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Golden Rule Awards Banquet

Sun, May 5, 2019 Published by

The Arizona Interfaith Movement (AZIFM) holds the Golden Rule Banquet each year where people and organizations are honored for upholding the principles of the Golden Rule. I had the pleasure of attending the 14th annual banquet on Thursday evening, April 11, at the Mesa Convention Center and found it an awesome and inspiring evening. Those of us attending from Beatitudes Campus, besides myself, were Sybil Eppinger (whose husband Dr. Paul Eppinger founded the AZIFM), Karen Shannon, Cammy Clevenger, Bob Van Riper and Nancy Splain.

When we arrived at the Mesa Convention Center, we were greeted in the courtyard by hosts at several booths providing information about different religions.  At the Sikh booth, I met Rani Sodhi, the brother of the man who was murdered in Mesa right after 9/11. Mr. Sodhi has spent all of the intervening years since then, travelling all over the United States and beyond, working to build bridges of understanding among people of different faiths and backgrounds.

At 6:30PM, we joined the over 800 other attendees inside for the evening program and banquet.

The evening started with the sounding of the Jewish Shofar followed by a welcome from Anita Rangaswami, Vice President of the AZIFM Board and a representative of the Hindu faith.

Pat McMahon, radio personality and Hall of Fame Broadcaster, was Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Opening prayers were given by a Christian, someone from the BahaIi faith tradition, someone from Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, and a Buddhist. Each prayer ended with the statement of the Golden Rule as expressed in their respective faith traditions.

Mesa’s Mayor, John Giles, and AZIFM’s Executive Director, Rev. Larry Fultz, each then welcomed us, and dinner was served. During dinner, we were treated to an impressive musical performance by Taiko drum artist, Ken Koshio, and his son.

After dinner, the awards were given as the next part of the program. This year’s Golden Rule Awards recipients were as follows:

The Serving the Children Award went to Sunshine Acres, a home for children with no place to go.

The Humanitarian Award went to members of the Japanese American Citizens League made up of Japanese Internment survivors. This group talks to schools and encourages the breakdown of fear and hatred and the empowerment of kindness.

The Community Building Award went to the East Valley Community Builders. This group encourages interracial and social activities between citizens and police to encourage mutual understanding.

The Media Award went to AZTV and its director, Lynn Londen, for programming focusing on the positive qualities of our community, including airing a teenage group which does a media show on kindness and helpfulness.

The Darl Anderson Award went to Nick Lowery, the Hall of Fame Kicker of the Kansas City Chiefs. He started the Nick Lowery Youth Foundation that assists homeless youth.

At the end of the award ceremony, to bring the evening to a close, AZIFM Executive Director, Rev. Larry Fultz, called his family members in attendance to the stage. Assembling on the stage were a husband and wife from Nigeria (the husband had been a young student sent by his father to study in America who had lived with the Fultz’s during that time), a Jewish rabbi, Rev. Fultz’s brother and his Russian wife, a son with his Japanese wife, and a grandson with his Pakistani wife. Each gave a prayer or blessing to us all in his or her native language, followed by his or her spouse’s rendering the prayer in English. What a powerful visual.

The family closing was a magnificent end to a very inspiring evening.

A PROCLAMATION

Sun, May 5, 2019 Published by

Every May the nation celebrates Older Americans Month.  This year’s them is Connect, Create, Contribute.  We are urged to CONNECT with friends, family and services that support participation.  Also to CREATE by engaging in activities that promote learning, health and personal enrichment.  Lastly, to CONTRIBUTE time, talent and life experience to benefit others.  We are so fortunate that this happens daily and all year long by you residents at Beatitudes Campus.  Our community and the surrounding community is truly stronger because of you.

In honor of the Older American’s Month, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has put out an official proclamation celebrating older Americans and commends Beatitudes Campus for doing its part to Connect, Create and Contribute. Beatitudes Campus is all of you!  Enjoy reading the official Proclamation.

