Never Too Old To Have Fun!

‘If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!’

George Burns (who lived to be 100).

Senior people still have many intellectual needs.  Just because they are advancing in years does not mean they can no longer grow, learn new things, and enjoy activities.  Not only do the seniors have a major longing for companionship just as anyone of any age, but they need to be around others to continue to stimulate their minds.  Too often the elderly are left alone and in isolation with only a television for company.  Is it really a surprise many may seem to be listless and forgetful when in actually they are bored?

When senior citizens are involved in stimulating activities they keep their minds exercised and growing.  These new skills become very important to seniors who secretly may fear the onset of Depression, or Dementia/Alzheimer’s.  It is far better staying active than to be spending time worrying needlessly.

A winning activity program in Assisted Living Homes or Senior Apartments is an essential part of choosing the right placement for your love one.  Planned activities can enhance the person’s sense of dignity and self-esteem by giving purpose and meaning to their life.  Our motto where I work is ‘We Are Never to Old to Have Fun!’  It is like the movie Field of Dreams, build a field and they will come.  Ours is have activities and they will come.  Most residents want to participate and an enthusiastic activity director will personally invite and encourage residents to engage in the activities.  There are many activities of interest to enhance the social, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each person promoting self-worth, self expression, growth and development.

Scheduled activities that reflect the personal needs and desires is an important aspect of any activity program; fitness, entertainment, cognitive/creativity, spirituality, outdoor activities, daily routines; personal cares, homemaking tasks, pet therapy, social, spontaneous, person centered activity, dancing, virtual tours.  There are many activities of interest to enhance senior needs to explore new interests even the internet.

After teaching fitness classes for over 16 years I understand the importance of fitness at all ages of life.  As a senior it is crucial to exercise as it keeps seniors strong.  Muscle mass decreases as people age, exercise helps maintain weight, improve flexibility, and it contributes to balance and bone strength.  Exercise has been proven to help cognitive function and improve mood in adults over 55 years old.

Planning the right activity for seniors with or without dementia is best when you consider the person’s likes and dislikes; strengths and abilities, interests, keeping activities flexible, and be ready to make adjustments. 

Lori Schuler is the Marketing and Activity Director/Central Wisconsin Senior Living 

The days of summers' blistering heat are here, and while we cannot control the rising temperatures outside, we can control the heat index of our bodies.  Older adults are at an especially high risk, they are not able to sense elevations in temperature as quickly or be able to cool down as readily.  The effect of the sun on the skin of older adults is heightened because of changes in the skin as we age.  You burn much quicker even with short exposure to the sunlight.

When temperatures rise so does the risk for heat related injuries such as muscle cramps due to loss of water and salt through perspiration, medicines that work against the body’ natural thermometer, dizziness, clammy skin, rapid heart beat, heat exhaustion in the form of headaches, nausea and weakness, and finally heat stroke, which can be fatal.

The human body is very much like a machine.  It’s constantly challenging itself to adapt to its environment and keep up with what’s going on externally. Your body is always working to keep a balance between its heat production and heat loss, with your brain acting as a thermostat.

When the temperatures begin to creep up, take immediate action.

Keep cool. Air conditioning can be a lifesaver, especially if you have heart disease.  If you don’t have air conditioning, head to a cool shopping center, library, movie theater, place of worship, and here in Stevens Point the Lincoln Center/Aging and Disability.

Lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and wear a hat or carry an umbrella to protect your head and neck when outdoors.

Cool baths or showers can provide relief.  Ice bags and wet towels are also helpful.

Beware of dehydration: drink plenty of water even if you’re not thirsty.  Remember fluids can also come in the form of fruits and vegetable.  Avoid drinking an excess of coffee, tea, and alcohol. Caffeine is a dehydrator and alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing your body to lose water.  A good test of hydration is to make sure that your urine is always clear in color.

Limit your salt intake.

Curtail physical activity during extremely hot weather.  Activity adds to heart strain.

Always remember to use sunblock (SPF 15 or greater) when outdoors even on hazy or cloudy days.  A person, who has memory problems, should not be in the sun for any extended period of time.  They may not recognize or be able to tell you that they are uncomfortable.

Take the heat seriously.  Dizziness, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, nausea, headache, chest pain, mental changes or breathing problems are warning signs that you should seek immediate medical attention.

Lori Schuler is the Marketing and Activity Director for Central Wisconsin Senior Living.

Promises Made and Kept

Could there be anything that causes more guilt in adult children then ‘the promise’ that parents ask of us when they are usually in pretty good shape or at the end of their life. We agree to do what they ask, not thinking to far ahead. They may ask the promise of remaining in their home or to take care of their loved one when they pass.

It’s natural that we want to care for them. At first we figure we’ll stop over at the house and do what they need us to do. It’s kind of a pleasant way to help out, show our love, and share quality time. That can work for awhile but as years go by and care needs rise, we find ourselves faced with the facts that it is very difficult to raise our families, work our jobs, run to Mom and Dad’s everyday and meet their everyday needs. It is understandable to feel stress and anger that affects your health, and the feeling of not having control of your own life. 

