Living Well with Stonehill - November 2025

with Stonehill nLiving well

“I’ve

been active all my life. Living well is being able to function on my own and take care of myself and do things to help others out.”

– Mike Lightfoot, Outpatient Therapy Patient

The Stonehill Communities Campus

Stonehill Updates

01. Bronze Quality Award

Stonehill Communities Health Center has been recognized as a 2025 recipient of the Bronze –Commitment to Quality award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) for its commitment to improving the lives of residents through quality care.

The award is the result of a rigorous review process that compares Stonehill to a set of nationally recognized standards for organizational excellence in categories including leadership, strategy, customers, outcomes measurement, workforce, operations, and performance results.

“The bronze award signifies Stonehill’s commitment to the continual emphasis on achieving the Quadruple Aim in healthcare delivery, which structures services around improved resident experience, population health, lower costs, and improving the care team experience. We know these goals help us provide high quality service to residents and their families,” said Matt Jahn, Administrator.

The award was presented at the AHCA Delivering Solutions Conference in October.

As a recipient of the Bronze - Commitment to Quality award, Stonehill may now pursue the Silver - Achievement in Quality award.

02. Windsor Park Updates

In early October, work was completed in a $200,000 project at Windsor Park to replace some roofing and repair brickwork on the exterior of the building. This maintenance will help preserve the historic 76-year-old building. Additional improvement projects are planned for next year.

03. Health Center 3rd Floor Renovation Project

Work is nearly complete on some improvements to the 3rd Floor of the Health Center. The project, funded by generous donations, is replacing flooring, updating the 3 North nurse station and medication storage area, and creating a family lounge space. These improvements will improve the efficiency of care, modernize the space, and enhance resident and family experience. We are grateful to all the donors that helped make this project possible!

Why Seniors Should Get the Flu Shot This Season

As we enter the 2025–2026 flu season, health experts emphasize the importance of vaccination—especially for older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts a moderate flu season, with cases likely peaking between December and February. It is best to be vaccinated before the peak of the season to ensure you are protected. People age 65 and older face the greatest risk of severe illness from the flu. In most seasons, this age group accounts for up to 85% of flu-related deaths and the majority of hospitalizations. Aging naturally weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections. Chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease further increase the risk of serious complications.

The flu shot—made from inactive virus—cannot cause the flu. Instead, it helps the body build protection against infection. Even though older adults may have a weaker immune response, vaccination still reduces the likelihood of severe illness, hospital visits, and complications. High-dose and adjuvanted vaccines are available to offer stronger protection for this age group.

Because flu viruses change every year and immunity fades over time, seniors should get vaccinated annually to stay protected. Getting the flu shot not only safeguards your personal health but also helps protect loved ones and communities from preventable illness.

Summer Fun at the Arboretum

Assisi residents recently took trips to the Dubuque Arboretum. The Man Cave group and a women’s group had lunch on the screened porch and enjoyed golf cart tours throughout the beautiful gardens. The weather was ideal for each of the groups and was the perfect way to mark the end of summer. Soon it will be time for fall leaf rides.

View our monthly activities at stonehilldbq.com

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 lcrawford@stonehilldbq.com.

What a wonderful summer it has been! From DQ bus rides to outdoor fun, music, and so much more, our residents made the most of the sunshine. As the leaves changed, we welcomed fall with even more excitement—our backyard Fall Social was a hit and the line dancers kept everyone smiling. A heartfelt thank you to all who donated Halloween candy, making our trick-or-treating event truly unforgettable. Of course, no fall would be complete without our beloved leaf rides and dining trips to Breitbach’s, Red Roof Diner and The Barn!

We captured Judy and the joy of the season in the photo booth during our Fall Social

Now, as we cozy up for the winter season, we look forward to warm, festive indoor activities that bring comfort and joy.

November will be filled with beautiful seasonal crafts, the smell of homemade bread baking, and delicious gatherings like our Soup Dine-In on 11/5 and Happy Joe’s pizza luncheons on 11/19. These events are the perfect way to enjoy a meal together with your loved ones without having to go out in the cold. If you would like to join, please email hduve@stonehilldbq.com or call 563-556-7181 ext. 1212.