See a portion here, and read the full proclimation inside this issue on page 2.

“Beatitudes Campus also opened its doors in 1965. Beatitudes Campus was the first senior community of its kind in Arizona. For over 50 years, it has been a nationally­recognized leader in independent senior living and senior healthcare. Beatitudes Campus is a trusted part of the Phoenix community and is honored to have served more than 17,000 older adults since its establishment.

The theme for 2019’s Older Americans Month is “Connect, Create and Contribute.” Every day, Beatitudes Campus achieves all three for older adults.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATE GALLEGO, Mayor of the City of Phoenix, Arizona do hereby proclaim May 2019 as

OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

in the City of Phoenix and ask all Phoenix residents to join me in increasing respect for older Americans who call both Beatitudes Campus and our city home.”

See the full Proclamation below…

Proclamation Mayo Gallego Older Americans Month 2019

Earth Day Observance

Sun, April 21, 2019 Published by

EARTH DAY OBSERVANCE…On Friday, April 26th, the residents and staff of Beatitudes Campus are participating in the 2019 Earth Day Observance with what has been termed a “Protect March”. The Marchers will gather outside The Bistro at 10:00AM Friday morning and then proceed to The Everett Luther Life Center. Join us!

A Clinic is Coming, A Clinic is Coming

Sun, April 21, 2019 Published by

A CLINIC IS COMING…We are happy to share that Mobile Valley Physicians (MVP) will be joining us on campus in the next couple of months, offering primary care services, podiatry, home health and rehab referrals and coordination, chronic disease management, end of life care planning and hospice coordination. Beginning around July 1, 2019 they will be staffing couple days a week until caseload increases to be able to add more days. They hope, in time, to be open Monday through Friday. Look for more info coming soon…

Happy Spring

Sun, April 14, 2019 Published by

The month of April concludes with special activities around Earth Day with the Protect March on Friday, April 26th.  Worship on Sunday, April 28th at 3:00PM in the Life Center will highlight the Beatitudes Campus Choir singing and Chaplain Andrew preaching!  Happy Spring!

Dedicating Ourselves To Carrying On

Sun, April 14, 2019 Published by

By now, you have likely heard the very sad news that our Beatitudes Campus founder, Dr. Culver H. (Bill) Nelson, passed away on Friday April 14, 2019. Beatitudes Campus has lost a visionary leader and our community has lost an amazing soul.

National Occupational Therapy (OT) Month

Sun, April 7, 2019 Published by

April is National Occupational Therapy (OT) Month and, as such, Success Matters would like to celebrate the culminating work of two wonderful OT doctoral students on Campus, Chandler Somers and Katie Holmes.  The role of an OT has been described as a blending of science, creativity, and compassion, in order to help individuals live their lives to the fullest.  While working on their doctoral capstone projects over the past four months, both Katie and Chandler have certainly exemplified these qualities, and we’re proud to share their accomplishments. 

During their time on Campus, both Katie and Chandler have been revising and expanding the Success Matters Empowerment Platform in Plaza View Assisted Living. The Empowerment Platform involves a holistic interview to learn about residents’ unique backgrounds, interests, and hobbies. It also includes various wellness screens to provide residents with personalized strategies and recommendations to live a safe, active, and engaged lifestyle.

As part of her individual capstone experience, Chandler has just finished up leading and analyzing the efficacy of the Beatitudes Campus 6-week SAFER Stepping falls prevention course. This course is offered two to three times per year, and involves exercises targeted to improve balance, as well as discussion about potential fall risk factors. Chandler spent time researching current best practices for falls prevention, in order to provide background and evidence for the course. The data collected from participants across the 6-week program indicates that participants did, in fact, have decreased falls concerns and increased knowledge about various fall risk factors, including medications, vision, hearing, nutrition, and brain health.  If you are interested in participating in the next SAFER Stepping course starting in July, contact Jessica at #16110 to get added to the list.

