Our retirement community has many "behind the scenes" activities that make us who we are. For instance, one of those unsung hero departments is our Laundry. Comprised of 15 staff members, our Laundry does thousands of pounds of linen and clothes each week to care for the more than 300 residents who live in our assisted living and health care areas. Of course, the other 300 who live in their own independent homes and apartments here, have their own washers and dryers.

The picture above shows one area of the main Laundry with new adjustable tables that were recently donated, to help staff as they fold clothes.

What satisfaction it is when one of the residents proclaims, "I am so glad to have fresh towels in my place!" THANK YOU Laundry Staff!!

Franklin United Methodist Community, a continuing care retirement community with multiple levels of care accommodations, has been named by the U.S. News and World Report one of the "Best Nursing Homes in Indiana". FUMC is listed as one of 82 facilities who achieved this recognition, out of nearly 500 long-term care facilities in Indiana.

The Community has a comprehensive nursing care license for 208 accommodations including a Health Center, Special Care Units for Alzheimer's and dementia residents, and a short-term, Medicare approved Rehabilitation Services facility.

U.S. News and World Report utilizes the federal government's 5-Star CMS rating which evaluates many areas of operations as well as the results of annual survey inspections. Franklin United is a 5-Star rated facility.

Franklin United Methodist Community is located just 18 miles south of Indianapolis, the host of Super Bowl 46 on Sunday, February 5th. So our Chaplain wanted to help celebrate with the seniors who live in our Community, but without missing our regular afternoon Vesper Service in the Wright Memorial Chapel.

Imagine the kickoff of the message as a colorful bag carrying the "game ball" comes floating down the Zip Line from the Chapel Balcony. Then the start of the message can't be successful without the next bag zipping along bringing the Chaplain his Bible. Finally, the third and final bag zips from way up above to the Chancel area just in time for the Benediction, complete with the Chaplains "Game Day" jersey and can of Coke and snacks to enjoy the Big Game.

This Community continues to help all of our residents enjoy a "retirement experience filled with well-being and wholeness". That makes all of our people world champions!

Use it of lose it! What is good for the body is good for the brain. Without exercise, the heart, lungs, and muscles work less efficiently together. When that happens, the brain gets less of the blood, oxygen and glucose so vital to its functioning. Further lack of physical activity is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, obesity, and high blood pressure, which also have an effect on brain function.

The Franklin United Methodist Community offers an outstanding Wellness Center for our patients and residents to use. It is equipped with appropriate equipment and staffed by a part-time exercise specialist. Regularly scheduled exercise classes are also offered, all free of charge to our customers.

The Franklin United Methodist Community Board of Directors announced that effective July 1, 2012, Keith B. Van Deman, current Chief Advancement Officer and Associate Executive Director, will assume the position of Executive Director for the retiring Dr. Joe Trueblood. Former Administrator in Training and current Executive Director of Asbury Towers, Rod Jackson, will return from Greencastle to FUMC as the new Administrator. At the same time Asbury Tower’s Board of Directors announced that FUMC Senior Chaplain and Associate Administrator, John Eley, will join Asbury Towers in Greencastle as the Executive Director. These transitions will begin to occur in February and March of this year.

The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body. Every day, beating over 100,000 times, your heart creates enough energy to drive a truck 20 miles. In a lifetime, that is equivalent to driving to the moon and back.

Today, doctors know more now about how to keep the heart healthy than at any other time in history. They have learned that preventive measures such as regular exercise, healthy diet, managing stress and not smoking, can have a profound impact on your heart and health. With heart disease being the number-one cause of death in the United States, it is vital to take the steps necessary to protect yourself and your heart. A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons you have to fight heart disease.

The Franklin United Methodist Community offers our residents a chance to have regular exercise and nutritious meals, thereby encouraging an active lifestyle filled with quality years during retirement. Contact a member of our Sales Team toll-free at 1-87-RETIRING to learn more about how you can join our Community of friends.

During this season of the year, most families focus on their loved ones. The gift giving, the sending of greeting cards, the parties, and the Christmas dinners and traditions.

For some this will be their first Christmas after losing a loved one. They take some comfort and peace in knowing they did all they could for their family member, by having them loved and cared for at the Franklin United Methodist Community.

See the note below written to our staff from two daughters who will miss their Dad, this Christmas holiday.

"Each of you had a special touch, a tender heart, or a teasing joke to brighten our Dad's days here at the Community. God used you many times as His Hands and Feet. Thank you for being a blessing."

And our response would be to them, thank you for sharing your dad with us and providing us the privilege of serving him in this place. Peace and joy,