At this time of year many of us enjoy the Christmas Carols, the decorations, and of course, the gifts.  I often hear someone say, "all I want for Christmas is . . ."

Our staff at Franklin United Methodist Community, might say all we want for Christmas is a better day, or a better afternoon, or a better hour, for the residents and rehab guests we are privileged to care for in this place.  It is our goal to help them have a good quality of life.

And so, as I read my report from the RN who is in charge of our Restorative Nursing Program at FUMC, it gave me a picture of those receiving their Christmas gift early.  Here's some of their success stories:

Mr. G. came to us through the rehab unit with severe COPD.  He had difficulty stabilizing and remains on O2 but attends exercise routinely.  He asked the staff to walk him to meals when he is up to it and we have been happy to comply.  Mr. F. transferred in from another facility where he had been in a geri-chair, immobile for some time.  Mr. K. now walks with staff, participates in his range of motion and waves to us when he sees us.  Mrs. L. moved to the health center for hospice care.  After observing other residents being walked, she requested the same.  She now attends exercise and walks daily.  Mrs. V. has a similar story.  She was non-ambulatory for some time, but after observing others being walked, asked for the same.  Not only did we begin a program but have steadily increased her distance.  Everyone has a story; these are some of the best.

We pray that these stories will inspire you and remind you of the Hope that we find in the one whose birth we celebrate and serve!

We are blessed at Franklin United Methodist Community to have outstanding employees who are committed to our residents, their families, and our Rehab and Respite guests.  It's easy to take your workers for granted, but the real strength of your ministry is in the people who serve, not how new or pretty the facility is or how big a population live in your community.

This year, our Executive Staff wanted to make sure our employees knew how much we truly appreciate all they do and the way they do it.  It was our privilege to surprise them with a beautiful Thanksgiving card and accompanying Kroger gift card to help with their holiday grocery shopping. 

It was just one more way that we could acknowledge that they are the "difference" in what we do.  The result?  The Executive Staff have been flooded with "thank yous" because of our "thank you!"  What great people!  Thanks for the privilege of serving together. . .

The 2012 LeadingAge Ziegler 100 report was just published, showing the nation's 100 largest not-for-profit senior living facilities.

Franklin United Methodist Community was ranked 7th largest in the United States as a single-campus senior living community.  FUMC also made the listing for the nation's largest not-for-profit senior living communities with one or more campuses, coming in again this year at #22.  Our ranking was the highest of any Indiana facility  in both categories-either single or multi-campus organizations.

Although we are proud to be identified amongst the largest 100 listing, our efforts are most concerned with the quality of care at affordable prices, for all our residents and their families.

We were pleased to participate in the annual Johnson Memorial Hospital Health Fair last Saturday.  A large crowd turned out for the popular time to learn about health and wellness. 

Our own Julie Mahan, Admissions Coordinator, (in the white blouse next to the machine) utilized our unique "Biodex" equipment to help persons understand therapy options for improving their balance.  She was assisted by one of our physical therapist and about 50 people wanted to experience the "test" to see how they can improve their own health. 

To learn more about our FUMC Rehabilitation Services, contact Julie at 317-736-1108.

Summer is often the time of family vacations and fun "getting away".  Have you ever taken a trip and enjoyed yourself immensely, but then commented upon your return "I'm sure glad to be home?"

Recently, one of our residents who resides in an apartment decided to leave our Community and move 1,000 miles away to be near her son.  We understand why a person would want to be close to their family and have this happen occasionally, and we support their move.

But after three months being gone from Franklin, the resident called and said, "I want to come home!  I miss everyone and should not have left."

Last night, after a long flight and with the help of her loving son, she arrived back on our campus.  After greeting her at my office doorway with a hug, she said, "When I walked through the front door I wanted to get down and kiss the ground...I was so thrilled to be back!"

Wow!  It nearly left me speechless.  That's why we do what we do in this place.  We want our Community to be a neighborhood of friends who love and care for each other.  And when they are away, they are missed and can't wait to return.

Many times in the lives of seniors, you hear about all the challenges and frustrations of "growing old".  Recently, a couple moved to our Community and wrote us the following note that shares their feeling of moving over a hundred miles away to join this retirement neighborhood of new friends.

