The truth about assisted living
The story Bluestem Communities assisted living residents tell about moving to assisted living often carries themes that feel familiar to others within the community. Namely, that moving to assisted living can be a difficult decision to make, but, despite the fear that comes with the unknown, it’s worth it. Bluestem Communities offers assisted living at each of its life plan communities – Suderman Assisted Living at Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton, Kansas, and Mullet Place Assisted Living at Schowalter Villa in Hesston, Kansas. Assisted living brings a balance of independence, personal care and individualized health services based on each person’s unique needs. It’s another step in relinquishing some of the responsibilities of everyday life so you can focus on the parts of life that bring you joy, and so you can live a life where you’re thriving rather than just getting by.
Alda Wedel, a resident at Schowalter Villa’s Mullet Place Assisted Living, fills her days with life-giving friendships and activities.
“There are so many friendships that have developed,” said Wedel. “Several of us gather to work on a puzzle every night after dinner. It’s an opportunity to connect and have fun with one another.”
Wedel is also an enthusiastic participant in the activities offered through the Life Enrichment program.
“Every couple of weeks, Life Enrichment arranges for community outings,” Wedel said. “We’ve visited museums and art galleries, and sometimes we just go out to eat. I always look forward to those trips because they are enjoyable and I get to enjoy the company of others.”
Wedel’s move to assisted living was prompted by health concerns her now late husband was having.
“It was a difficult reality to accept at first,” said Wedel. “But now I’m grateful to be here because I keep busy with enjoyable activities and I don’t have
to worry about managing some of the more routine things of life.”
The first step in preparing to make a move to assisted living is recognizing the signs of when it might be time to make that move. This is often prompted when people feel like their day-to-day tasks are getting to be challenging for them. If you are using all your energy to keep up your home and don’t have the time or energy to socialize with friends and family, that is a perfect time to make a transition. Instead, use your time and energy to do what you enjoy.
“I just couldn’t do my housework or those kinds of things anymore, so we knew it was time to do something different,” said Marilyn Mosiman, a resident at Kidron Bethel Village’s Suderman Assisted Living.
Mosiman’s husband, Don, had also recently made the move to Kidron Bethel Village’s Bethel Health Care Center following a stroke. Having him under the same roof with the ability to see each other every day was an added benefit of choosing Kidron Bethel Village.
“Part of what helped our family choose Kidron Bethel Village was that health care and assisted living are connected,” said Mosiman. “We are able to see each other every day. He comes over to assisted living every day for lunch and supper, and we spend the day together here. We like to play Bingo and sometimes we just watch TV together in my room. It also works well for our children to come visit us both in one place, and we’re able to have family gatherings all together here.”
Mosiman notes that even though she could recognize the need for more daily assistance, the transition was still difficult.
“Moving off of the farm we lived on for 65 years was one of the most difficult things I’ve gone through,” she said. “When you don’t really know what to expect, it’s difficult to plan for. I’m grateful for the conveniences of being here, though. I wasn’t driving anymore, and my daughter was bringing my groceries and helping me with housework. Now all of that is just taken care of for me, along with having help managing my medications. I’m content here.”
At Bluestem Communities, assisted living residents receive three meals daily, weekly housekeeping and laundry service, 24-hour access to a licensed nurse, medication administration, life enrichment activities, chaplain services and more. Between the two life plan communities, those considering Bluestem Communities assisted living have seven floor plans from which to choose, including two-bedroom and one-bedroom homes.
Clara King moved to Schowalter Villa independent living with her now late husband in 2004, and made the transition to assisted living in 2014. She also thrives off of taking part in provided activities, and helping to facilitate some of her own. In March 2022, she helped arrange for assisted living residents to piece and tie comforters that have been sent to Ukrainian refugees. A year later, they had completed more than 70 comforters.
“Knowing that we would be well cared for as we aged influenced our decision to choose to live here,” said King. “All my needs are met, and the people here care for me. Relating to staff who truly care for me as a person is important and because of this, I know I am valued here.”