We have the fun of celebrating nearly every holiday possible with our residents at the Franklin United Methodist Community.  The joy of socialization and interaction amongst our residents is what adds the spice to life for many in this chapter of their lives.

At our Labor Day Celebration and Corn Roast (sweet corn in Indiana at the end of August!) several of our ladies entertained us with their dance and ribbon routines.  Both the line dancers and the "Ribbonettes" meet regularly in our Group Exercise Room of our Wellness Center for exercise.  So, we invited them to show off their routines and enjoy the applause from a captive audience.

 

Does it look like fun?  Come, join our Community and find out why your best days are still ahead!

Another Gator (John Deere that is) came to the Franklin United Methodist Community today thanks to the gift of some special residents on our campus.  Our Grounds staff uses theses John Deere units to maintain the lovely grounds and yards of nearly 300 residents in our 197 independent homes.  We are proud to be a not-for-profit, faith-based community, where neighbors assist one another.

Today we received yet another handwritten thank you from a family as their loved one moves through the "continuum" of care.  That means, mom has been independent in an apartment, then needed some assistance, spent time in a special "mild" dementia unit, and is now moving to our highest level of care and assistance as her disease progresses. 

Her daughter writes on behalf of her and her siblings the following:  I (We) have been extremely pleased with her care in the Murphy Center . . . the nurses, aides, activity persons, facilities' staff, and social workers have been A+.  Franklin United Methodist Community has always been "right on top" in how our parents have received the care they've needed over the years.  Thank you, thank you, with warmest regards.

What a pleasure it has been to serve these special seniors and their immediate family.  We salute this remarkable family for the loving support and care they have provided their mom and dad through visits, phone calls, cards, and bringing the grandchildren over the years.  They have given their parents many "very good days!"

We receive many notes from residents, Rehab guests, and their families.  Most are very "noteworthy" and filled with appreciation for services we have provided.  Here's what Mrs. F.R. said today in her note:

"Thanks . . . being with folks like you I didn't feel alone when I came (to visit). I knew I would get hugs and smiles.  My sister had the best of care . . . and you did things you didn't have to do for her. You felt like my family".  

In our orientation classes for new staff we encourage them to treat our residents and guests like their own family-Grandpa or Grandma.  Sounds like it is working!  Send us your notes and let us know how we are doing for you and your family.

Many are calling it a "Weekend to Remember" as 19 residents of the Community participated in a spiritual retreat known as an Alarga Stroll.  Volunteers who reside outside the retirement community put on the event with the assistance of our FUMC Chaplains,  and began on Thursday night and concluded on Sunday.  A well-coordinated activity led by teams from the Emmaus Walk and alumni who supported our residents, it was reported that more than 90 persons from throughout Indiana attended some of the memorable events.

This may well become a model for other Communities to use and we are most grateful for the opportunity for our residents to growth spiritually.  It once again demonstrates our mission at FUMC of "providing a retirement experience filled with well-being and wholeness".  Perhaps you know someone who would like to join our Community for their personal growth and adventure with other like minded older adults.

My last blog of July 31st told about our "Baby Days" that our Activities Department hosts to help our residents enjoy seeing babies and small children.  Here's a couple of pictures that will help you see why the residents love to "make faces and giggle" when these little ones visit.

We offer a wonderful opportunity for persons of all ages who would like to volunteer their time in connecting with our residents.  Perhaps you could visit someone, deliver some mail, read the newspaper, share a song, push a wheelchair, bring in your dog, play the piano, serve root beer floats, and more?       Why not invest in making a difference in some one's life? 

Call Jack in Activities at 317-736-1167 to volunteer.  We'll work with your schedule and interest.