Mario Bautista
Even though they’re not going to class, a group of assisted living tenants had another chance to sit down for a ‘back-to-school’ photo.
From Sunday, Sept. 8 to Saturday, Sept. 14, St. Anthony’s Garden View Assisted Living celebrated National Assisted Living Week. This year, the theme was “Inspiring Generations.”
Loretta Hansen, a Garden View tenant since 2018, sitting down her ‘first day of school’ photo on Thursday, Sept. 12.
According to the American Health Care Association’s website, National Assisted Living Week was established by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in 1995. The week is dedicated towards celebrating seniors and individuals with disabilities who reside in assisted living facilities.
Taking inspiration from the social media trend, the tenants sat down beside a white board sharing their names, their graduation year, their favorite class and advice they’d give to current students.
Bea Pudenz, a Garden View tenant since 2021, sitting down her ‘first day of school’ photo on Thursday, Sept. 12.
In a news release, NCAL Executive Director LaShuan Bethea said assisted living helps bring together individuals from different backgrounds and experiences.
“This year’s theme of ‘Inspiring Generations’ is an opportunity to both look back at where assisted living has been and look ahead to where we’re going as a profession,” Bethea said in the news release. “I hope communities everywhere take a moment to really pause and think about the work they do, celebrate the amazing people we serve and those who serve, engage with one another, and continue to inspire the next generation of assisted living caregivers.”
Jaycie Schwenk, the Director of Garden View Assisted Living, said they celebrate Assisted Living Week every year. In prior years, Schwenk said they’ve brought food trucks and invited loved ones for the celebration.
On Monday, they kicked off celebrations by inviting Kuemper Catholic 2nd graders to Garden View Assisted Living. As 100 students stood inside of the dining room, they joined in as the tenants led the Rosary.
“The tenants really enjoy it when kids come to the building,” Schwenk said. “When younger generations do come in, the assisted living population have great stories when you sit down and talk with them, so it’s always nice when we can have those students come in, get to know the tenants, share their stories, and just be an inspiration for kids these days.”
On Tuesday, Sept. 10, Garden View staff members brought baby photos of themselves for National Assisted Living Week. The tenants were challenged to match them with the staff’s present day photos.
Beyond National Assisted Living Week, Schwenk said they try to celebrate their tenants year-round.
“We respect our population greatly, just like we would respect anybody,” Schwenk said. “I think assisted living, especially in rural counties in rural Iowa, it’s kind of hard to find a hidden gem of a senior care where you want your loved ones to go, and I think here at Garden View, we have really great staff-tenant relationships.”
While living at the facility, Schwenk said they try to give their tenants a lot of autonomy and independence.
“They really appreciate everything we do for them, and I think we give it right back to them,” Schwenk said.
As a way to share support towards their tenants, Schwenk said volunteering is a great way to give back, especially with holiday-themed events such as their community trick-or-treating or their Christmas carols.
For those looking into helping a loved one move into an assisted living facility, Schwenk said she encourages them to consider Garden View Assisted Living.
“We are a newer assisted living in the area, if you haven’t been here, I would encourage you to stop in and take a tour,” Schwenk said.
The number for Garden View Assisted Living is 712-794-5050.
