us to grow and expand the healthcare workforce. A grateful thank you to the McDonough Foundation for awarding us a grant of $1,000 to support Active Aging Week. We are so excited to celebrate Active Aging Week for the third consecutive year. The week, which takes place October 5-9, will be filled with robust programming, physical and mental wellness activities, painting, cards and puzzles, fun, food, and friendship. We hope you will join us for some of the activities and take steps to stay active and age well. We are continually inspired by the generosity of our donors. You allow us to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for supporting Stonehill’s mission and helping us create vibrant communities where residents can truly live well.
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Wellness Center
We recently welcomed a new Wellness Center Manager, Wendy Brehm. Wendy has a personal connection to Stonehill that goes back 24 years, to when her grandparents were residents at the Health Center. She also worked as a Stonehill receptionist during college, completed an internship with our Finance Department, and has been a wellness class instructor. Whether you are just beginning your fitness journey or looking to reach the next level, Wendy is determined to inspire you to believe in yourself and recognize that small, consistent steps can lead to life-changing results. Her goal is to create an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and empowered to improve their health while having fun along the way. Active Aging Week October 5-9 we will once again celebrate Active Aging Week with free activities and free trial membership to the Wellness Center throughout the week. In addition to the Wellness Center fitness classes, the committee is planning events including painting, dance, and self-defense classes; workshops on brain health, nutrition, and financial fraud; and opportunities to socialize and have fun with other older adults. View the full schedule of events and register at www.stonehilldbq.com/activeagingweek.
Home Care
Growing older often brings changes in health, mobility, and daily routines. While many older adults value their independence, there may come a time when extra support at home can improve safety, comfort, and quality of life. Knowing when to start home care can help families provide assistance before small challenges become major concerns. It is important to know that everyone’s situation is different. However, some common signs that indicate additional support may be beneficial include: •
Difficulty with daily activities
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Problems with medication management
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Frequent falls or mobility issues
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Isolation or loneliness
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Memory changes
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Family/caregiver stress
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Poor nutrition or weight loss
Our purpose with Stonehill at Home is to allow older adults to age in place in their own home with dignity and safety in mind, reduce accidents and hospitalizations, and promote ongoing health. Our care is individualized to meet each client’s unique needs and support quality of life.
Learn more at www.stonehilldbq.com/how-we-care/homecare or 563.690.9765.
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Windsor Park
Enjoy the Outdoors with Our New Gazebo and Music on the Lawn! The Windsor Park residents have a wonderful new shaded outdoor space! Our new gazebo is complete and ready for the enjoyment of all residents and future events. To celebrate this exciting addition to our community, we invite all residents and their family members to join us for Music on the Lawn featuring local musician Steve Cavanaugh on Thursday, September 3rd from 5:00 – 7:00pm. Steve is known for his feel-good music and laid-back, beach-inspired style of music. Pizza will be provided for residents, family, and friends who are attending the event. Bring a lawn chair, relax, and enjoy some outdoor games and music right at home! Upcoming Community Resource Information Session Windsor Park will welcome a representative from the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) on Tuesday, August 18th at 2:00PM to speak about services available to older adults in our community. Non-residents are welcome and encouraged to RSVP by calling 563.582.0646 to ensure access to our secured building. Resident Spotlight: Bernie Barry Bernie has called Windsor Park Apartments home for 5 years! Bernie grew up in Dubuque and started out in a bakery making donuts, then went on to work as a salesman for over 30 years, and later drove semi-trucks for 10 years before retiring at 58. After retirement, Bernie and his late wife, Joan, enjoyed traveling in their motor home for 27 years! In his free time, Bernie enjoys riding his bike and going to the Stonehill Wellness Center. Bernie’s advice is, “Keep active and healthy through exercise!” Bernie is very patriotic and says what motivates him every day is, “Freedom!” We are grateful to have Bernie at Windsor Park!
Learn more about the apartments, community, and amenities at www.stonehilldbq.com/how-we-care/ windsorpark or call 563.582.0646.
Spiritual Care Mass with Archbishop Zinkula This fall, we will once again be blessed to celebrate a Mass in the Health Center San Damiano Chapel with Archbishop Thomas Zinkula. He will preside at the 10:30am Mass on Friday, October 2. Family and friends are welcome to join their loved ones in attending this special Mass.
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3485 Windsor Avenue, Dubuque, Iowa 52001