Living Well with Stonehill - May 2026

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“Being in your own house is living well. Being able to have both of us home for as long as we can both be home. That makes all the difference.”

– Belinda and Kent Massingill GUIDE Dementia Program Participants

The Stonehill Communities Campus

Stonehill Updates

01. Employee Award Nominations

In July, we will celebrate our exceptional team for their dedication, hard work and compassion. During Employee Appreciation Week, July 28-Aug 1, we would like to share notes of appreciation from residents, members, patients, caregivers, and family. These notes are powerful reminders of why our work matters and the impact we have each and every day. We invite you to share a note of appreciation at www.stonehilldbq.com/employeeappreciation.

We are also accepting nominations for two special awards: The Spirit of St. Francis Award and the Sunshine Award. These will be presented during Employee Appreciation Week.

The Spirit of St. Francis Award recognizes an employee who consistently demonstrates our Franciscan values of compassion, hospitality, stewardship, and reverence in their daily work whether it is with residents, coworkers, visitors, volunteers, or community partners. This person understands how these values form our culture and is a living example of the spirit of our ministry.

The Sunshine Award recognizes a Stonehill team member who has a kind and positive attitude that helps brighten the days of coworkers, residents, and visitors. They enhance our team culture with their friendliness, respect, and joyful spirit.

We welcome you to submit a nomination for these awards via our website at www.stonehilldbq.com/ employeeappreciation.

02. Satisfaction Surveys &

Reviews

Residents, family members, Wellness Center members, therapy patients, and home care clients all recently received surveys asking for feedback on their satisfaction with our services, environment, and staff. These annual surveys are a great way for us to ensure we are continuing to provide high quality service. We are grateful for your responses!

Your feedback can also help others. In today’s digital world, online reviews play an increasingly important role in how people choose services and communities. If you or a loved one has had a positive experience at Stonehill, we invite you to help others in our community by sharing your story. Leaving a review on our Google business page or other online listings supports Stonehill and helps individuals who may be seeking care or services.

Simply search for Stonehill Communities on Google to leave a review, or scan the QR code below to visit our page directly. Your reviews also help improve our visibility in online searches and AI-generated results.

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and experiences. Your voice makes a difference for both Stonehill and the community we serve!

Over the past quarter, Assisi Village was fortunate to receive funding through the Area of Greatest Need internal grant program provided by the Stonehill Benevolent Foundation and we are excited to share how these enhancements are already making a difference!

One of our newest additions is the Tovertafel Table, often called the “magic table.” This innovative tool promotes joyful, meaningful social connections for seniors living with dementia through a wide range of interactive projected games. The activities are thoughtfully designed to support different stages of dementia and various times of day—whether during family visits or moments like sundowning. By stimulating four key areas of the brain, the Tovertafel creates engaging experiences that bring smiles, spark interaction, and enhance quality of life for our Assisted Living Memory Care residents. The Health Center memory care household has its own Tovertafel (pictured below) and the residents have really enjoyed it. We are excited to begin using ours this month!

We are also excited to introduce the AccuShield system, a visitor management and security platform coming soon to Assisi Village. Designed to predict, prevent, and protect, this system strengthens the safety of our campus by ensuring a secure and streamlined check-in process. The AccuShield system—already in place at the Health Center—will enable us to better monitor and manage visitors—including family members, vendors, and guests—helping us maintain a safe environment and allow for convenient self-service access. We expect the system will be operational within the next month. Please watch for more information. In addition to these upgrades, our residents have been busy enjoying the changing seasons! Thanks to grant funds and volunteer efforts, we have new raised garden beds ready for vegetables and flowers, bringing beauty and purpose to our backyard.

Looking ahead, we’re excited for a summer full of activity and connection. On June 19, we will participate in the campus-wide “Longest Day Celebration” to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care and research. At Assisi Village, we will be hosting a chair yoga session from 11:15–11:45 a.m. We’d love for you to stop by and join us!

Residents can also look forward to seasonal favorites like farmers’ market trips, lunch and music in the park at the Arboretum, and relaxing golf cart rides around campus and Mount St. Francis. There’s so much to look forward to and we can’t wait to share more moments of joy, connection, and community with you this summer at Assisi Village!

Assisi Village offers independent living, assisted living, and assisted living memory care. For current openings or waiting lists, please call 563.583.8234 or email rfinn@stonehilldbq.com.