Katie’s culminating individual project involved creating and leading the workshop Tools for Stress-Free Living, an 8-week program focusing on the concept of resiliency and emphasizing the ability to find the positives despite adversity or struggles. Discussion and activities included heart-focused deep breathing, engaging the senses, exercise, reframing personal stories, mindfulness, and journaling to facilitate healthy coping strategies. The goal was to engage the participants on both an individual and group level, fostering growth, reflection, and reciprocal learning. On average, participants decreased their perceived stress levels by 15% over the course of the 8-week workshop.

Throughout each of these projects, Katie and Chandler made wonderful connections with residents and staff, explored practical and creative interventions for the wellbeing of older adults, and served as a valuable resource on Campus.  Perhaps most importantly, they learned so much from their experiences with you all and are truly grateful for their opportunities at Beatitudes Campus. 

If you would like to join Success Matters in thanking Chandler and Katie for their tremendous work, and wish them well in their future careers as OTs, please join us in the Plaza Bistro on Thursday, April 25th at 10AM for treats and refreshments.

Bad For Your Health

Sun, April 7, 2019 Published by

I noticed an article the other day, “In Later years, Your House May be Bad For Your Health.”  Of course I had to read more.  It cited recent results of the first of a five-year study being conducted by Chicago-based Mather Lifeways Institute on Aging and Northwestern University which found that nearly 70% of Life Plan Community (also known as Continuing Care Retirement Community) residents stated that moving into such a community, “somewhat or greatly improved their social wellness.”

We are consistently interested in what distinguishes Beatitudes Campus from other senior living options.  What we experience here seems to track with what the study was finding.  Including more than 5,000 residents in 80 Life Plan Communities across 29 states, the study survey found that residents of the communities (which typically offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing in a single location) scored higher across five of six recognized facets of wellness than about 1,000 peer group older adults living in the community at large—including greater emotional, social, physical, intellectual and vocational wellness.

Focusing on just assisted living, a 2018 study of residents in just over 20 communities operated across four states by New Jersey-based Juniper Communities, found that hospitalizations of residents were half that of peer group seniors living at home. Juniper in turn estimated that such reductions are saving Medicare between $4 and $6 million each year and would save between $10 and $15 billion annually if applied across the similar larger population of Medicare beneficiaries.

While both studies are essentially conducted by senior living organizations, they reflect what has been intuitively suggested by not only professionals, but residents within senior communities for years. Specifically, that living within a community setting, with daily access to friends as well as personal health assistance, dining, wellness and social programs, housekeeping, maintenance, and transportation services – may not only improve quality of life for individuals age 75+, but add to it. I hear this from our Ambassadors time and again as they speak to prospects considering Beatitudes Campus as their home.

To be clear, more, longer and larger studies are needed. And there is no industry-wide research indicating all assisted living communities could produce the same health outcomes as Juniper, considered by many to be among the best in the industry. Still, surveys have consistently shown that as high as 90+% of senior housing residents and family members are satisfied with their experience.

Which leads to the question of why approximately 90% of Americans age 75+ are choosing to remain at home. Yes, many are still physically and socially independent, but data suggests more may be able to benefit from the services and care senior living offers than are accessing such communities.

Consider:

Lack of socialization is a major source of depression, with nearly half of women age 75+ living alone. The National Institute of Mental Health has declared depression among older adults a major public health issue.

44% of older adults 75+ report having at least one physical disability that impairs their ability to live independently.

14% of adults age 71+ and 32% of adults age 85+ suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementia.

Drivers age 80+ have the highest rate of fatal crashes per miles driven of any age group.

More than 34 million Americans are serving as unpaid caregivers for an older adult parent, spouse, other relative, friend or neighbor, the majority of whom are age 75+, for an average of 24 hours per week.

