Wellness programs offered at center
By Angie Landsverk
The first part of Bethany Home’s construction and remodeling project is complete.
The Springs, a wellness center designed specifically for geriatric use, is now open to community members age 55 and older.
Its open house and grand opening took place on Thursday, Sept. 29.
“Wellness plays into everything we do,” said Pauline Darling, Bethany Home’s CEO and administrator.
The Springs is open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and is initially being staffed 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, said Rachel Tilley, Bethany Home’s wellness coordinator.
The center features a fitness center with cardio and circuit equipment, a dance studio, an interactive demonstration kitchen, a massage studio and locker rooms.
“There will be a small monthly membership fee to use the equipment,” Darling said.
Tilley, a licensed practical nurse and personal trainer, said members will receive an assessment and develop goals.
Goals might include strength training, improving balance, walking further distances or weight loss.
Members will receive what looks like a credit card.
A program will be developed for them, based on their assessment, and automatically loaded into the fitness equipment when the card is placed into it.
The circuit equipment in the fitness center is HUR fitness equipment.
It uses air pressure instead of weights to ease the stress on joints and connective tissues.
“It’s all very fluid and smooth,” Tilley said.
After a workout, members will download their card on a computer to see how they are progressing.
Those interested in becoming members may contact Tilley at the center at 715-942-1426.
She will give them a health history packet and determine if medical clearance is needed before they may begin exercising there.
That will then be followed by the assessment.
In the dance studio, Yoga, Tai Chi, strength training, balance training, aerobics and others will be offered.
Tilley said there may be a fee for some classes.
Education classes, also open to the community, will be offered as well.
While the demonstration kitchen will be used for cooking demonstrations, Darling said families of residents will also be able to rent it.
“Families will be able to use the kitchen. Everything will be stocked,” she said.
Last week’s open house coincided with Active Aging Week.
Bethany Home offered a variety of activities throughout the week, including wellness walks, meditation, guest speakers, cooking demonstrations and a mini triathlon.
Darling said many organizations like Bethany Home provide long-term care.
Incorporating wellness into all they do helps prolong and add to the quality of life of those who live there.
“People try things they never did before,” she said. “To me, you’re never too old to try something new. It’s about a new experience for them. Plus we’re offering it to the community so people can stay in their homes longer.”
Ann Knight, of Bethany Home’s campus admissions, said Senior Snack & Scoop is another class they are adding.
It is being held at 2 p.m. on the first Monday of the month. The first one took place this week, and the topic was insurance.
Knight said they want to help educate seniors on topics such as Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans during this open enrollment season.
Darling said the overall project will result in Bethany Home providing all the services its residents need.
In most cases, they will not have to step outside to reach them.
“This is their home. This is their life,” Knight said. “I think a lot of people thrive here.”
The $21 million project at Bethany Home also includes the construction of a three-story skilled nursing and rehabilitation center and expansion of the Pines.
Its existing six-wing nursing home is being remodeled. Its 64 rooms will be repurposed to a Community Based Residential Facility, which will include 36 secured private rooms for residents with cognitive needs.
The secure area will have a Memory Care Garden.
The renovation of the building will result in all of the rooms being private rooms.
“The whole project should be done and ready to open by July,” Darling said.