View our monthly activities at stonehilldbq.com

Summer is nearly here, bringing fresh air, blooming flowers, and brighter days. It’s been such a joy to see our residents getting outside again, soaking up the sunshine and spending time together in the fresh air. As we head into the warmer months, we’re excited to share some of the fun activities and events coming up. We hope you’ll join us whenever you can!

May

On May 6th we will start a week-long renovation project to replace the flooring in the coffee shop. Please excuse the extra noise and activity while this update is happening!

We are hosting a Mother’s Day backyard picnic on May 7th. This is always a special time to gather, celebrate, and enjoy each other’s company.

Our chickens will be returning for summer camp on May 10th! The residents always look forward to their arrival. A heartfelt thank you to Whitney and her dad for bringing such simple and meaningful joy to our community. There is nothing better than relaxing in the backyard and watching them wander and peck about.

On May 14th, we invite you to join us for our garden planting day. Thank you to our volunteers for helping prepare the space. Now it’s time to bring it to life! This is a great opportunity to spend time with your loved one, plant flowers more than one egg.

together, and share your gardening knowledge. We gladly welcome tips from our Master Gardeners!

Throughout the summer, every Thursday at 4:00 PM, we will be offering cool treats at the main entrance— perfect for residents and families to enjoy together.

Our DQ bus rides and outings are back in full swing! We’re also planning a trip to Q Casino on May 28th. While bus rides are reserved for residents, families are always welcome to meet us at any outing location to enjoy the fun and spend quality time together.

June

June will bring some special activities, especially for the men! We’ll be celebrating Free Fishing Day on June 5th, followed by a backyard picnic on June 18th where we’ll be grilling brats and enjoying the outdoors. If you’d like to join your special guy, please give Activities a call. We would love to have you there!

July

July is sure to be warm, so we’re planning fun ways to stay cool and celebrate the season. We’ll kick things off with a 4th of July celebration featuring watermelon, ice-cold drinks, and live music under the entrance pavilion. We’ll also have carnival-style games like a water balloon toss perfect for some lighthearted summer fun!

Please be sure to check the monthly calendars for dates and event details. You can find the calendar on our website under News & Info. If you have any questions or would like to get involved, feel free to contact us at 563-557-7181 ext. 1212. We look forward to sharing these special moments with you in the months ahead! years.

Caregiver Resource Center & GUIDE Dementia Program

10 Ways to Advocate for Your Loved One in Healthcare

Caregivers play an important role in helping their loved ones receive safe, respectful, and person-centered care. The healthcare system can sometimes feel overwhelming, but by speaking up, asking questions, and staying organized, you can help ensure your loved one’s needs are heard and addressed.

1. Prepare for Appointments

Bring a written list of medications, symptoms, and questions. Focus on the top concerns you want addressed during the visit.

2. Keep Important Records

Maintain a binder or digital folder with medication lists, test results, discharge papers, and provider notes so information is easy to access when needed.

3. Communicate Clearly

Share honest updates about symptoms and caregiving challenges. Listen carefully and repeat key points back to confirm understanding.

4. Ask Questions

If something isn’t clear, ask. Helpful questions include:

• What is the diagnosis and what does it mean for daily life?

• What are the treatment options, risks, and expected outcomes?

• What support will be needed at home?

• Who should we contact if concerns arise?

5. Involve Your Loved One

Whenever possible, include your loved one in decisions and discuss what matters most to them.

*Article adapted from the Caregivers Center of Mercy

6. Know Patient Rights

Patients have rights related to privacy, consent, and treatment decisions. Ask for a copy of the Patient Rights document if one is not provided.

7. Build Relationships with Providers

View healthcare providers as partners. Share updates, ask questions, and work together to support the best care possible.

8. Speak Up

If something seems wrong, such as a medication concern or sudden change in condition, raise your concern respectfully and promptly. If your concerns are not addressed, ask to speak with a supervisor or patient advocate. In long-term care facilities, you can also contact the state ombudsman for assistance.

9. Seek Second Opinions

Seeking a second opinion is not a sign of distrust— it’s a part of informed decision making. Getting another perspective can help confirm a diagnosis or clarify treatment options.

10. Care for Yourself

Advocacy takes energy. Take breaks, connect with support networks, and seek help when needed.

