King-Bruwaert House CEO Terri Bowen was recently interviewed on Chicago's ABC7 about the need for medical supplies, testing kits and personal protective equipment. Check out the article and watch the interview here.

Download a copy of the letter sent to Governor Pritzker, sent by:

• Terri Bowen, CEO of King-Bruwaert House
• Gus Noble, President of Caledonia Senior Living
• John Larson, CEO of Cantata Adult Life
• Jay Biere, CEO of Plymouth Place

For many older adults, especially those with memory loss or serious illnesses, healthy eating may not be the biggest priority. Without a caregiver, family member, friend, neighbor or culinary team ensuring that daily meals are eaten, nutritional needs may decline, creating a potentially serious situation. Complications may also occur with actual meal planning and preparation.

At King-Bruwaert House in Burr Ridge, we encourage residents at all care levels – independent, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing, to consume daily nutritious meals that satisfy and meet their needs. Healthy food choices and water consumption for older adults can help to maintain physical and cognitive functions and support bone, vision and vascular health. Food also fuels the body’s immune system to provide stamina and strength. Drinking water regularly keeps the body hydrated.

It is very common for older adults to experience a loss of appetite or changes in smell or taste. During the aging process, many individuals begin to reduce their food intake or skip meals altogether. The prospect of dining or being alone may also take away from the enjoyment of what was once a shared activity with others.​

For older adults who have diabetes, food allergies or dietary/caloric restrictions, it is important to stock up on menu items that are essential to their well-being. Weekly grocery store visits by a family member or caregiver will ensure the purchase of healthy products. In Burr Ridge and other communities, many local grocery stores offer order and delivery services for a fee. This may be an option for those seeking support for older adults who no longer drive. 
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Older adults benefit from a daily, well-planned meal plan that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meat, fish or poultry – in consideration of any restrictions.  Dining with others and being part of a social setting adds to the enjoyment of a regular eating regimen. King-Bruwaert House offers several meal options, including formal sit-down dining, casual Bistro meals and in-home delivered meal service for those with limited mobility.
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“We recognize the importance of nutrition for our residents and prioritize all aspects of the dining experience,” said King-Bruwaert Chief Executive Officer Terri Bowen. “Nutrition is an essential part of aging – and through the support of our dietitian and our trained and dedicated culinary staff, we make options available that satisfy, support and sustain.”

King-Bruwaert House in Burr Ridge, IL celebrates 86 years of providing exceptional care and services for independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. Our continuing care retirement community is located about 30 minutes west of Chicago, and serves many local communities including Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Oak Brook, Western Springs, Indian Head Park, LaGrange, Downers Grove, Willowbrook and Darien.  King-Bruwaert House is nestled on a private, 35-acre wooded parcel, surrounded by gardens, a walking path, two ponds and a scenic creek. Our warm and inviting Georgian Manor residence is recognized for having friendly, caring staff, unique architecture and beautiful furnishings.

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​Ever heard of a twiddlemuff? Imagine a soft, colorful knitted muff adorned with interesting buttons, bows and bits. This unique piece offers comfort and care to residents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. When King-Bruwaert House Social Worker Megan Schaaf read an article on Facebook about the use of twiddlemuffs to engage residents, she quickly turned to members of our K-B knitting group, Operation Warm Hearts, and asked if they could create the muffs.
“As dementia progresses, fidgeting can become common and I have observed that some of our residents are often looking for something to do with their hands,” Schaaf explained. I felt like the twiddlemuffs could help to ease their boredom and anxiety – and encourage small motor movement, too.”
“K-B is fortunate to have our Operation Warm Hearts group,” Schaaf said, “and I thought this would be a project they might be willing to take on to benefit our residents.”
Member Rose Ann Hoof was immediately intrigued. A talented artisan with impressive knitting, crocheting and specialty skills, Hoof researched several twiddlemuff patterns and came up with her own rendition. First, she made several proto-types and then began to show them to other members.
“I created a pattern that was a little easier to follow and the effort turned out very well,” Hoof said. “I showed the muff and pattern to a friend (Mary Therese Hester) and she was glad to help, too.”
According to research, the twiddlemuffs (often called fidget muffs), encourage hands-on use and trigger brain stimulation. Patients find the muffs to be comforting and therapeutic – similar to a favorite stuffed animal or a cherished blanket. Hoof opted to attach old house keys to several of the muffs – the key being a common object that connects the person to home and security.
Those with dementia benefit from regular, repeated behaviors and activities. If residents become agitated or out-of-sorts whenever routine schedules or settings change, evidence shows the twiddlemuffs offer distraction from the unknown and help to soothe anxiety.
For Hoof and Hester, making the twiddlemuffs has been personally rewarding – especially in knowing that their efforts have a purpose.
“I like the whole idea of helping our residents and giving back to the community,” Huff said. “This is a project that makes a difference.”