With some guilt we start looking for other options, we may start with at home care giving. The guilt from someone who is not family hired to help and that is not what you intended. You were not trained to care give for your loved one; you can’t be there all the time. You have to do something knowing they will be safe and not alone all day.

Then the day comes where in-home care can’t handle all of their needs and their health issues. You know you have to break your promise, the one you agreed to. Our parents have visions of nursing homes of years ago. You will still be honoring the promise by choosing the best placement for your parent. Through thorough research and understanding there are alternative living arrangements like assisted living homes allowing your loved one to receive assistance with respecting there dignity and enhancing their quality of life. Even when your parents are placed in an alternative home, you are still a caregiver; they need you as their advocate.

The best part of this, you can let go of the guilt and enjoy them again. You aren’t doing everything for them, and you aren’t to worn out to be pleasant, you can be the person who visits, without all the exhaustion that used to make you feel frustrated and angry. Using the help of a good facility providing them with the best care humanly possible allows you to do it without guilt because you have done your best. You will continue to do your best honoring ‘the promise’ of taking care of your parents or parent.

Congratulations Judy Stashek TV Giveaway Winner

The Central Wisconsin Senior Living booth at the Portage County Business Council's 2011 Expo was a very popular place. The fact we were sharing homemade cookies (thanks to our very own chef!) might have had something to do with it. Or it could have been Marketing & Activities Director Lori Schuler engaging everyone with her aerobics prowess or grabbing the microphone to showcase her singing ability. A combination of cookies, talent, as well as enthusiasm to showcase Central Wisconsin's premier senior and assisted living facilities all helped contribute to a successful Business Expo for Central Wisconsin Senior Living.


The Business Expo was the perfect venue to roll out our new booth and promotional literature and to introduce Pioneer Place.


We were kept busy answering your questions about our properties, passing out cookies all the while watching the 'fish bowl' fill up with the names of people hoping to win the 19" LCD TV!




Accompanied by a drum roll, the winning name was drawn ... Congratulations to Judy Stashek, Westland Insurance! At the After Hours Event, Judy's name was called again as being a winner of one of the Portage County Business Council's giveaway. Apparently it was her lucky day.


After the banners and other material was packed up and we looked back on a very busy day, we realized that the success came from the start of our building relationships, along with the deeply-felt belief that those relationships are the most important part of business. We all look forward to getting to know you better.


If you're in the neighborhood, stop by for a cookie.

Do I Smell Cookies?

Yes .... that would be from booth #209 at the 2011 Portage County Business Council Expo, at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center, Stevens Point, WI.


The Business Expo is the unveiling of the Central Wisconsin Senior Living booth and judging by the number of people who have stopped to visit, we think the booth is a hit. 


The Microsoft tags are generating a lot of buzz. The tags have been added to all of our promotional literature, making it a snap for anyone with a smartphone and reader app to access information on all of our properties: North Haven, Whitetail Run and Pioneer Place.

Considering A Change of Address? Welcome to Pioneer Place!

We are pleased to announce the newest addition to our selection of senior living choices, Pioneer Place. Central Wisconsin's most affordable and quality alternative for senior living.


Pioneer Place is an outstanding choice for those wishing to maintain an independent lifestyle with the security of supportive amenities in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.


City Residence For Active Adults Living Well


At Pioneer Place those who want to live in a lively community can enjoy peace of mind and security, supporting an independent lifestyle.

Formerly housing the Lullaby Furniture company, the building dates from 1931 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. It is from this historic building that Pioneer Place was renovated into a beautiful apartment complex at 1020 First Street, Stevens Point, WI, near the banks of the Wisconsin River.


Distinctive one and two-bedroom living units are designed to be reminiscent of early 20th Century construction. The apartments reflect the spacious quality of the building's proud manufacturing heritage.


Help Me Choose What's Best For My Situation


At Central Wisconsin Senior Living, we understand that there is no one-size-fits all and are committed to helping you make an informed and educated choice for the next important chapter of your life. We are available to assist you with any questions you may have in choosing your new home and look forward to introducing you to our senior living communities.


North Haven Assisted Living Homes offers a positive approach to resident care, helping residents maintain the maximum level of independence and dignity in a home setting. North Haven is your affordable home away from home.


Whitetail Run offers a one-of-a-kind senior community in the heart of Central Wisconsin. Nestled in the trees along a quiet road with a private drive, Whitetail Run was built with security and comfort in mind.


The announcement of Pioneer Place, Central Wisconsin Senior Livings newest senior community, also marks the introduction of our blog. In addition to a venue to share information and discuss topics that involve, affect and concern seniors. Consider this your invitation to  become part of our family; share your thoughts, photographs and comments.


We look forward to introducing you to your new lifestyle.


For more information or your personal showing, contact Pioneer Place on-site tenant concierge at 715-347-4999