Additional caregiver and dementia support is available at 563.690.9679 or caregivercenter@stonehilldbq.com.

View our monthly activities calendar at stonehilldbq.com

Volunteering Volunteer Opportunities

April was volunteer month and we celebrated our incredible volunteer “superheroes” with a celebration at Shalom Spirituality Center on April 23rd. To all our incredible volunteers: You are the heart, hands, and spirit behind everything we do. Your generosity doesn’t just fill gaps; it builds bridges. It strengthens our community, lifts up those who need it most, and reminds us what’s possible when people choose to show up for one another. Thank you for giving your time, your energy, and your compassion so freely. Thank you for the countless moments of kindness that often go unseen, but never go unfelt. Because of you, our mission moves forward with purpose and hope. We appreciate you today and every day. Your impact is real, and it matters more than you know.

Also in April we hosted 18 volunteers that participated in the Dubuque Days of Caring. Volunteers cleaned up the outside grounds of Stonehill Communities and helped us get ready for Spring. They prepared the Memory Care patio for the season, washing the tables and chairs and cleaning up the raised garden boxes. They also assembled 3 new raised garden beds for Assisi Village.

We are grateful to all our volunteers! If you are looking for a way to make a difference, find community, or use your skills this summer, consider volunteering!

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.

See current opportunities and apply online at www.stonehilldbq.com/volunteer or call 563.690.9666.

2025-2026 volunteers at the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration

Flexsteel volunteers cleaned up the backyard for Dubuque Days of Caring.

John Deere volunteers assembled new raised garden beds for Assisi Village.

Resident Spotlight

Belinda and Kent Massingill

Residents of Bellevue, Iowa, Belinda and Kent have been married for nearly 8 years. They found each other at an outdoor concert. At the time, Belinda was a teacher for visually impaired students and Kent was a truck driver transporting anhydrous ammonia. Together they enjoyed music, dancing, and going for motorcycle rides.

Shortly after they were married, Belinda started seeing signs that something wasn’t right. Kent was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at the time, but it was another 2 years with visits to multiple doctors before they got an additional diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia.

“They give you the diagnosis and you don’t know what to do,” said Belinda, ”They say ‘Here’s what’s going to happen,’ and you walk out of there and you’re like...’What do we do now?’”

They got connected to Stonehill through the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging. They were a great fit for the GUIDE Dementia Program, which provides a multifaceted approach to supporting individuals with dementia and their caregivers with the goal of enabling them to live well at home for as long as possible. Belinda connected through the Stonehill website and Stonehill staff came for an in-home assessment for the GUIDE program.

Kent now comes to Circle of Support programming weekly while Belinda attends the 6-week Powerful Tools for Caregivers class. They also come to Connections Collective, where caregivers and loved ones participate in separate support groups and then enjoy lunch together. Recently, they were also able to have Stonehill At Home provide respite care, allowing Belinda to feel comfortable leaving for an overnight trip away.

“You guys are above and beyond,” said Kent, “Any help that somebody would need, they’re there. You don’t have to ask twice, you don’t have to look for somebody—they’re there.”

The Massingills have appreciated the regular follow-up from Stonehill that keeps them engaged and coming to events. “Sometimes you get a little comfortable and you don’t want to go anywhere and it takes that little boost, that personal phone call, or that personal email that says, ‘where are you?’ That gets us there.”

Belinda and Kent have family in town, neighbors nearby that they can call on for help, and friends they can rely on, but appreciate the extra support available at Stonehill. “It takes a village to get us through. You just can’t do it alone. You just can’t, no matter what stage of life you’re in. There’s a whole village here that wants to help so that we don’t have to carry the load alone,” said Belinda.

Kent adds, “Come, try it out!”

“I can’t speak highly enough of Stonehill and the outreach, the love, the support, the education—everything,” said Belinda

Ethics

Ethics Consultation

Healthcare decisions are rarely simple. In moments of heightened emotion, when information feels overwhelming and loved ones or caregivers may see things differently, choosing the best way forward can feel particularly difficult. These moments often come with uncertainty and questions—and no single “right” answer. That is where an Ethics Consultation can help.

