Dear residents, families and friends, Spring is right around the corner – and we hope it brings some warmer weather (and less snow)! With the days getting longer, it’s a great time to start a bit of spring cleaning. Clearing up clutter can be good for both your physical and mental health. So what are you waiting for? Here are some tips to help you get started.

• Make it a family affair. Invite the kids and grandkids. When you’re going through your stuff, make it a point to stop and reminisce. It’s a great chance to look back while growing closer with your loved ones.

• Create piles to keep, throw away and donate to charity. A lot of your old stuff could have a new second life if taken to a thrift store.

• Gather your important documents and put them in one safe, easily accessible location. Make sure your family knows where they are in case of an emergency.

• Use small bins to stay organized. They’re a good way to store craft supplies, decorations and out-of-season clothes. And they’re easier to lift than large bins.

Sincerely,

111 Owen Road, Monona, WI 53716 | 608-441-9990 | heritagesenior.com

The Heritage Senior Living Mission: To provide the highest standard while protecting, cherishing, and dignifying the knowledge, value, and joy of

our respected residents.

Heritage Monona

Heritage Newsletter

Letter from the Director

Resident Recognition: Gary Essig Gary’s sense of humor is contagious, and he can crack a smile on the most serious face. Both residents and staff have had the pleasure of sitting down and enjoying a conversation with him. Someone like him who has traveled a lot also has a lot of stories to share. He says, “Don’t let the hair hang down in your face,” which is a great way to look at life. Thank you, Gary, for always looking on the bright side of life!

March 2020

Jaclyn Kelley Executive Director

Jaclyn Kelley

w

Our Quality Promise to You

Our quality promise starts with commitment. Heritage Senior Living is committed to listening to YOU. Got an idea? A suggestion? We want to hear it. Quality matters so we appreciate your ideas and input. Whether you are an employee, a resident, a family member or a visitor, let us know. Email us at: quality@heritageal.com

A Message from the Wellness Team

A Message from Culinary

Does a good night’s sleep seem like a dream to you? As we age, our sleep patterns change. We get tired earlier, have more trouble falling asleep and sleep less deeply. This can impact our lives, affecting everything from brain health and memory to your overall mood. The first step in improving sleep is to discover the cause. Is your sleep being interrupted by apnea, restless leg syndrome or periodic leg movements? Or is it a side effect of a medication – or just normal insomnia? Tracking your sleep with a sleep

journal can help you find patterns. A visit to your doctor – who may recommend a sleep study – is also a good idea. Be careful when it comes to prescription and OTC sleep aids. They can often be habit-forming and, worse, can be bad for brain function. Cognitive therapy, on the other hand, can help you learn thought, relaxation and behavioral techniques to improve your sleep patterns. Other changes that can help

include adopting mindful meditation, making sure to get enough sunlight every day, avoiding screen time before bed and establishing pre-sleep rituals.

Can’t Sleep? You’re Not Alone

Sweet (and Salty) Treats for Sweet Dreams

Will a glass of warm milk actually help you sleep better? It turns out that the old remedy is a good one. Like turkey, milk contains tryptophan, which has been shown to improve sleep (especially when paired with melatonin). But milk isn’t the only comestible that can help you catch more z’s. • Certain fruits contain melatonin, which can help you fall asleep and stay

asleep. Tart cherries, bananas, pineapple and oranges are good sources, as are kiwis. • Drinking caffeine-free tea, like chamomile, ginger or peppermint, can help you relax while also being a great pre-sleep ritual. • Cottage cheese has tryptophan and casein, a milk protein that helps with muscle repair and growth. Top it with raspberries to add melatonin.

• Avoid complex carbs. Bread, pasta and sugar can reduce serotonin and impair sleep. Instead, choose whole grains.

Amanda Runnoe VP of Quality and

Clinical Operations

Alaina Starr Executive Chef

Toni Woodmansee Concierge

Welcome Toni Woodmansee, our new Concierge

We are happy to extend a very warm welcome to our new concierge, Toni. While Toni has only been here for about a month, she has quickly proven to be a friendly, smiling face for both staff and residents and is always willing to help where she can. Toni has studied at Edgewood College, taking

courses on psychology and pre-nursing. She is an avid reader and loves nothing more than to curl up with her Maine coon cat at home and turn a few pages. Her favorite book is “The Catcher in the Rye,” Welcome, Toni! Thank you for being such a wonderful person to greet us as we come into the building!

Upcoming Staff Training

We’re Looking for Volunteers! We are looking for people to volunteer at our community. If you are interested in helping out, please call us at 608-441-9990.

Hunter Rowin Maintenance

Hunter has been working at Heritage Monona for about two and a half year and can always be seen hard at work tending to the needs of both the building and residents. Originally from Evansville, he moved to Madison and has also started up his own maintenance company. When Hunter isn’t busy fixing something, he enjoys taking the time to woodwork, as well as bake. He also enjoys exploring the outdoors by both hiking and riding his skateboard.

Hunter Rowin, Maintenance

Thank you, Hunter, for all your hard work and having such a positive outlook on life!

Staff Updates

Staff Member Spotlight

Novel Coronavirus and You 3/9/20 Learn the symptoms of the coronavirus and what precautions you can take. Denture Care 3/16/20 Properly caring for dentures First Aid - Burns 3/25/20 How to treat and care for burns.

w Monthly Birthday Celebration

On February 11, we gathered to celebrate a few residents’ birthdays. Cookies, cola and crunchy Chex mix were served and residents were encouraged to put on some fun photo “filters.”

Above: Natalie D, LaJeane H and her daughter Gale put on Rockstar glasses before we sing happy birthday.

Left: Cecilia S. and Ashley V. make silly faces for the camera. Right: Dianne M. and her granddaughter put on their royal attire.

Last Month in Pictures

Valentine’s Day Social

February 14 was a day of celebration and love as over fifty residents came out to enjoy cupcakes, music and a walking photo booth.

Clockwise from top left: Jan and Norma pose in our Love photo booth. Lisa photobombs a picture with LaJean. Yvonne shares a moment with Marcie. Pat and Pete show some love!

Last Month in Pictures

Resident Birthdays Welcome to our New Resident!

Emily B. Rita M. 3/1

Veronica B. 3/2 Gary E. 3/6

Donna L. 3/8 James W. 3/16

Marcella K. 3/17 Veryl K. 3/19

In response to the developing situation surrouding coronavirus, we are implementing heightened disease control strategies – which has included canceling our external

events through the end of April. For more information on this, contact our community at 608-441-9990.

NOTICE

Write us a Review! We want to hear from you! If you’re pleased with your

experience at Heritage, let us know by writing us a review online. You can find us on various websites,

including Facebook, Google, Yelp and more.

And don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@Heritage_Senior)

to stay up to date on Heritage news and events.

Friends and Family Referral Program If you refer someone who moves into one of our Assisted Living or Memory Care communities, you’ll receive $500 toward your next month’s rent! If you refer 2 people, you’ll receive $1,000 ($1,500 total) and if you refer 3+ people, you’ll receive $1,500 ($3,000+ total)!

Heritage Core Value of the Month: Collaboration Collaboration means maintaining an environment that promotes engagement

through open communication and transparency.