Perhaps the largest factors inhibiting utilization of senior housing are cultural and based on stereotyped perception. In the first case, the current “Silent Generation” of older adults (born during the Great Depression) were raised on the idea of putting a roof over their heads and never giving it up, along with an ingrained responsibility to never be a burden on anyone. In the second case, many older adults continue to assume that a senior living community is a place for “old people” and represents the institutional “nursing homes” of yore – even as the studies above indicate otherwise.  Just today, I spoke with a fellow whose mother lives close by in our neighborhood and he remarked how much he knew she would benefit from the “purposeful living” about which we center so much of what we do at Beatitudes.  He will be by soon with her to see the campus and I can’t wait to have her experience what so many of you delight in communicating to our visitors – our mission and philosophy of the campus and the effect on superior senior living!

 

Radical Hospitality

Sun, March 31, 2019 Published by

Radical: “out of the ordinary,” “revolutionary”, favoring extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions, or institutions.  Hospitality: generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests.  Put them together and you are part of a movement that began a few years back but is still every bit of who we are as a community.

What does it mean for us to have someone we have never met and has no relationship to us – in other words, a stranger – being treated by every single one of us at Beatitudes Campus with not just politeness, but overwhelming “revolutionary” generosity?  It is radical!

Back when I served a church, I had a relationship with a Samoan United Church of Christ Congregation where I was invited to preach.  I did not realize at the time that, in their culture, the minister was considered the descendent of what once was the Chief of all of Samoa.  Consequently, ministers are treated like royalty today.  That was a new experience for me to be sure.  I am not saying I have been mistreated as a clergyperson – except for some hate mail now and then from some justice issues I stood for.  Being treated like royalty, though, was not an experience I was accustomed to in the American church.  But at this church I was showered with a plate of food so big that it was a weeks’ worth in one sitting.  (After a stomach ache later, I learned that it is permissible to take some home.)  I was given gift after gift including every member and child giving dollar bills or more to me as I was seated in front of them – and not just once but numerous times by each.  It was an experience that I will never forget and a people I will always cherish.

What was amazing to me was how authentic and heartfelt it was; it was their culture but it was also them.  There was such a deep feeling of sincerity in their gestures that it moved me deeply.  It was the most radical of all hospitality experiences I have ever happened upon.

I want you to feel that way here at Beatitudes Campus.  I want to feel that way.  I want all staff to feel that same way when they are around you and me.  I want every guest, volunteer, visitor, prospective resident, family member or stranger to have a radical hospitality experience.  There is not a person in the community, from any faith, any race, any sexual orientation, any gender who is not worthy of our most radical of all welcomes.   It is how everybody deserves to feel when they walk into our Beatitudes Community.  It is a spiritual experience when it happens, and I look forward to continuing to work with you to make sure it does here (ok, minus the money—no tipping policy, you know).

Money Matters

Sun, March 17, 2019 Published by

Ever wonder how all the pieces of your financial puzzle fit together? Join us Friday, March 22nd at 1:00PM in the Agelink Great Room (AGR) for an informational panel to address the financial questions that are most relevant to residents.

Our panel features professionals on issues large and small that impact our daily lives and our long-term well-being. Panel members include Allen Bloch, Chief Financial Officer of Beatitudes Campus; Ellen Dean, Financial Planner; Laurel Hickok, CPA and Daily Money Manager; and Megan Selvey, Bivens and Associates Elder Law Attorney.

While money is important to us at any age, it can become even more so as we grow older. Demographic changes mean we are living longer after retirement, and funding those decades of longer life can be a challenge. Social Security is the primary source of income for many older adults, and about one-third of retired people rely on Social Security for over 90 percent of their income.

Additionally, questions about long-term care costs, money management, and frauds and scams have become part of our daily conversations. Concerns about escalating health care costs can also cause us to worry, which, incidentally, can negatively impact our health.

The format of our panel will include a brief self-introduction by panelists, to be followed with moderated questions that address central themes, and will conclude with questions from the audience.

Topics of interest will include:

Money and family: “How do I know if it is still ok to give money to my adult children? Should I add them to my bank account? Should I co-sign a loan?” 

Personal finance: “I expect to live twenty more years, but my money only expects to live about five more years. What is available to help people like me?” “Should I keep my life insurance policy?”