At first glance, an Ethics Consultation can feel intimidating. It’s natural to worry that asking for one might sound like an accusation or create tension around a loved one’s care. In reality, an Ethics Consultation is less about conflict and more about conversation. It offers a thoughtful pause—a chance to sit with a trusted third party, talk through questions, better understand a loved one’s values and wishes, or bridge differing perspectives among caregivers. Stonehill’s Ethics Committee exists to support these moments. As a free resource available to staff, residents, clients, families, and legal representatives, the committee helps navigate care decisions that may feel overwhelming. When a consultation is requested, committee representatives listen carefully, gather perspectives, and offer guidance rooted in ethical principles and the teachings of the Catholic Church, while sharing options and recommendations. The final decisions always remain with the resident and/or resident representative. Consultation requests can be made by completing the form on the back of the Ethics Consultation brochure or by reaching out to a social worker or the Stonehill Administrator.

Outpatient Therapy

The Therapy Department has a new director, but it’s a familiar face! Jonathan Foht, Doctor of Physical Therapy, is now serving as Interim Director of Rehabilitation. He has worked at Stonehill since 2011. In his new role, he oversees both the Outpatient Therapy Clinic and all inpatient therapy services provided to residents living at the Stonehill Health Center.

Jonathan developed a love for serving and connecting with older adults working with the Dominican Sisters early in his career and enjoys his work as a physical therapist with the residents at Stonehill. “Helping residents regain independence and confidence while improving their quality of life is incredibly rewarding.”

The Outpatient Therapy clinic offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services as well as complimentary balance and cognitive screenings.

For more information on Outpatient Therapy options please call 563.690.9637.

Upcoming Events

Please join us at one of these upcoming events for family members, friends, and the community.

01. Care Compass: Mapping Your Care Journey Open House

Tuesday, May 19 11:00am-2:00pm

Stonehill Health Center

3485 Windsor Ave Dubuque, IA 52001

Stop in to learn about Stonehill’s continuum of services that can support your health and wellness throughout all stages of aging. Whether you are seeking services or are gathering information for future health needs, Stonehill services and our partner organizations will be available to answer your questions.

02. The Longest Day Celebration

Friday, June 19 9:30am-3:00pm Throughout the Stonehill Communities Campus

Join us for a celebration of the Longest Day® and help Team Stonehill raise funds for the Dubuque Walk to End Alzheimer’s! The day will include yoga, a lunch cookout, dunk tank, live music, face painting, wellness screenings, a dementia simulation experience, lemonade stands, and more throughout the day! View our event page on Facebook for details.

Stonehill Trivia Answer

03. Darkbird Tip Night

Thursday, July 30

5:00-9:00pm Darkbird Tap House

7305 Thunder Valley Dr Peosta, IA 52068

Join us for a social night out and support the Stonehill Benevolent Foundation! Darkbird offers food and a variety of drinks. All tips received during the event are donated to Stonehill to support our programs and services. There will also be 50/50 drawings throughout the night.

Assisi Village opened in 1999 as an assisted living community. Independent living and assisted living memory care were added later to meet the needs of our community.

Benevolent Foundation

We are so excited to share that our 2025 Year End Appeal was a success. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and friends who believe deeply in our mission, we not only met but exceeded our fundraising goal for this campaign. Your unwavering support allows us to continue the rewarding work we do each day, caring for individuals and families regardless of their ability to pay. Providing compassionate care to the most vulnerable is in alignment with our values and, because of you, this mission continues to thrive.

In January, more than $20,000 was awarded in internal grants through our Area of Greatest Need Fund thanks to the generosity of our supporters. These grants are already making an impact on the lives of residents, patients, and staff. The following projects were funded:

• Wellness Center: resistance bands

• Dining Services: cushion replacements for third-floor dining chairs

• Caregiver Resource Center: activity supplies and organizer for the drop-in respite program

• Health Care Center: installation of a new eco-friendly water fountain/bottle filling station

• Assisi Village: an AccuShield system to improve visitor access and increase resident safety

• Windsor Park: outdoor furniture and a pergola

• Memory Care: an animatronic therapy dog

• Assisi Village Memory Care: the remaining funds needed for a Tovertafel table

• Therapy Department: partial funding toward an unweighting system

We are deeply grateful to our donors who make this possible. Your generosity continues to support innovation, comfort, and quality of life across our campus.

Community FUNdraising was on full display at our Trivia Night held April 9. This evening of friendly competition and laughter would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of Kunkel and Associates and Lange Sign Group. We are grateful for their partnership and support of our Employee Scholarship Fund.