We are also looking forward to our November Birthday Party on the 14th, which is generously hosted by Christ Child Mothers Group.

December is our busiest—and most magical—month of the year! We are thrilled to offer so many opportunities for residents and families to celebrate together:

• December 3rd, 1:00–4:00 pm – Annual Christmas Fair

• December 17th, 2:00 pm – The Meaning of Christmas program featuring guest speaker Sr. Michelle Balek and residents singing cherished songs from their childhoods

• December 19th, 2:00 pm – Hot Cocoa Happy Hour

• December 23rd, 2:00 pm – All-House Christmas Party with special gifts from our generous donors

In addition, we’ll be hosting Advent Speakers in our Chapel. Please check our website calendar for dates.

To close out the year, join us for a joyful New Year’s Eve afternoon celebration with live music, a champagne toast, and tasty appetizers. January will bring a season of celebration, renewal, and relaxation—with fun crafts, warm treats, and plenty of baking fun to brighten the winter days.

We look forward to sharing these wonderful moments with our residents, families, and friends. Together, let’s make this season one to remember!

Holiday Decorating Guidelines

Celebrating the holidays in a healthcare organization can be an uplifting experience for both residents and staff. However, decorating can oftentimes lead to some unintended consequences. Here are some quick tips to help ensure we maintain a safe environment that is compliant with the Life Safety Code®:

• Combustible decorations are only permitted if they are flame retardant or when they are in limited quantities such that the hazard of fire development and spread is not present. For example, a handful of holiday cards attached to a door can be considered a limited quantity. A door completely covered with holiday cards could be considered excessive.

• Live Christmas trees are not permitted. Living trees in a balled condition with their roots protected in soil shall be permitted if they are maintained in a fresh condition and not allowed to become dry.

• Artificial Christmas trees are only permitted if they are labeled or identified as “flame retardant” or “flame resistive”. There are products that can be applied to artificial trees to meet this requirement.

• Use only UL listed holiday lights and wiring.

• Do not visually block egress, exit signage or any fire safety equipment with decorations.

• Do not hang decorations from sprinkler heads.

• Do not use flame producing decorations including candles.

• Do not use extension cords to power decorations.

Residents enjoyed a line dancing performance as part of the Oktoberfest celebration.

The Caregiver Wellness Retreat in October was a success! We welcomed keynote speaker Dr. James Coyle, had a vendor fair, provided lunch, and offered a variety of self-care workshops. Thirty-five caregivers joined us to connect, relax, and find renewal in their caregiving role. This event was organized in partnership with Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging and Shalom Spirituality Center. Special thanks to our event sponsors, Kunkel & Associates and Lange Sign Group.

Beginning in November, Beth LaGreek will be the primary contact for the Caregiver Resource Center. Beth is Stonehill’s GUIDE Care Navigator, and has been working alongside the Caregiver Resource Center since she started this spring. Beth can be reached at 563.690.9679, 563.690.9649, or blagreek@stonehilldbq.com.

Beth is joined by volunteer Nancy Fett, a Social Work professor at Loras College, who has chosen to serve in the Caregiver Resource Center while she is on sabbatical. We are very fortunate to have Nancy’s professional and compassionate help in serving area caregivers!

We offer multiple caregiver support groups to help caregivers find connection and share experiences. At the Caregiver Resource Center, we host an in-person group on the 1st Thursday of the month from 2-3 pm, a hybrid virtual/in-person group on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 2-3 pm, and a specialized in-person group for caregivers of loved ones with Lewy Body Dementia and Frontotemoporal Dementia (FTD) on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 4-5pm. RSVP is requested at 563.690.9679 or blagreek@stonehilldbq.com.

Hospice of Dubuque

Goals of care are personalized plans that guide medical treatment based on a patient’s values, preferences, and health status. These discussions are important, especially during serious illness or major changes in health, to ensure that care aligns with what matters most to the patient.