In November, 2011, Ron and I moved from northern Indiana to the Community.  It was a difficult decision to move out of our comfort zone-the community where we had lived all of our married lives, our friends, our church, the home where we reared our children.  What to take, what to discard.  it was the best decision we could have made.  We love our home on a quiet, peaceful street in Brookside Addition.  You can hear the birds sing.  We were accepted and welcomed by friendly neighbors and staff.  One lovely lady offered to share Iris rhizomes in the fall.  It is comforting to know that a nurse is only moments away and we will be cared for when our health declines.  It is reassuring to know that there is a security on duty. . .  We stay in touch with our old friends and embrace our new ones.  We enjoy the variety of programs and facilities available to us.  Our adult children are 100% behind our decision.
                                                                                                Ron and Donna Kuehl

At the May 5th Open House for our Independent Cottage Homes, Mary Lou McCullough was the winner of the door prize and received a new "Kindle".

The Open House provided tours of four of the homes now available for residency on the campus which includes 196 single and duplex homes, often called "cottages" by the retirees.  During the Open House, visitors took tours, enjoyed refreshments, and chatted with staff and current residents about the many living options available to them at the Franklin United Methodist Community.

The continuing care retirement community sits on 120 beautiful acres and includes amenities for active retirees including a Clubhouse with Indoor Swimming Pool, tennis court, Wellness Center, Art Studio, Greenhouse, Woodshop, Computer Lab, and outstanding sidewalks for walking and biking.

For information about the next Open House opportunity, contact Diane Amari, Sales Director, at 317-736-1156 or 1-87-RETIRING (toll free).

More than 300 executives from various not-for-profit retirement and nursing facilities from throughout the country visited Capitol Hill on April 24th to lobby for senior benefits related to Medicare and Medicaid.  Pictured above is the LeadingAge Indiana delegation who visited the Indiana Senators' Offices and five Indiana Congressional Representatives Offices.

The delegation visited with Sam Blevins, Legislative Correspondence for Senator Dan Coats, who was well-versed on health care issues.

  FUMC'sAssociate Exeuctive Director, Keith B. Van Deman, is on the far right in the group picture above and second from the right by the fireplace around the conference table.  

For Immediate Release
Contact: Diane Amari, Sales Director at (317) 736-1156

The Franklin United Methodist Community invites persons interested in independent, maintenance-free living, to visit several homes open to the public for tours. The Open House for independent cottage homes will be on Saturday, May 5, 2012, from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

The campus has nearly 200 homes in their campus neighborhood. Free guided bus tours of “ready to occupy” cottage homes will be available. Staff from the Community will answer questions and refreshments will be provided.

To help retirees age 62 or over who are looking for this independent retirement lifestyle,Franklin United has held their entrance fee on their cottage homes to the original 2004 price, as established by their Board of Directors.

Franklin United Methodist Community is an accredited, continuing care retirement community open to persons of all faiths and church denominations, on a 120-acre campus located on Highway 44 (Jefferson Street) across from Johnson Memorial Hospital in Franklin.

In a recent interview conversation with a prospective professional staff member, I said that I was grateful they could visit so they could see "Who We Are, What We Do, and Why We Do It!"

You can always tell someone about the number of employees you have, the number of residents you serve, your quality scorecard, your annual budget, and more, but what they really want to know is why you do what you do.

A note I received this morning from the daughter of one of our former residents, answers that million dollar question.

Suzy writes, Mom spent 6 1/2 years there...made many friends she dearly loved. Her caregivers on the Health Center not only cared for her, they encouraged and loved her. They are a dedicated, hard-working group of angels on earth for the work they do each and every day for all their residents. Bless your hearts for your compassion and care.

These "thank you" notes (this one with a little lady bug on it) remind our employees why they come to work every day! It is an honor to love and care for your families.

Rod Jackson (below left), new Administrator for FUMC, is shown with retiring Executive Director, Dr. Joseph L. Trueblood during a recent welcome reception with residents and staff. Rod is a licensed health facility administrator and will oversee Activities, Hospice, Medical Records, Nursing, Privacy, and Quality Assurance. Mr. Jackson did his initial administrator in training program under the preceptorship of Dr. Trueblood, who is completing 22 years with FUMC.

The Board of Directors announced that Mr. Keith B. Van Deman, current Associate Executive Director, will become the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Community on July 1, 2012.

An anonymous couple has given the Community a charitable gift to purchase a “gently used” Dixie Chopper Lawn Mower. This will help our Grounds Department by adding an additional mower to our “stable” and helping us update our equipment. If you have an interest in making a charitable gift or donation to FUMC, please contact Keith Van Deman, Associate Executive Director, to learn of our needs here and tax advantages available to you.

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.