Long Term Care: “Why does my long-term care insurance premium keep going up? Are there ways to lower the premium without losing benefits? How do people afford higher levels of care on Campus?”

Legal issues: “Do I need a will even if I am not wealthy?” “I’m confused about what a durable power of attorney means. Should I have one?” “Should I file for bankruptcy?”

Our panel is brought to you by the Health and Wellness Committee and Success Matters. We hope you can join us on Friday, March 22nd, at 1:00PM in the Agelink Great Room.

 

Violins of Hope

Sun, March 10, 2019 Published by

Music connects us to one another. Music is the language of the soul. Music knows no boundaries of time or place. Music tells stories about peoples’ triumphs and tragedies. Music can evoke strong feelings, from ecstatic joy to devastating sorrow and all that lies in between.

There are occasions and events that move us beyond what might ever be imagined and leave us wanting to invite others to join us. One such event is Violins of Hope, a concert experience enjoyed by about twenty Beatitudes Campus residents at Central Methodist Church on March 3. Beatitudes Campus resident Cecilia Rolston commented that the event was “so heart-warming and beautiful” and “provides hope.” Others in attendance echoed Cecilia’s comments.

What are the Violins of Hope? These are violins actually played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust, including in the concentration camps. Our residents who attended this concert heard beautiful and powerful music produced by three of those surviving violins played by members of the Downtown Chamber Series. They also heard the story of these instruments as each passed through the horrors of Nazi genocide into the skilled hands of Ammon and Avshi Weinstein who restored each one. Through their restoration project, the Weinstein family gave new voice to the instruments and to all people and generations traumatized by the Holocaust. The violins symbolize the power of music and highlight resilience and hope.

Equally moving at the March 3 concert were the performances by the remarkable young musicians and singers with Rosie’s House (one of the largest completely free music programs in the nation for youth who would otherwise not have such an opportunity). The voices and spirits of youth were also very heartbreaking and hopeful when the Phoenix Girls Chorus sang a Yiddish Lullaby in the opening performances of Violins of Hope on February 23-24. The Phoenix Boys Choir will be singing in a performance on March 24.

Want to Know More About the Violins of Hope Events in March?

On March 19th a Tribute Concert honoring those who perished and those in the Phoenix community who survived the Holocaust. Charlotte Adelman, a Holocaust survivor and friend of the Beatitudes Campus, will be featured at this concert.

Until March 24th, 21 of the violins will be exhibited and the story of each recounted at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (Free admission).

Until March 26th, a photography exhibit at the Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center will showcase the work of Ammon Weinstein as he restored each violin.

As you read this article, we hope you are interested in finding out how to attend the Violins of Hope activities, concerts, exhibitions, and lectures throughout the remainder of March. Do visit the main website page for more information or ask a friend to help. It is best to scroll down the page until you reach the section listing all of the March events and click on the event(s) of interest. Here is the website: https://violinsofhopephoenix.com/buy-tickets/events 

Please note that Beatitudes Campus will not be providing transportation to any of the remaining Violins of Hope events.*

Leaving A Legacy Without Being Wealthy

Sun, March 10, 2019 Published by

The  discussion of leaving a legacy has come up in conversations I have had lately among my friends and family. All of us want the opportunity to make a difference in the world and leave a legacy. We all want to be remembered and to feel that we’ve contributed something to the world.

For most of us, we will leave a legacy that doesn’t necessarily change the world but does leave a lasting footprint that will be remembered by those whose lives we have touched. I think of all the blessings I have in my life and I try to be mindful of sharing with others the richness of my life.

I also am considering what kind of charitable legacy I want to leave. Throughout the years I have supported people and causes that are important to me and to the people in my life. I support Beatitudes Campus because I want to invest in its mission to welcome people of all faith traditions and to commit to a holistic model of wellness.

