Stay Active! Reduced Muscle Strength Increases Alzheimer's Risk

Study after study shows the benefits of exercise and strength training as you mature. In the November issue of Archives of Neurology, muscle strength was linked with increased risks of Alzheimer's or dementia. The weaker your muscles the more likely for cognitive decline. Read an article on the topic.

If you are finding it difficult to incorporate exercise into your daily regiment as you age, contact Garden Place about it's Adult Day Club service. The focus of this non-resident program is to keep seniors socially engaged, physically active and mentally sharp.

We have Sittercise every day - an exercise routine catered to seniors. Call us!

VA Benefits For Assisted Living

In the November 2009 issue of the Southern Business Journal, elder-care attorney Richard Habiger looks at VA benefits, noting that 33 percent of America's senior population might qualify for VA funds. Benefits are "available to veterans who served on active duty during a period of war ... [and] to the single surviving spouses of war-time veterans.

While difficult to receive VA funds, an experienced elder-care attorney should be able to help you navigate the system. The benefits can be used to help fund:
- Assisted living
- At-home elder-care services
- Salary for adult children or relatives, home-care companies or domestic workers that help care for a senior residing at home, but only in the right circumstances.

If you get a chance, review the Health Care column in this month's Southern Business Journal to learn more. Or contact a Garden Place community manager who will be able to provide some advice and assistance on the topic of VA Benefits.

80 over 80: See who you know!

Hugh Hefner. Barbara Walters. BB King. All three are on Slate's 80 Over 80 list. Check out who you know, and share your memories of your favorite octogenarian celebrities.

Cooking Healthy Meals for One or Two

Cooking for one or two can be difficult when you have become accustomed to cooking for a whole family. But, there are a lot of fun recipes out there that are perfect for a single meal for one or two. Here are a few articles to check out:
The Mayo Clinic
Marie Claire

Fresh Air Does Do Some Good

We've been hearing for years, "Some fresh air will do you some good." Well, a new study shows that this is just the case. A recent study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health confirms once again that mother nature is good for the body and the soul. Find the story plus other articles related to senior health and welfare at 50PlusStLouis.com.

BLOSSOM CITY BLOG

Hey, it was chilly in Red Bud this morning, even a thin coat of ice on the car! We might as well get ready for winter, and that's just what's happening at Garden Place, Red Bud with the gathering of straw bales and pumpkins. Marilyn Raban, manager, did a great job of decorating the front lawn. In addition, some of the ladies hand decorated small pumpkins for table center pieces in the dining room.

If you stepped inside the lobby on Thursday afternoon you would have found a large group of residents and neighbors gathered around waiting for their flu shots administered by the Visiting Nurses Association. Pictured here with Nurse Jeanne Horner is Marie Wagner and Ethel Fadler getting their paperwork in order before getting their shots. We're ready for whatever winter brings.

The "Lunch-out-Crowd" returned Wednesday afternoon with reports of the delicious Bar-B-Que they had at the 17th Street Bar and Grill in Sparta, IL

Alzheimer's On the Rise

A new study on Alzheimer's Disease in the World Alzheimer's Report shows the growth of the disease was underestimated by 10 percent. According to the new report, dementia-related illness will double every 20 years growing from 35 million currently to 115.4 million in 2050.

If you are living with someone with Alzheimer's Disease or a dementia-related illness, be sure to check out Tori Salladay's Senior Moment column this month on page 11 in the Millstadt Messenger. In the article, she talks about what caregivers can expect as the disease progresses.

Here's a link to the September issue in which Tori spoke about the legal issues of Estate Planning for seniors on page 12 - also a very important topic to cover when dealing with dementia illnesses. Dementia patients must sign off on all the legal documents while still in a stable state of mind.

BLOSSOM CITY BLOG

There was a lot of entertainment at Garden Place, Red Bud this past week starting off with Charlie and The Girls on Monday night. Then following this, on Tuesday we were inspired by one of our regulars -the First Baptist Church Choir of Chester, IL. Also at the same time the "Senior Estate Planning Discussion" meeting in the basement activity room was filled with the "panel" and guests.

On Saturday afternoon Mike Cassidy of Glen Carbon, IL (pictured upper right) presented the weekend program with guitar and country western music. Then in the evening our residents who desired, were invited to a private birthday party (pictured to the right) in the basement activity room hosted by the children of our own Lavern Karsten, complete with music by Bob Tyler.

Tonight: Senior Estate Planning Event

What: Free Senior Estate Planning Panel Discussion
When: 7 pm, Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Where: Garden Place Senior Living, 351 Lockwood Dr., Red Bud, IL 62278
Cost: Free and Open to the public
RSVP: 618.282.7775

Attend an open-panel discussion on Senior Estate Planning and learn how to finance assisted living, prepare for senior estate planning and tdownsize an estate to meet certain income requirements. A lawyer, realtor, financial advisor and auctioneer along with the co-owner of Garden Place Senior Living communities will all participate in the panel discussion.

