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Connections Magazine Fall 2026
The Missing Middle of Dementia Care
Western Home Communities is addressing the “missing middle” of dementia care through Thrivera Connect, a program designed for families navigating the gap between diagnosis and 24-hour care. By combining wellness coaching, meaningful engagement, caregiver support, and in-home companionship, the program helps individuals with dementia remain connected, active, and independent while providing much-needed relief for caregivers.
Redefine Your Life: Gretta’s Freedom to Focus on What Matters Most
After a health setback prompted her to rethink retirement, Gretta chose maintenance-free living at Western Home Communities, freeing her to focus on creativity, travel and meaningful relationships. Through initiatives like Creative Café and Story Sharing, she continues to inspire connection while embracing a lifestyle centered on purpose, independence and the things she values most.
Coming Home To Wellness
Elizabeth Rowland, the first resident of The Gathering Place in Iowa City, chose the 55-plus community for its focus on wellness, accessibility, and connection. Inspired by her small-town roots, she looks forward to building relationships, staying active and helping shape a community centered on independence, purpose, and engagement.
Anne Noyes: Across the Atlantic, Into Community
After leaving Oxford, England for the United States as a young woman, Anne Noyes built a life centered on family, faith and creativity. Now a resident at Creekside Living, she stays active through knitting, reading, puzzles and friendships, finding community and connection while maintaining close ties to loved ones across the Atlantic.
120 Years of Grace: The Madrid Home’s Living Legacy
Celebrating 120 years of service, Madrid Home traces its journey from a small faith-based home in 1906 to a thriving senior living community today. Through growth, adversity, and generations of dedicated caregivers, its enduring legacy remains rooted in faith, compassion, resilience, and a commitment to helping older adults age with dignity and connection.
Love, Again: A Madrid Home Love Story
After decades of friendship, Pam Will and Clayton Will found love later in life at Madrid Home. Supported by friends, family, residents, and staff, their marriage became a community celebration and a reminder that meaningful connections, joy, and new beginnings can flourish at any stage of life.
Through Her Lens: Capturing the Connections That Make Madrid Home
Tanae Rankin, once an employee and Activity Director at Madrid Home, has transformed her passion for people and community into a photography business focused on authentic connections. Known for capturing candid moments, she continues to celebrate the relationships, traditions, and stories that make Madrid special while remaining closely connected to the community she once served.
Invested in Growth
Donor-supported educational scholarships at Western Home Communities help employees pursue careers in nursing, therapy, counseling and other healthcare fields. By easing financial barriers, these scholarships support professional growth while strengthening the quality of care provided to older adults, creating a lasting legacy of generosity, opportunity, and compassionate service.