Karen Everling Karen Everling

The Recovery Coach

Thrivera Therapy at Hanson Therapy Center is redefining cancer survivorship by treating recovery as a lifelong journey, not an endpoint. Through specialized oncology rehabilitation and compassionate, whole-person care, patients regain strength, confidence, and a sense of identity after treatment. From early intervention to emotional support—and even services like Salon Iris that restore self-image—this approach ensures survivors don’t just endure cancer, but truly move forward and thrive.

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Karen Everling Karen Everling

The Spiritual Heartbeat of Western Home

Rooted in more than a century of faith-centered care, Western Home Communities continues its mission through Fresh Wind Ministry—a deeply relational approach to spiritual well-being. Through everyday conversations, prayer, and presence, chaplains, volunteers, and residents create a community where faith grows, purpose endures, and no one walks alone. It’s a reminder that true care goes beyond the physical, nurturing the spirit at every stage of life.

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Karen Everling Karen Everling

Resident Recipes

From sweet to savory, these resident recipes highlight the beauty of simple, time-tested cooking. Wilma Frost’s Impossible Coconut Custard Pie delivers effortless magic with its self-forming layers, while Mary Westbrook’s baked fish—inspired by her brother, Captain Jim—brings fresh, coastal flavor to the table with ease. Both recipes prove that great food doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable.

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Karen Everling Karen Everling

A Roadmap Forward

After a dementia diagnosis, many caregivers find themselves overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of what comes next. This story follows three families navigating that journey—balancing love with exhaustion—until safety concerns and emotional strain lead them to seek additional support. At Thalman Square, they discover more than care; they find structure, community, and a renewed ability to be spouses instead of full-time caregivers. Through engaging daily routines and strong support networks, the community helps both residents and their loved ones reclaim moments of connection, relief, and purpose.

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Shelby Gappa Shelby Gappa

We’ve Got Your Six: Coffee & Camaraderie at Western Home

Coffee & Camaraderie is bringing veterans together at Western Home Communities through simple, meaningful connection. Built around coffee, conversation, and shared understanding, this monthly meet-up offers veterans, spouses, and loved ones a welcoming space for support, fellowship, and practical resources—right where they live. With a mission rooted in respect, camaraderie, and the message “We’ve got your six,” the group reminds veterans they are not alone.

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Shelby Gappa Shelby Gappa

Music, Memory, and Meaning

When Harmony for Health arrives at Western Home Communities, they bring more than music—they bring a spark. Led by Cedar Falls High School student Andrew Goetch, the group invites residents to join in with simple instruments, familiar rhythms, and plenty of smiles, creating joyful moments of connection in memory care.

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Karen Everling Karen Everling

The Deery Suites

At The Deery Suites, resident stories and staff experiences show how personalized care and a sense of home guide people through healing and transition.

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Shelby Gappa Shelby Gappa

Western Home Welcomes On-Site Healthcare

Western Home Communities has officially partnered with Curana Health®, the nation's largest provider of primary care services in senior living. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in making high-quality, convenient healthcare more accessible than ever before — right here in our communities.

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Jay Morales Jay Morales

Innovative Dementia Care at Thalman Square, Assisted Living.

Finding the right care for a parent or loved one with dementia can feel overwhelming. At Thalman Square – part of Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls – families discover a warm, personal approach to memory care that truly feels like home. This secure assisted living memory care community is designed specifically for people in the early to mid-stages of Alzheimer’s or other dementias, offering both safety and a sense of belonging.

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Jay Morales Jay Morales

What is assisted living?

Employees take care of housekeeping, laundry and cooking, too, so residents have more time to focus on other interests. They can start the day at an exercise class, stop by the beauty salon for a haircut, play card games or hit the putting range, create art, plant and tend flowers, and even ride the WHC bus for a weekly shopping trip or visit to a local attraction.

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Jay Morales Jay Morales

Moving Into Independent Living: A Life-Changing Step Toward Connection and Fulfillment

Seniors who moved into senior living reported greater social engagement and reduced loneliness compared to those who remained in their homes. This shift is especially meaningful as research continues to link loneliness to negative health outcomes, including increased risk for dementia, heart disease, and depression.

By choosing Independent Living at Western Home Communities, older adults surround themselves with opportunities for social interaction, connection, and purpose. Whether it’s sharing a meal with neighbors, participating in group fitness classes, or joining clubs and social events, our residents experience a renewed sense of belonging.

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