You don’t have to be wealthy to leave a charitable legacy – you just have to do a little bit of planning. Your legacy and support for Beatitudes Campus can help ensure that we inspire future generations of seniors. Whatever you want your legacy to be – providing support to people who are struggling through no fault of their own, supporting innovative programming, helping to expand arts and music programs, creating a welcoming environment in which seniors can thrive, supporting tomorrow’s workforce – it is all possible through a planned gift.

What, exactly, are planned gifts? They are, quite literally, what they sound like. The term “planned gift” simply means that you have planned to give a gift at a later date.

 

Moving to a Life Plan Community

Sun, March 3, 2019 Published by

For many older adults who are currently independent, but like the idea of living in a setting where healthcare services are available if needed down the road, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC also known as a Life Plan Community) can be an ideal solution.

Many Beatitudes Campus prospects ask us, “When is the best time to make the move?” Many of you reading this article remember wrestling with this question yourself.  There is no perfect answer to this question because everyone’s situation will be different. However, waiting too long can mean missing out on some of the very reasons people are attracted to a life plan community in the first place.

We often counsel that if you feel that a continuing care retirement life plan community is right for you, here are a few reasons why you may want to consider moving sooner rather than later:

Involvement: One of the main benefits of living in a community like Beatitudes is having easy access to a vast array of services, amenities and activities. Many of these perks take place within the walls of the community, but we are increasingly providing ways for residents to stay involved in the broader community through service projects, the 19North Neighborhood Association, our Life Long Learning adult education classes, and more. Many of you can well attest to the fact that moving earlier allows residents to more fully enjoy and benefit from these “extra-curricular” activities.  As we talk with those considering the campus, it’s often a story they are eager to hear from you.  We so appreciate our Resident Ambassadors who are so willing to talk about their experiences weighing all the factors……and almost always, it’s about the environment of purposeful living so much a part of the fabric of the campus.  If you are interested in taking the training and becoming an Ambassador, please contact the Marketing Office and see how you can become involved.

Wellness: We strive to help residents stay healthy and live independently as long as possible. Comprehensive health and wellness programs include access to qualified fitness professionals, special diet meal plans, our aquatic and fitness centers, low-impact aerobics, and yoga classes, just to name a few. Additionally, we continue to emphasize a “whole-person” concept, including emotional, spiritual, intellectual, vocational, and spiritual experiences, and have an award-winning Success Matters program which provides the opportunity to assess what makes up your best path to maximize independence.

Relationships: Residents of life plan communities often say that one of the best things about them is the friendships they have formed with other residents. That is absolutely the hallmark of Beatitudes Campus.  Those who wait too long to make the move may not have the time to develop meaningful relationships, which can be particularly helpful as part of a support network if healthcare needs arise in the future.  Again, prospects are very interested in your stories and we will be reaching out and providing opportunities to highlight them in our publications and website in the next few months.

The number of folks considering the campus right now is very high.  We already have 28 of the 34 patio homes that will open beginning in early 2019, committed and several others have placed a hold.  Additionally, we have begun the B V.I.P. Program for the new Promenade Residences to be built on the site of the former Garden Apartments and have more than 40 who have been given priority numbers. And our current living options are seeing more inquiries than at any time in the last four years!

So, with all this activity, do we need your help?  Absolutely!  Our mission is to provide what we believe is the best in purposeful, resident-centered senior living for as many folks as possible.  So, don’t forget the Friends and Family Resident Referral Program which pays you or your family member for successful recommendations of prospects to the campus.  Stop by the Marketing Office for details so we can provide you a referral form.

So, when is the best time to move to the campus?  Many of you would answer with a hardy, “right now!”  This is literally one of the most dynamic times at the campus since its original founding and we are anxious to share the excitement with as many as possible.  Thanks so much for all the many ways you help us every day!  Viva la Beatitudes!*

February 2019 Town Hall Recap

Sun, February 24, 2019 Published by

Read all about it! The latest recap of our February 2019 Community Town Hall is now available online for your reading pleasure!
Be sure to read it here: https://wp.me/p7o8lu-gQl

Courage and Joy

Sun, February 17, 2019 Published by

Fifty-five years ago, the visionaries and pioneers of Beatitudes Campus held a historic groundbreaking on undeveloped farm land, bought for $25,000 an acre, with a vision to change the face of nursing homes of the 1960s—to build  a place where older adults could live, learn and play for the rest of their lives. They created a vision so big and so bright that it lives on from generation to generation.

