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.

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.

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

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.  

A Christmas miracle came early this year for Milly Anderson of Windhaven. 

Like many residents, Tricia and Clark Elmer brought a beloved family dog with them to their new villa.

Physical therapist Danialle Draeger is now a certified Oncology Rehab Therapist.

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. 

Residents love their furry friends, and we started showing off some of their dogs last month.  This month, we have five cats to introduce. 

Thalman Square Memory Care unveils new look after renovations.

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. 

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.

Falls begins with extended hours and new menus at Gilmore's Pub.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Well-known advocates for people facing brain change led a conference Tuesday and Wednesday hosted by Western Home Communities in an effort to expand dementia education across the Cedar Valley.

One of the earliest customer loyalty programs is one of many unexpected things learned by UNI students in a Devised Theatre course as they met with Windhaven and Thalman Square residents. Students gained knowledge from the trivial to the sublime during the gatherings.

A new resident enhancement platform called LifeLoop arrived at Thalman Square just a couple of months ago and is already proving popular.

One day of training with Teepa Snow helps you understand what’s happening to the brain and learn practical tips you can put to use immediately. She engages audiences with humor and interaction throughout the day.

The international intern program at Western Home Communities looks a little different this year. Instead of many interns traveling here at once, two interns are currently gaining experience in hospitality. 

Western Home Foundation announced the recipients of the 2024 Child Care Scholarships, totaling $14,400, awarded to seven employees of Western Home Communities. These scholarships aim to recognize their dedication and service while supporting their families.

Western Home Communities has nominated Greg Hankins for the Lifetime Achievement Mayor’s Volunteer Award. Congrats, Greg!

It’s Parkinson’s Awareness Month, the perfect time to spread the word that three therapists at Western Home Communities have specialized training. They help people living with Parkinson’s disease to maintain and improve movement, increase confidence, and stay safer with better strength and balance.

Hovey Brom is giving back to Western Home Communities. “It just seemed logical,” he says, humbly. “I just felt it would be good to express my thanks for all the things I’ve done with them.”