BLOSSOM CITY BLOG

Believe it or not this is already the last issue for September! Where did the month go? While looking over the activity calendar I see where the residents of Garden Place, Red Bud have been busy. Every Wednesday and Thursday is our turn to share the 12 passenger van with the other two facilities. Our residents enjoy special outings, luncheon out, van ride's as well as transportation to the YMCA at Columbia.

A real treat this past week was the first appearance by Matt Barber, a recording artist who grew up in Peoria, IL and does his recordings in Nashville,TN. Matt travels around the country entertaining audiences with his rendition of songs from the "Thirties and Forties" -our type of music. Matt is pictured above, as well as Wallace and Betty Limestall, to the lower right, who really enjoyed his music.

Richard A. Noelken
-Blog Editor

The Senior Moment

Be sure to catch this month's The Senior Moment column by Garden Place of Millstadt Community Manager Tori Salladay about Senior Estate Planning. Then, plan to visit our Senior Estate Planning Discussion at Garden Place of Red Bud at 7pm on Sept. 29. We will have five panelists at the event - Kathy Asselmeier, owner of Garden Place and an RN; Dale Bermester, auctioneer and owner of Bermester Auction Services; Linda Frierdich, REALTOR and part-owner of regional Century 21 Advantage offices; Brian Gueber, financial advisor at Edward Jones; and Pete Rau, attorney and partner at Rau & Cooper.

Also, you can find the August edition of The Senior Moment at the Millstadt Messenger's Web site. Check out page 12 in this story.

BLOSSOM CITY BLOG

The residents of Garden Place, Red Bud were treated to two outstanding events this week beginning Tuesday afternoon with the appearance of "The St. John's Kids". This is a group of 2nd and 5th graders from St. John The Baptist Catholic School, this is a function of the school's Service Outreach Program. For their first visit we spent an hour just getting to know each other which proved very interesting and it paved the way for their subsequent monthly visits the rest of this school year. Pictured is Mrs. Leslie Grohmann with some of the students.

The other activity on Wednesday afternoon involved Bob Tyler with piano and songs that everyone enjoys. This month Bob helped us celebrate the birthdays of Rebecka Stock, Verna Trost and Eula Cavanaugh. Meanwhile we had a group of ladies who took to the dance floor for a few dances, winding up with some "Line Dancing" as the picture shows.

Just a reminder, don't miss out on the "Senior Estate Planning Discussion" next week Tuesday, September 29th at 7pm right here at Garden Place,Red Bud, IL. Please RSVP to 618-282-7775, ask for Marilyn Raban, Manager

Richard A. Noelken
-Blog Editor

Save The Date: Senior Estate Planning Event

What: Free Senior Estate Planning Panel Discussion
When: 7 pm, Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Where: Garden Place Senior Living, 351 Lockwood Dr., Red Bud, IL 62278
Cost: Free and Open to the public
RSVP: 618.282.7775

Attend an open-panel discussion on Senior Estate Planning and learn how to finance assisted living, prepare for senior estate planning and tdownsize an estate to meet certain income requirements. A lawyer, realtor, financial advisor and auctioneer along with the co-owner of Garden Place Senior Living communities will all participate in the panel discussion.

Annual Flu Shots Available At Garden Place In Early October

The Visiting Nurse’s Association will be staffing and administering annual flu shots to the public at each Garden Place Senior Living community during the first weeks of October. The cost is expected to be $25. Cash or checks will be accepted, plus when applicable, the VNA will bill Medicare Part B, Advantra (Medicare HMO/GHP), Mercy Premier (Medicare HMO), Essence (Medicare HMO) and Health Alliance. To learn about the VNA, visit www.vnatip.com. For more information about Garden Place Senior Living, visit www.GardenPlaceSeniorLiving.com.

What: Annual Flu Shots
When: 1-3 p.m., October 1
Where: Garden Place of Columbia, IL at 710 S. Main Street, Columbia, IL
For more information, call (618) 281-3388
Cost: $25 (approximately)

What: Annual Flu Shots
When: 9:30-11 a.m., October 8
Where: Garden Place of Millstadt, IL at 208 S. Kossuth, Millstadt, IL
For more information, call (618) 476-1440
Cost: $25 (approximately)

What: Annual Flu Shots
When: 1-3 p.m., October 8
Where: Garden Place of Red Bud, IL at 351 Lockwood Dr., Red Bud, IL
For more information, call (618) 282-7755
Cost: $25 (approximately)

Garden Place Adult Day Club Featured

The Messenger featured Garden Place Senior Living's Adult Day Club services in an article titled, "Adult Day Club Offers Alternatives to Caregivers." Editor and author Liz Quirin dedicated a full page to this emerging service for seniors in our communities. Read the article.