From the first apartment built after that groundbreaking (Plaza South), so much has been built, and 16,000 seniors have lived vibrant and fulfilled lives at Beatitudes Campus.

Ten years ago, another historic groundbreaking occurred—the building of the Central Park Apartments and creation of our Town Plaza. At that groundbreaking ceremony, our founder, Rev. Dr. Bill Nelson, offered an invocation:
“…Never let the mystery keep us from plunging into the future with courage and with joy…may we turn the sod over and rearrange the world in more human ways…”

I have never forgotten those words, and they seem especially pertinent as we prepare for another chapter in the life of the campus—an eight-year master plan of redevelopment. We are rearranging the world—in ways that allow our residents to live empowered and purposeful lives, in ways that nourish and strengthen our neighborhood and community, in ways that allow our staff the privilege of servant leadership. I am honored, and humbled, to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors—Dr. Nelson, Rev. Everett Luther, Rev. Ken Buckwald and Peggy Mullan—to build on the firm foundation they have laid and embark on the biggest redevelopment the campus has seen. And, I am so privileged to serve our residents and our future residents and learn from you the lessons of hard work, of survival amidst momentous change, of sacrifice and of honor.

Our master plan is not just an investment in Beatitudes Campus. It is an investment in our community-in the lives of residents and future residents and in the staff who answered the call of service to others. We have grown from a dozen staff members to our 450 dedicated staff who have a sacred responsibility of service to 650 residents. The growth of the campus to become one of the largest employers in North Central Phoenix and in the Top 100 in Phoenix, is a testament to our vision to be a leader in aging services and serve the broad middle class. Our focus is not only confined to our campus – the campus is also a major contributor to our community’s economy. More than half of our expenditures to vendors is  returned to our local community businesses that are headquartered in Arizona, most of whom are located in Maricopa County or are small businesses.

As Dr. Nelson so clearly stated ten years ago, we must plunge into the future with courage and joy. It takes courage to redefine senior living as we are doing each and every day, but the joy I feel when you thrive and contribute to our community is life affirming. Our redevelopment and expansion speak to the heart of our campus mission.

We will celebrate this new chapter in the life of the campus with a Groundbreaking Ceremony on Thursday, February 21 at 10AM. Residents and staff can watch the ceremony live from the Luther Life Center, followed by a reception and refreshments from 10:00—1:00PM with our special guests and future residents. The Beatitudes Campus Board of Directors and I invite you to share with us, and each other, this important milestone in the evolution of the campus and feel the joy along with us.

DID YOU HEAR?

Sun, February 10, 2019 Published by

DID YOU HEAR: New Hearing Loop System and the Importance of Addressing Hearing Loss

Many of you may have noticed the signs in recent days announcing that a new audio induction loop system has been installed in the Life Center. An audio induction hearing loop is a unique type of sound system for use with hearing aids that provides greater sound quality when listening to presentations. Most newer hearing aids are embedded with a telecoil receiver setting that can be used with this type of sound system to enhance sound quality, but directions for turning this setting on and off vary greatly by type of hearing aid. Due to the wide variety of hearing aids on the market, you will need to contact your audiologist to learn whether your hearing aids are enabled with this telecoil setting and how to turn it on and off. If you use hearing aids, this is the perfect time to give your audiology provider a call to utilize this new system in the Life Center.

On the subject of hearing, it seems timely to address the importance of hearing in maintaining quality of life at any age. The World Health Organization (2014) states that untreated hearing loss can have a debilitating impact on multiple facets of an individual’s quality of life. For example, research has shown that individuals with unaddressed hearing loss are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, trouble concentrating, decline in cognition, decreased self-esteem, and feelings of isolation (World Health Organization, 2014).