Effective goals of care conversations include understanding the patient’s medical condition, exploring their values and priorities, such as maintaining independence, relieving pain, or prolonging life, and identifying acceptable outcomes. This helps patients, families, and healthcare teams make informed decisions, avoid unnecessary interventions, and focus on quality of life.

These goals can change as a person’s health condition improves or worsens. For example, a patient might elect to have aggressive treatment early in their disease process, but later decide on comfort-focused care.

By openly discussing goals of care, patients retain control over their medical journey. It also supports families and other clinicians in honoring the person’s wishes with clarity and compassion.

In summary, goals of care ensure that medical treatment is purposeful and patient-centered, no matter the stage of life.

Stonehill has partnered with Palliative Care Consulting by Hospice of Dubuque to conduct goals of care visits with our residents. For more information, contact your social worker.

Dear Friends, Partners, and Supporters,

Fiscal Year 2025 Year in Review

First and foremost, thank you—to our residents and their families, our dedicated employees, our Stonehill board and committee members, our volunteers, and the Sisters of St. Francis. Your commitment, faith, and compassion enable Stonehill to fulfill our mission every day.

This past year has been one of meaningful growth and ongoing outreach to our community. We remain committed to meeting people where they are, promoting dignity and independence, and ensuring access to high-quality, faith-based care.

As we look ahead, we do so with deep gratitude and renewed purpose—grounded in our Franciscan values and united by our shared calling to serve with compassion, respect, and excellence.

Peggy Stockel President/CEO

Organizational Highlights July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025

• Created the Living Well Together membership program to offer opportunities for individuals living at home to participate in activities, fitness, and meals on the Stonehill campus

• Started our in-house CNA class/certification program and created a dedicated classroom space

• Purchased Windsor Park Apartments (formerly Xavier Hospital), bringing another piece of Franciscan history back into the Stonehill family

• Began offering certified Health Coaching through the Wellness Center

• Completed preparations to begin the GUIDE Dementia Program in July 2025

• Achieved deficiency-free State surveys in the Health Center and Assisi Village

• Reached positive financials with Stonehill At Home and signed a formal agreement to purchase 24Hour Care, a local home care agency providing certified home care

• Strengthened our partnership with Hospice of Dubuque, welcoming them to an on-site office

• The Health Center earned the Bronze Quality Award from American Healthcare Association and National Center for Assisted Living.

• Post-Acute Care received a Certificate of Achievement for the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Stroke Program.

• Achieved 97.95% external customer satisfaction across all services for FY2025

• Surpassed our goal of 68% retention of new employees

• Provided $1.25 million in benevolent care of residents!

Impact by the Numbers

We are honored to serve older adults and their families with high quality, compassionate health and wellness services.

CARE AT STONEHILL

452 Post-Acute residents

262 Long-term Health Center residents

110 Assisi Village residents

87 Windsor Park residents

IN-HOME CARE

134 Stonehill At Home clients received 22,714 hours of caregiver service

COMMUNITY WELLNESS

428 Outpatient Therapy patients

920 Wellness Center members

106 new caregivers received support

Residents/Clients Who Would Recommend Stonehill to Others

438 Employees

222 volunteers with

7,414 hours of service

Our commitment

Fiscal Responsibility

FY2025 FINANCIALS

FY2025 REVENUE

FY2025 EXPENSES

Stonehill Communities Governing Board

Jodie McDermott, Chair

Kim Hermsen, Vice Chair

Randy Ambrosy

Sr. Bertha Bonert, OSF

Sr. Pat Clemen, OSF

Dave Davis

Jordan Fox

Jayme Kluesner

Tim Loeffelholz

Nicole Oishi

Dan Sullivan

Jenna Walleser

Sr. Brenda Whetstone, OSF

Stonehill Benevolent Foundation Board

Jayme Kluestner, Chair

Derek Duehr, Vice Chair

Justine Bemis

Matt Dodds

Paula Friedman

Sr. Kate Katoski

Lori Klein

Sharlene Klein

Paul Kronlage

John McDermott

Reggie Rowe

Pat Sunseri

Michelle Watters

Marie Zoromski

Person-Centered Impact

The Butcher family’s connection to Stonehill began when a doctor told them that it was time to consider long-term care for their husband and father, Chuck.

