Franklin United Methodist Community offers our residents so much more than many senior living or long-term care facilities.  Oftentimes, at other places, if a resident needs to see the a doctor or go the the hospital, family are required to take their loved one.  At FUMC, we are proud that we have several vehicles and drivers that take our folks to medical appointments when needed.  We just added this "gently used" wheelchair van/bus which accommodates 12 persons in seats and two wheelchairs.  Some of our residents will tell you that they so enjoy our "Joy Rides" where we take them on an hour-long journey to a "mystery destination".  It is a nice change of pace for folks who seldom get to take a drive like they used to with their spouse or family.

Oftentimes healthy and active persons, say 62 to 75 years old ask, why would I move to a retirement community campus now?  I don't need any help!"

Here's a letter I received today from one of our independent home residents who are "active" on our campus and throughout the community.

Yesterday . . . I parked across from our entrance . . . and my wife was getting out of the car when she slipped (on the wet) grass and fell.  Before I even knew what was happening one of our FUMC buses stopped and two of our staff rushed to the scene.  The ladies were seeing that she was getting the necessary help.  As I crossed the street a tractor stopped and there was a third employee to help as needed.

She was not seriously hurt and was able to go on about her business.  We both are grateful for the kind and prompt attention of our staff.

None of us know if or when we may need assistance.  Wouldn't it be great to be surrounded by neighbors (and staff) who watch out for one another and are quick to respond to our "surprises" in life. 

Why not call our Sales Team at 1-86-RETIRING or 317-736-7185 to learn more about the many options for a fun and secure place to live, all maintenance free!

So often we talk about wellness and health care and forget that one of the best things we do at Franklin United Methodist Community is "have fun".  Fun with our neighbors and friends to make each day the best day possible!  Bring your lawn chair, bring your straw hat, but come . . . and enjoy the many activities that we provide for those who call our Community "home".

 

Indianapolis Jazz Concert on the Lawn in Brookside
(our gated community of independent homes)

Hoe Down Music in the Community Center

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.

Have you ever noticed how one little baby can draw a crowd?  Just last Sunday our Pastor introduced us to his first grandchild, a 6-day old baby boy.  After church, a crowd surrounded the new parents and baby.  Proud Grandpa had to stand at a distance and watch the flurry of activity.

Yesterday, we had "Baby Day" on our Advanced Special Care, where we offer help and hope for those most severely affected by Alzheimer's and dementia.  The 29 residents enjoyed three little girls whose parents brought them to meet the residents and entertain them on the floor-crawling, trying to walk, playing with toys and more.  Two 9-month olds and a one year old baby, brought the residents to life as the residents clapped for them, touched their hands, wiggled their feet and made funny faces trying to get each baby to react.

What a thrill to watch the interaction spanning some 80 or more years between God's children.  No matter the memory loss or condition, these babies bring a smile to the residents and their faces reflect that "this is a good day!"  It's just one example of  what makes us different - as we carry out our not-for-profit, faith based ministry.

As we prepare to celebrate our freedom on the 4th of July, our dietary staff prepares for our Annual Parade held this afternoon.  The old fashion ice cream cart pedaled by friendly staff member, Hayli, will be in our parade with the Mayor and other celebrities, surrounded by fire trucks, police motorcycles, convertibles, vintage cars, golf carts, and bicycles.

Residents and guests will be lining the Methodist Drive which surrounds our campus cheering and waving flags.  And of course, enjoying the ice cream distributed from the cart above!  Have a great July 4th and remember to thanks all those who made our freedom possible.  We salute our veterans!
It is an honor and privilege to now have the opportunity to serve them, as they have served us.

Franklin United is fortunate to be on 120 acres and of that, about 11 acres is in an area that could be prone to flooding and therefore has sat idle all the years we have owned it. 

With the suggestion of a resident, we have considered a proposal to develop a forestry project of hardwood trees to be planted in the area for the environmental benefit of our residents, staff, and neighbors for the decades to come.

A donation has been made to cover the purchase of the first 3,000 native Indiana hard-wood varieties of trees, which will be planted by volunteers in the Spring of 2014.  The Board of Directors embraced and approved the project with great anticipation.  The residents have shown much interest and support, furthering the belief that "a tree planted today is for the next generation!"

As we near completion of our 55th year of service in this location, we look forward to being a good neighbor in Franklin and Johnson County for the next 55 years!  How may we serve you?

Franklin United Methodist Community is a neighborhood that includes nearly 200 independent homes that are available to persons "retired" or 62 and older, who want to enjoy a lifestyle of no home maintenance and guaranteed availability of future care.

An Open House and Tour of available homes will be held on Saturday, April 13th from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m.  No advance registration is necessary and all tours will start from the Clubhouse in Brookside, our gated community for active adults.

Join us - and be amazed at all our Community offers!  We continue to be not-for-profit, faith-based,
and quality-oriented.  This is our prescription for helping you control your health care future! 

For more information contact Diane Amari, Sales Director, at 317-736-1156 or call us toll-free at
1-87-RETIRING.

Reverend David Mark Owens at Podium

The 2013 Recipient of the Wilbert A. Cunningham Award is Chaplain David Mark Owens, of the JohnsonCounty Sheriffs Office. Chaplain Owens serves in full-time ministry with the Franklin United Methodist Retirement Community as Lead Chaplain.

In 1995, Indiana Law Enforcement Chaplains, established the Wilbert A. Cunningham Award for "Excellence in Law Enforcement Chaplaincy." The Cunningham Award gives recognition to law enforcement Chaplains within the State of Indiana who are doing an outstanding job in their agency and community.


The Award was presented at the International Conference of Police Chaplains Region 4 Conference Banquet night on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at Dublin, Ohio.  The Johnson County Sherriff, Doug Cox, was present for the presentation (far left).

Franklin United is proud of the volunteer efforts undertaken by our staff and Chaplain Owens is a role model in the various ways he serves our County, State, and Country.

The 4th annual Greenwood Rotary Magic Show, which took place on Wed. Feb 13th at Greenwood Community High School, entertained hundreds of area residents and their children and helped feed the hungry. This year was the first in which the club partnered with the local nonprofit organization, Kids Against Hunger. The proceeds from the show by Las Vegas magician Garry Carson will provide more than 30,000 nutritious meals locally and abroad.

The event was conducted with support from Southland Community Church, Wilson St Pierre,

Franklin United Methodist Community, Greenwood Orthopedics and Capstone Investment Partners.

Franklin United Methodist Community serves more than 600 senior residents and Rehab guests each day who are provided a variety of nutrious meals from 15 different menus, according to their dietary needs. We know how important an adequate food supply and healthy diet is to one's quality of life.