Congratulations to The Comfort Crew, a team of employees and volunteers from Hospice of Dubuque, who won first place! The evening was expertly facilitated by Dan “Sully” Sullivan, whose charisma and humor brought a fun energy. We also extend our thanks to our judges—Lori Klein, Troy Steger, and Marie Zoromski—whose fairness and camaraderie added to the entertainment for the participants. Be sure to mark your calendars for April 2027 when Trivia Night returns.

Save the date for Great Give Day in May! We are raising funds to repair the flagpole at Windsor Park and to support the operation of the Caregiver Resource Center. Donate at greatgiveday.org.

If you have questions about giving opportunities or events, contact Tracy Connolly at 563.690.9660 or tconnolly@stonehilldbq.com.

Wellness Center

Picture this: It’s a warm, breezy, sunny summer day. You’re enjoying a day out by the water with family or friends. You reach for a water, but they’re all gone. Now what!? Have no fear, hydrating foods are here! As you may know, water is crucial for lubricating our joints, transporting vitamins and minerals throughout the body and protecting organs. It’s one of the stars of the show! Realistically though, it just isn’t by your side all the time. Thankfully, there are other ways to stay hydrated in the summer sun; by filling your plate and belly with hydrating foods. Not only will these foods help sustain a healthy diet, you can also intake anywhere from 1621 oz. of water by eating them! Some of the most hydrating foods are:

• Peaches

• Grapes

• All types of melons

• Citrus fruits

• Strawberries

• Cucumbers

• Green beans

• Broccoli

• Celery

• Eggplant

• Cottage cheese

• Yogurt

• Milk

• Coffee/tea

• Mixed greens

• Tomatoes

• Oatmeal

If summer sipping is a struggle, try packing a few of these items as easy grab and go snacks, or make them a side dish at the barbecue. Many of these items can easily be thrown into a blender to make a perfect, nutrient dense breakfast or midday treat, too! Now, get out there and enjoy the sun with a hydrating treat in hand! Visit www.stonehilldbq.com/wellness-center or call 563.690.9640 for Wellness Center services.

Windsor Park

At Windsor Park Apartments, we have been busy introducing new opportunities for community connection, such as cards, games, bingo, crafts, and educational sessions. Recently, residents came together for a successful craft & bake sale, raising funds to support future resident events. Thank you to everyone who donated and participated!

We have some exciting improvements in the works! Windsor Park is looking forward to the arrival of a new outdoor gazebo, complete with outdoor furniture. This space will serve as a relaxing environment for residents to gather and participate in activities during the warmer months. It will be great for our “Music on the Lawn” event later this summer!

For Great Give Day on May 20th, we will be fundraising to help with refurbishing the nearly 5-story flagpole in front of Windsor Park. Our goal is to raise $2,500 to cover sandblasting, repainting, and refinishing the pole, as well as replacing the flag with a larger one. Gifts can be made online at www.greatgiveday.org/organization/Stonehill-Benevolent-Foundation or dropped off to Taylor in the Windsor Park office. Thank you!

Learn more about the apartments, community, and amenities at www.stonehilldbq.com/how-we-care/ windsorpark or call 563.582.0646.

Home Care

Stonehill at Home is pleased to announce that we have launched our Client and Family Portal on the Axiscare website. This is a welcome and exciting upgrade to our service! The Portal gives our clients and their approved family members access within the Axiscare system to view their monthly calendar, billing statements, current and past invoices, and scanned documents. The Portal will help streamline communication for efficiency and clarity for our clients, caregivers, and office staff alike. Any current clients that have not signed up for the portal are encouraged to reach out to our office at 563.690.9765 and Christine or Tiffany would be happy to assist. We are very excited to be able to offer this feature to our clients and their loved ones to help bring additional peace of mind and convenience. Our caregivers are available to help you age in place safely! Stonehill at Home offers in-home non-medical assistance for you or your loved ones 7-days-a-week for anywhere from two hours to 24 hours a day.

Learn more at www.stonehilldbq.com/how-we-care/homecare or 563.690.9765.

Our residents say it best:

“At Stonehill, from the day I checked in to check out 22 days later, my care was outstanding. The staff—from the cook to housekeeping to therapists to nurses and aides—made my stay feel like home. I’ve been to multiple facilities over the past 3 years, and this place is 5-star!”