Chuck, at 72 years old, had Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), a disease that commonly affects behavior, personality, and speech/language.

Chuck became a resident at Stonehill in June 2024.

“He did not want to be here. It was a hard transition. But from the very beginning Melanie (Clinical Care Manager) was amazing,” said Alicia, Chuck’s daughter, “They have so much experience in working with families and with people with memory loss.”

His care team accommodated his desire for personal privacy, independence, and his picky eating. They even let Chuck help out with small tasks around the building to give him a sense of purpose.

“He fixed the hose the first day he was here. He helped in the kitchen. He followed the maintenance guys around. They totally embraced him, and that helped his transition here immensely,” said Alicia.

When his dementia symptoms caused him to refuse to see his doctor, staff was able to work around the obstacle and facilitate support from Hospice.

Over time, Chuck got adjusted and felt at home. He would help the other residents. When he went for outings he would wave to everyone and let them know he’d be back. His family found peace knowing that he was safe and that the staff really cared about him.

“They accommodated everything for us. They made sure that he was comfortable. We just knew he was in good hands at all times.”

His wife, Pam, found connection with other caregivers through support groups and the Powerful Tools for Caregivers class offered through the Caregiver Resource Center. She became good friends with another woman whose husband also had FTD.

Chuck Butcher and Family

For a time, their husbands were in the same household at the Health Center. They remain very close.

Chuck passed away in July 2025.

His family remains grateful for the care and support they received throughout Chuck’s stay. “This place is just fabulous,” said Pam, “I can’t say enough good things about it.”

Volunteering Volunteer Opportunities

Our volunteers are more than helpers, they are the heart of our mission. Every smile shared, every hand held, and every moment of kindness brings comfort and joy to our residents. Whether assisting with activities, offering companionship, or supporting our staff, volunteers create a ripple of compassion that touches everyone here. We are deeply grateful for their time, energy, and unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those we serve. Thank you for being part of the Stonehill family and for making a difference every single day.

Upcoming opportunities include:

1. Eucharistic Minister - Mondays Distribute Communion to residents in their rooms in the Health Center.

2. Beauty Shop Assistant

Escort residents to/from the onsite Salon for appointments on Thursdays from 9am-noon.

3. Christmas Fair - December 3

Help with resident shopping or photo booth from 1-4pm.

4. Podiatry Clinic - December 8

Transport residents to on-site podiatry clinic appointments from 1:45-3:30pm.

5. Christmas Party - December 23

Help with snacks, gifts, and festivities at the Health Center resident Christmas Party from 1-3:30pm.

6. Assisi Village Breakfast

Provide simple breakfast service including making toast, pouring drinks, clearing tables, and running the dishwasher.

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

Resident Spotlight

Michael Lightfoot

Mike loves to joke, is the “go-to guy” for his family, and according to his wife, Deb, has more lives than a cat. He came to Stonehill this summer for a post-acute stay following hospitalization for a heart attack and two strokes that left him unable to move the right side of his body. From the moment he arrived on campus, he was ready to get to work to regain his movement and the ability to take care of himself independently. Throughout his 6-week stay he worked with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists to regain his personal function and mobility.

As he discharged to home, he was able to receive in-home physical therapy and nursing help through 24Hour Care. Mike then continued his recovery with outpatient therapy at Stonehill. Mike and Deb both agree that as he transitioned to home it was nice to work with people that already knew his background. “They’ve been great all through the whole process here at Stonehill.”

Now he is happy to be able to use his complimentary membership at the Wellness Center to continue exercising and strengthening his muscles on his own.

“I’ve come a long way from all that. I try to improve every day and I don’t let things get me down. You just take it for what it is and then say, ‘Okay, now, this is what you got to work on today. This is what you got to do.’”

Outpatient Therapy

Outpatient therapy can enhance wellness in all stages of life. It offers a highly effective, personalized, preventive and practical solution for many of the cognitive and physical limitations we may experience due to injuries, chronic conditions, surgeries and aging. Stonehill’s licensed therapists can provide three types of outpatient therapy that can support you along your pathway to recovery: physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Physical therapy primarily targets the body’s large muscular structure. It focuses on strengthening muscles around injured joints, improving movement patterns, functional mobility, increasing range of motion of joints, helping with pain management, and overall supports the body to function as effectively and safely as possible.