BLOSSOM CITY BLOG

Our second season of Bible Study led by Ken Cooper, of Red Bud, is getting off to a good start. It has grown from 5 the first week to 7 the second week -with four women and three men. The public is welcome from 7 to 8 pm Thursdays at Garden Place, Red Bud, IL.

The Rainbow Trio, pictured here plays a variety of music to appeal to many of our residents, especially some of the German tunes that were enjoyed by Mr. and Mrs Kaiser. Toes were tapping and smiles were plentiful.

This event that everyone looks forward to - the appearance of Bob Tyler performing on his electronic piano in addition to his vocal talent and lively interaction with his audience Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 pm -again guests are welcome.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the Senior Estate Planning Discussion on Tuesday, September 29 7pm at the Garden Place Senior Living Community in Red Bud, IL. If you are planing to attend please RSVP to 618-282-7775 ask for Marilyn Raban, Mgr.

Richard A. Noelken
-Blog Editor

Save The Date: Senior Estate Planning Event

What: Free Senior Estate Planning Panel Discussion
When: 7 pm, Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Where: Garden Place Senior Living, 351 Lockwood Dr., Red Bud, IL 62278
Contact: Stacey Rynders, 618.281.6648 or Stacey@marketicity.com

Attend an open-panel discussion on Senior Estate Planning at 7 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009. Event participants will learn how to finance assisted living, to prepare for senior estate planning and to downsize an estate to meet certain income requirements. A lawyer, realtor, financial advisor and auctioneer along with the co-owner of Garden Place Senior Living communities will all participate in the panel discussion to hit on financing, VA benefits, long-term care insurance and other important topics related to senior estate planning.

This discussion is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to ask questions of the five panelists during the event. The panel includes the following five local Red Bud professionals: Kathy Asselmeier, co-owner of Garden Place Senior Living; Dale Burmester, auctioneer at Burmester Auction Services; Linda Frierdich, REALTOR® and broker of Linda Frierdich Real Estate Group of Century 21 Advantage; Brian Guebert, a financial advisor at Edward Jones; and David “Pete” Rau, a lawyer with Rau & Cooper with a concentration on estate planning, probate and real estate.

BLOSSOM CITY BLOG

Where did the Summer go? September is here! It's time to get out into the beautiful countryside and look up a fine vineyard to do some "Wine Sampling". Which is what a group from Garden Place, Red Bud, IL did on Thursday. We went by way of the Modoc Ferry to St. Genevieve, MO and then on to the CROWN VALLEY WINERY at Coffman, MO where we were hosted to a "Wine Tasting" and a tour of the ultra modern facility from the freshly picked grapes to the delicious tasting glass of fine wine.

Pictured at upper right are Arthur Trost and Rich Noelken in The Cask Room and below, Art Trost, Laverne Karsten and Margaret Fadler at the "Tasting Bar".

Before returning on the ferryboat we had lunch at "The Anvil Bar and Restaurant" in the historic town of St. Genevieve.

-Richard A. Noelken
Blog Editor

BLOSSOM CITY BLOG

The residents of Garden Place, Red Bud (aka Blossom City) are busy this week. For lunch Wednesday they climbed into the van and headed for the 17th Street Bar and Grill in Sparta for a delicious meal. Following that, we enjoyed an entertaining evening of music and songs by Judy Hinkle - Karaoke. While still in the traveling mode on Thursday, a van load went to the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis. Before the featured "Tram Ride" we had lunch at the Sassafras Restaurant, on the ground level and enjoyed a variety of sandwiches, soups and salads. At this time of the year the gardens are rich in colors.

This coming week after enjoying Mr. Lynn Wellman "The Piano Man", Tuesday evening, we'll be taking it easy so we will have more energy to celebrate Labor Day with a B-B-Q party provided by our very own chefs -Julie and Ashley.

Richard A. Noelken
-Blog Editor

BLOSSOM CITY BLOG

Last week we celebrated five birthdays with our piano entertainer, Bob Tyler. Happy Birthday to Erlean Mahan, Micki Wagner, Doris Cobb, Eva Featherston and Veronica Kaiser! Their large birthday cake was shared and enjoyed by all at dinner.

A HAWAIIAN LUAU on Saturday afternoon and evening put on by the staff of Garden Place, Red Bud, IL was enjoyed by nearly 100 guests and residents. This year it was special in that it's the 50th anniversary of Hawaii's Statehood! The party was filled with fun and games for all along with good Hawaiian food, drinks and decorations. Our manager, Marilyn Raban, brought a "TIKI MAN" that she hand painted -but he did not have a name! A contest was started to find a suitable name -and the winner was Eyvonne Zipfel, who called him "Ashman". The next time you're here you'll find him at the Salad Bar guarding the Soup Kettle.

This weeks highlights begin on Wednesday evening with Judy Hinkle -Karaoke, followed on Thursday with our St. Louis tour to the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Richard A. Noelken
-Blog Editor