By Don Gralen, Woods of King-Bruwaert resident

​Long a civic leader and a proponent of community involvement, Don Gralen transitioned to our King-Bruwaert retirement community with a vision for quality care and services, socialization and happiness among new neighbors. Within a short time, Don found himself volunteering to lead several resident programs that have drawn equal interest among his newly acquired friends. Don endorses his ongoing commitment to activities by sharing meaningful purpose for himself and others:

“My wife, Jane, and I moved to K-B seven years ago. We brought with us the strong conviction that the paramount value in life is The Life of the Mind. To foster this at  K-B, I started a Non-Fiction Book Club that meets every six weeks for a discussion of a book of my choosing. Recently, our group shared a lively discussion on “Hillbilly Elegy,” by J. D. Vance. I also spearhead a Current Events discussion group that meets monthly to share conversations on three or four topics. Recent gatherings have included talks on “black holes,” and “space probes,” for which research material was made available to participants in advance. I see these activities as life enriching contributions to life at K-B.”

As Don shares his interests with fellow K-B residents, he brings enlightenment to those who welcome opportunities to connect and converse with others. He helps to perpetuate The Life of the Mind – while engaging in expressive and intelligent discussions.

​It is true that a massage can be described as a relaxation technique that can help ease muscle spasms, tension or stress. Yet massage therapy offers so many more core benefits that can relieve other symptoms that may need professional attention.
 
As a licensed and board-certified Massage Therapist, I have the experience and expertise to help people overcome many of the challenges associated with the aging process.  Massage is known to help alleviate pain and inflammation. Therapeutic massage can also help lower blood pressure, enhance a person’s immune system, improve circulation and reduce arthritic discomforts.
 
I work cooperatively with physicians and medical staff to tailor massage therapy sessions that can help and support individuals. Physicians often prescribe specific massage treatments for their patients to promote the rapid healing of damaged cartilage, sore muscles, tissues or inflamed areas.
 
I’m privileged to have introduced massage therapy to King-Bruwaert House more than 25 years ago. Throughout the years, I have met many wonderful people who have entrusted me to be caring and responsive to their physical needs relating to pain relief and reduced tension. I encourage more residents, family members and friends to experience the value of massage as a recommended therapeutic option. Facial toning, sinus pressure relief and back pain massage treatments are also available. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (630) 323-2250, Ext. 9412; or (630) 368-2733.

​By Kathy Kowal, Certified Massage Therapist

As Sally Robertson was sorting through family heirlooms, she came across some papers that had great personal value.  She discovered information relating to her father’s Eagle Scout ranking in 1942. Although her dad, Bob Barnes, a resident of the King-Bruwaert retirement community in Burr Ridge, doesn’t remember much about his Eagle Scout ceremony, he does recall the meaningful activities and honor codes that helped develop his childhood as an active member of the Boy Scouts of America.

Throughout his life, Barnes exemplified the “honor of Scouting,” and so impressed his family members that both his son and grandson continued in his footsteps - advancing through the ranks to become Eagle Scouts themselves. Eagle Scouts must plan, develop and lead a service project that benefits an organization other than the Boy Scouts of America. The project must receive advance approval with specific requirements. Once the project is completed, the Eagle Scout candidate is required to give a presentation before his 18th birthday to a Scouting review committee. The Eagle Scout ranking is bestowed on the candidates that fulfill all the requirements and promise to continue a leadership and service-oriented path for the rest of their lives. 

Jerome Barnes, son of Bob, became an Eagle Scout in 1969. For his project, Jerome made lifesaving equipment for the Clarendon Hills, Illinois Park District to use for a community pond that was frozen in winter. All those years of camping and preparedness in the great outdoors paid off with a service project that would potentially save lives.

In 2009, Jason Robertson, Bob’s grandson, approached his 18th birthday and became a third generation Eagle Scout after receiving encouragement and support from his Mom, Dad and grandfather. Jason planned a project to build and design an interpretive ¼-mile nature trail for Long Hunter State Park, a short distance from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. He created 10 descriptive stations along the trail with photos depicting the wildflowers, trees and land formations located along the route. Trail information also included a map that identified nature in the park. Jason received a grant from the National Environmental Education Foundation to underwrite supplies.

The interest in Scouting runs deep in the Barnes-Robertson families. For three generations, they have made a commitment to lead exemplary lives and serve others – while continuing a bond that will forever keep them close and connected.
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