The goal of occupational therapy is to maximize your independence in completing daily living activities and tasks through the use of adaptive equipment or helping clients modify their routines and environment.

Speech therapy conducts comprehensive assessments for a variety of issues. Therapists assist with identifying and treating speech, language and swallowing concerns as well as work on enhancing articulation, comprehension and expression of needs. Speech therapy can identify cognitive concerns and declines. Therapists will educate and give patients and families tailored life skills and treatment plans.

To learn more about Outpatient Therapy, please call the clinic at 563.690.9637.

Windsor Park

Windsor Park has a new friendly face helping coordinate services and activities for the residents. Taylor Hummer, Community Resource Coordinator, will be splitting her time between Alverno Apartments and Windsor Park. She is a licensed social worker and has been a member of the Stonehill team for 2 and a half years. She can be reached at 563.582.0646 or thummer@ stonehilldbq.com.

Thanks to all who supported our fall Bake Sale! Residents prepared a variety of handmade crafts and homemade breads, cookies, cakes, and other treats. All proceeds from the event supported the residents’ Halloween party. They had fun gathering and celebrating the season!

Taylor Hummer Community Resource Coordinator

We have apartment openings at Windsor Park! Learn more about the apartments, community, and amenities at www.stonehilldbq.com/how-we-care/windsorpark or call 563.582.0646.

Upcoming Events

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

01. Stonehill Christmas Fair

Wednesday, December 3 1:00-4:00pm

Health Center Coffee Shop

3485 Windsor Ave Dubuque, IA 52001

Join us for shopping from local businesses and crafters and get in the holiday spirit. There will be an item raffle and bake sale. Have your photo taken with a friend or loved one in our holiday portrait studio. All proceeds support Stonehill’s programs and services.

02. Your Pie Fundraiser Night

Wednesday, December 3 5:00-10:00pm Your Pie

800 Wacker Dr Dubuque, IA 52002

Dine out and support Stonehill programs and services! Serving pizza, salad, and gelato, Your Pie will donate 10% of all instore and online sales to Stonehill Communities.

03. Career Open House

Tuesday, December 9 3:00-6:00pm

Health Center Coffee Shop

3485 Windsor Ave Dubuque, IA 52001

All are welcome to stop in to learn about the many opportunities available at Stonehill Communities. Whether you are looking for a career change or a 2nd career, we have positions in a variety of departments that can fit your schedule and skills. Tours and on-site interviews will be provided. Call Human Resources at 563.690.9624 with questions.

Stonehill Trivia Answer

The average number of years of service for our current active team members is 5. Out of our 400+ employees, 23 have over 20 years of service!

Spiritual Care

We were blessed to have Archbishop Zinkula preside at Mass in the San Damiano Chapel on October 3. He was joined by Deacon Dave Roth and Father Gabriel Mensah. Residents, family, and staff enjoyed the Mass and speaking with the Archbishop, who knew many of them from previous parish assignments.

Home Care

In addition to our non-medical home care services, Stonehill At Home now offers certified home care through our partnership with 24-Hour Care.

Non-Medical Home Care vs. Home Health (Certified Home Care)

Home Health or Certified Home Care is skilled medical care at home provided by a licensed nurse, physical therapist, and/or occupational therapist. It may also provide a home health aide. Home Health is short-term and can be covered by Medicare or other insurances. Home Health is ordered by a physician or nurse practitioner, typically after hospitalization or with a qualifying diagnosis with decline at home. The Home Health team is focused on working towards goals that are deemed medically necessary. Clients receiving Home Health Care are required to be homebound, which means it is a taxing effort to leave the home and generally requires assistance to leave.

