Through health and nutrition, people are living longer and able to live on their own.

But the ability to live longer and healthier lives doesn’t mean that there won’t need to be lifestyle modifications. In American Society, we have the tendency to view mobility (especially the ability to own and drive a car) with independence.

All too often, people that find that they can no longer drive themselves around as they once did. People in this position all of a sudden feel trapped between the four walls of their home with only an occasional outing at the convenience of a friend or relative. This can be very disheartening to those that have long cherished their independence.

At Village On The Isle, our independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing residents don’t need to worry as we provide transportation to medical appointments, shopping, activity outings, churches, and even airports.  We have six buses including accessibility for wheelchairs and we operate 7 days a week.

We have our own dispatcher for resident Dr. appointments. We work with cell phones so the call is answered at all times. We ask for residents to give us at least a 24 hr notice, but of course we never turn anyone down. At Village On The Isle our dispatcher is equipped to record appointments 2 years in advance. Once the resident is finished at their medical appointment, the doctor’s office will call us and dispatch calls the driver for the pick up. For daily, weekly or planned activities we keep a sign-up sheet for the residents. Our drivers stay with the residents for the activity.

We want our residents at Village On The Isle to keep as much independence as they need. We want to give them the luxury of keeping their social calendar full and making outings, shopping and medical appointments very accessible to them with or without a car.  We’d like to think being chauffeured is a lot better than driving yourself!  Wouldn’t you agree?

CULTURE CHANGE

One of the newer concepts in healthcare is “Culture Change.” This came about with the realization that most long-term care settings were built on a medical model (copying hospitals.) The reality is that long-term care is not a hospital and residents are more comfortable in a setting that resembles a home rather than a hospital, where they retain as much control as possible.

Personal experience shows that we frequently feel vulnerable and powerless in the face of illness or change. “Culture Change” stems from the reality that placing control in the hands of the elders or those who work closest with them creates an environment for aging that is inclusive, life-affirming, satisfying, humane and meaningful.

When you walk into Luke Haven at Village On The Isle you will notice wood floors, carpets, beautiful colors and pictures on the walls, calm surroundings and lots of smiles. The beautiful butterfly garden in the center of the facility sets a tone of peace and tranquility, it is visited regularly by residents from throughout the campus.

Though the aesthetics have certainly improved, the changes are much deeper than that. Consistent assignments allow staff to really get to know the residents and connect with them and their families. Flexibility of scheduling allows residents to get up when they prefer and be in charge of their care and activities as much as possible. Communication is also key to “culture change.” Our goal for this retirement community is to enhance the quality of life for our residents.

On the fourth day of July in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation.  Keeping in tradition, this very American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.

Did you know that in the year of 1776 the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation was 2.5 million.  Today there are 311,656,330 people living in our independent nation.

Regardless of historians long disputing whether Congress actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, we here at Village On The Isle gear up all year to celebrate the Fourth of July in style!

Our very own CEO, Tom Kelly will be grilling up all of our Fourth of July favorites at our holiday picnic!  Residents really enjoy the excitement and participate with the staff by dressing up in Red, White and Blue for the day. Keeping the activity calendar full is so important to us at Village On The Isle.  Naturally holidays are a big deal for us!  Wonderful memories are made and shared on these occasions and we enjoy every minute of them!