Additionally, a 2012 study by Johns Hopkins University indicated that unaddressed hearing loss was correlated with three times the risk of falling among adults. The good news is that by addressing hearing with your healthcare providers, whether you have new concerns, or it is just time for a checkup, you are taking a step with the potential to transform your well-being and social participation for the better. Along with using hearing aids when needed, it is important to advocate for yourself in social situations and utilize hearing protection when exposed to loud noises. Although age related hearing loss is common, there are steps we can take to minimize the impact of hearing loss on quality of life.  We hope you will consider exploring hearing aids for a variety of health and wellness reasons if you have trouble hearing. And if you already have them, talk to your hearing aid provider or audiologist to learn how to take advantage of the hearing loop technology in the Life Center.

[Editor’s Note…]

The loop system at Beatitudes Campus has been a longterm project brainstormed within the Communications Committee for many years. We are highly thankful for all previous work done by this committee to make this vision a reality today.

The Most Exciting Times

Sun, February 3, 2019 Published by

Beatitudes Campus is truly entering one of the most exciting times in its 54-year history as we celebrate the beginning of construction of our new 34 patio homes. I thought you might be interested in a little of the planning background for this new addition on the north and west perimeters of campus and we are so excited to welcome this new group of residents.

Research has shown and our history supports that this is one of the most often requested accommodations in a continuing care retirement community or life plan community, as we are now known. Many coming to see our presentations looked at a condo setting as they considered selling their larger homes and have reported five significant differences between patio homes and condos.

  1. Patio homes found in a senior living community, such as ours at Beatitudes Campus, are built specifically for post-career adults. Our patio home residents must be age 62+. At a condo, who will be your neighbor now and into the future? You have no control over that.
  2. Patio homes often include additional services and amenities. While you may pay a fee that you don’t have with a condo, you typically gain home maintenance, housekeeping, dining, daily activities, an aquatic center, etc., that are included within the senior living community. Home responsibility, maintenance and repair costs remain yours with a condo.
  3. Patio home floor plans typically do not include a basement nor stairways. They are designed for low maintenance with easily accessible garages, walkways and safety/security features.
  4. By being part of a community living neighborhood, a patio home comes with built-in security. For example, our patio homes are located within a gated community with security features throughout the campus and in the homes. You also gain a sense of neighborhood protection when you are part of a community. It can be hard to find this in a condominium unit or any stand-alone neighborhood.
  5. Patio homes often include services and amenities on site. We are a life plan community and our new homes have the continuing care benefit that so many find important. Within our campus, we offer services and accommodations for rehabilitation, therapy, assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing.

Most of our residents move into an independent living patio home while they are younger, healthy and active. If or when assistance or care is needed, they can stay within the community but move into an assisted living apartment or other care arrangement.

Being a life plan community allows our residents to always remain living in the community where they have built friendships, know the staff and feel at home.

At Beatitudes Campus, we have 3 different floor plans for one- or two-bedroom designs. Our patio homes feature attractive finishes, fully equipped kitchens, attached garages, and plenty of outdoor space both in the front and rear of each. We are excited to formally celebrate “spades in the ground” on February 21st at 10 A.M. as Michelle Just, CEO, the board, executive staff, the construction company, architects and our twenty -seven depositors all meet for a brief ceremony at the Myrtle Avenue sight that we are going to live-stream to the rest of the campus in the Life Center.

Please join us in the Luther Life Center anytime from 10:00AM—1:00PM for a come and go celebration complete with a light brunch menu. We will have numerous displays of information and our consultants and staff will be on hand to join in the festivities and answer questions. There will be more information posted on the community channel as we get closer to the date. In the meantime, please RSVP to Ali Shreeve, marketing assistant at 18467 so that we can plan appropriately. It’s going to be a great day!