
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.

Life at WHC enhanced by Grosse Aquatic Center
Evelyn Herrmann, a resident of Windgrace, has been a dedicated swimmer at the Grosse Aquatic Center since the day it opened in 2018.

WHC to focus on resident well-being in 2025
The new year will bring new attention to one of the best attributes about life at Western Home Communities: living in a community that offers many opportunities to improve well-being.

Well-loved gift makes surprise return
A Christmas miracle came early this year for Milly Anderson of Windhaven.

Award-winning dog takes up villa residence
Like many residents, Tricia and Clark Elmer brought a beloved family dog with them to their new villa.
New physical therapy offerings for people with cancer, Parkinson’s
Physical therapist Danialle Draeger is now a certified Oncology Rehab Therapist.

Woodworker turns his attention to tractors
Finding himself with extra time during the pandemic, Marv Heller decided to put his woodworking skills to use in a new way: building model tractors.

Pets of Western Home (continued)
Residents love their furry friends, and we started showing off some of their dogs last month. This month, we have five cats to introduce.

Public invited to assisted living open house
Thalman Square Memory Care unveils new look after renovations.


Introducing the pets of Western Home
Our residents have lots of furry friends, and we want to show them off! These pets have changed lives and made each day a little bit brighter, not just for their owners but neighbors, too.

Doll collector fills apartment with antiques
To Janet Doud from Prairie Wind, dolls are more than a childhood toy. Her collection of more than 200 dolls have become like family and fill her apartment with smiles, history, and character.

Diners enjoy more options at Gilmore’s Pub
Falls begins with extended hours and new menus at Gilmore's Pub.

Train adds unique feature to villa landscaping
Patio life is at its best during the summer. Villa resident Donna Brown loves hearing her soothing water feature alongside the subtle clickety-clack of a model train as it rolls through their backyard.

WWII veteran recalls Liberation Day with young Czech historian
Iowa’s large Czech population brought Jiri Kluc to the state for a weeklong visit in July where he met with WHC resident Hovey Brom. Jiri’s passionate about World War II history and works to document stories that he plans to share online and in a book.

Villa neighborhood parties on
The bond among neighbors on Lemongrass Drive seems tight. All it took was one of them to start planning get-togethers.

Successful kickoff for Concerts on Caraway
The first Concert on Caraway was a success! Flash In A Pan brought blue grass music, and vendors set up a farmers market. Two more concerts are left in this free summer series.

Dementia expert Teepa Snow teaches helpful techniques
Far more than simple memory loss, dementia is brain change. The brains of those with dementia shrink and eventually look more like a toddler’s. The wiring no longer works the way it used to.

Peacocks are just the norm for a WHC employee
To Fresh Wind Worship coordinator Terri Packard, the showy birds are nearly as common as the cows on her farmstead outside Cedar Falls. She grew up seeing peacocks on what was her grandparent’s dairy farm and about 15 of the birds came with the estate when she bought it.

Donor opportunities at Western Home Foundation
The V. Carole Martin Dementia Training and Education Fund created by Larry Martin and his children helps employees stay up-to-date on the latest dementia research and best caregiving techniques, so other families in their situation can benefit.