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Nurturing Life's Ageless Spirit.

Quality of Life

Frannie and Sister.jpg

A Commitment to Quality of Life Comfort, safety, and value define a community. Compassion, dignity, and love make it home. These words resonate with the staff of Catholic Eldercare (CEC), as they dedicate themselves to helping residents live their best life.

Doreothe and Richard Hanson are a great example of this dedication. Saddened by the reality of not being able to travel to their granddaughter’s wedding in New Mexico, they were blessed by the kindness of Cindy Smith and colleagues who figured out how to give them a bird’s eye view of the ceremony. Read the full article, A Picture-Perfect Seat at a Granddaughter’s Wedding, on page 12 of our spring issue of Connections magazine.

Meet some of our dedicated staff Frannie Tolf is resident service coordinator at Mainstreet Lodge, welcoming people to the front desk, and providing support when needed. Frannie’s colleagues say she has a big heart and cares deeply for residents. “I love my job and I love our residents,” says Frannie. “They tell me about their day, and I help them do things, including addressing cards for a resident with arthritis, helping someone with eyesight challenges pay their bills, and “Googling” answers to questions on just about anything.” Some residents have mobility challenges, so if Frannie doesn’t see them for a couple days, she calls them to ask if she can bring them their mail or help with anything. “We spend time together and we’ve become friends,” she says. Dominican Sister and resident Sister Louis Marie is one of those friends (pictured with Frannie in the blog photo). “Everyone loves Frannie. She is so friendly and cheerful, and even when she’s busy, she always has time to talk with us. Frannie is the same way with all the visitors who come in…….no matter what she is doing, she will stop and take time to chat.”

Kiran Dahlin is our director of campus life enrichment. She is responsible for the development of campus life across Catholic Eldercare, directing the departments of therapeutic recreation, music therapy, pastoral care, and the nationally rostered American Music Therapy Association internship program. Kiran says, “It’s an honor and privilege to serve our residents, and lead a team of compassionate, strong, creative, and dedicated women who each bring a unique perspective and skill set to the table.” Speaking of skills, Kiran is also known to pick up her guitar to strum and sing with residents who love the music she makes!

Huck is a canine consultant for joy who brings joy to residents of Mainstreet Lodge. He’s an Australian Cattle Dog belonging to activities director Lacey Reimnitz. Huck is a well-behaved dog who gives and receives love. Lacey says, “He loves the attention, and he brightens the day for many residents who seem to light up when he comes through in the door. I love being able to make that happen.”

Chaplain David Liedl is one of our CEC chaplains. He says, “I’m a dispenser of joy because laughter and good humor are the clearest example of the presence of God.” As David provides spiritual care to residents of varying religious practices, across the CEC community, he shows love and support to all by being present and meeting their needs. He says, “I learn something every day, and residents with dementia teach me something about God every day, and what is important and essential in life.” David believes spiritual quality of life is different for everyone. “Whatever level of participation people have, our chaplains meet them there and provide what they need, from a glass of water to a smile, a hand on their shoulder, or a prayer. We all have the capacity to give people what they need, and it begins with putting on a ‘yes face.’”

Read about more CEC staff members and good stories in Connections magazine. Simply email Robin Haenze at rhaenze@catholiceldercare.org or call her at 612-277-2902 to set up a time to pick-up a hard copy, or access it online here