Non-Medical Home Care services are provided by a trained caregiver and customized to individual needs. Services include, but are not limited to: personal cares such as bathing and dressing, assisting with exercise, medication reminders, assistance out of home to doctor appointments or general errands, homemaking tasks such as light housekeeping and meal preparation, companionship, and respite services. Home care services are not ordered by a physician, and can be started at any time. Services can be short-term or long-term on an as-needed basis, as routine visits, or 24/7. Services are typically paid privately, but can be covered by long-term care insurance, VA, or Medicaid for those who receive waiver coverage.

Learn more at www.stonehilldbq.com/how-we-care/homecare/ or 563.500.6237.

Wellness

We had a wonderful week celebrating Active Aging Week October 6-10. The goal of the week was to encourage adults to participate in activities across multiple domains of wellness including physical, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and social. The week brought together presenters from a variety of organizations to offer 50 free activities and events including guided painting, pickleball, a cooking class, live music, self-defense, exercise classes, a financial planning presentation, dance classes, reflexology, a trolley tour, and more. Special thanks to our planning committee and event sponsors: Dubuque Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dupaco, Healthcare Academy, Kunkel & Associates, and the Stonehill Benevolent Foundation.

Holiday and Winter Wellness Offerings

Now is the perfect time to get established in an exercise or wellness routine before the holidays and cold weather hit. If you don’t know where to start, the Wellness Center offers both Personal Training and Health Coaching services that can help you develop an individualized plan to work toward your health and wellness goals, big or small. Want to work on balance, pain management, strength, sleep, eating habits, or overall wellness? Our certified specialists are ready to help you get started. Service bundles start at just $75 for four sessions.

Gift Certificates

Gift certificates make great gifts and are available for personal training, health coaching, Wellness memberships, and the Living Well Together program. Contact the Wellness Desk at 563.690.9640 or wellness@ stonehilldbq.com to purchase.

Personalized Wellness Support

Our certified Health Coach works one-on-one with you to create a plan tailored to your fitness, nutrition, and overall wellness goals.

Stonehill Benevolent Foundation

As we approach the end of the year, we are filled with gratitude for the generosity and partnerships that make so much possible across Stonehill Communities. Every gift—large or small—helps us live out our mission of compassion and care for all.

Our Year-End Appeal will be underway in the coming weeks, with donations supporting Benevolent Care. This fund helps ensure that residents who have outlived their resources continue to receive the high-quality care and dignity they deserve. Your support continues to make a tremendous difference. In the last two years, with the help of generous supporters like you, Stonehill Communities has provided more than $750,000 and $1.2 million, respectively, in benevolent care to residents in need.

We’re also looking ahead to Giving Tuesday on December 2—a global day of generosity in the heart of the holiday shopping season. This special day offers an opportunity to come together in the spirit of giving and make an impact for the individuals and families served by Stonehill. Every donation made on Giving Tuesday helps sustain our legacy of living well.

And mark your calendars—our popular Stonehill Trivia Night returns on Thursday, April 9, 2026! This fundraiser is an evening of fun, friendly competition and community connection—all to benefit Stonehill Communities. This team contest for cash prizes will take place at Steeple Square.

Our donor-funded Area of Greatest Need Fund internal grants help us make meaningful improvements across our campus. Recently funded projects included:

• Supporting Active Aging Week and the Caregiver Wellness Retreat, both of which celebrate wellness and provide education for caregivers and older adults.

• Upgrading post-acute care rooms with new high-back chairs, enhancing comfort for residents and families.

• Completing outdoor improvement projects, such as installing new benches for everyone to enjoy.

• Providing added support to the Assisi Village nursing and activity departments, helping enhance daily life and engagement for residents.

• Replacing resistance bands in our Wellness Center to support fitness and rehabilitation programs.

If you would like to learn more about ways to give or upcoming Development initiatives, please contact Tracy Connolly, Director of Community Relations and Mission Advancement, at tconnolly@stonehilldbq.com or 563.690.9660.

Thank you for your continued generosity and belief in our work. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more compassionate community for all who call Stonehill home.

YEAR-END APPEAL

Benevolent Care

At the heart of our mission is Benevolent Care—a fund that ensures residents who have outlived their fi nancial resources can continue to call Stonehill Communities home.

Scan to donate or visit www.stonehilldbq.com/donate

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