American House resident Hattie Manley talks about serving others and living the good life

Posted on April 29, 2013 by americanhouse

You don’t have to slow down just because you’ve grown a little older. American House Oakland’s Hattie Manley is the perfect example of living life to its fullest. Born in Nashville, Tenn., it wasn’t soon after Ms. Manley moved to Pontiac, Mich., and became a staple of community service.

For her more than 63 years of service to the community, Pontiac recently recognized Ms. Manley with the Pontiac Women Achiever’s Award. When asked what inspires her, Ms. Manley simply responded, “I like to do things. I’m a doer. I like to be a positive light in the community and help people who need it.”

Her favorite place to volunteer is her church, St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, where she runs the outreach food programs. In addition to serving food for the community, she also cooks and serves Sunday breakfast every week and handles funeral dinners — with the help of her volunteers.

“Meals are associated with fellowship and community,” Ms. Manley explained. “If I can prepare dinner for someone, that’s one less thing people in need have to worry about.”

Ms. Manley was even dedicated to helping people in her professional career, where she was a licensed practical nurse (LPN) for two years. She also went for additional training and became a registered nurse (RN) for 30 years at Pontiac General (which now goes by Doctors’ Hospital of Michigan).

Ms. Manley is also passionate about the younger generations in the community.

“The young people need to keep advancing,” she said. “You don’t have to stop – you can always do something. You can always make something better.”

In her free time, she still loves to cook and spend time with her family. She has 30 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and more than five generations of family.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra Brings Music to American House Residents’ Ears

Posted on April 2, 2013 by americanhouse

Being able to experience the wonderful culture of the area — especially the Detroit Symphony Orchestra — is one of the great benefits of living at American House Senior Living Communities! We’re very proud to have deepened our partnership with the DSO to present 36 engagements in 2013 where musicians will perform for residents at more than 20 of our American House locations.

“We’re committed to enriching the lives of our senior citizens throughout the area,” said Rob Gillette, chief operating officer of American House. “Countless studies have shown the benefits of both music and a rich social life in older adults. We are confident this partnership will prove beneficial for both our seniors and the DSO musicians themselves.”

Each month, three American House communities will host the DSO sessions for residents. Three to four DSO musicians will play for one hour at the community and residents have the opportunity to talk to the musicians during a meet and greet afterward. American House sponsors the sessions so residents are able to enjoy the DSO free of charge.

DSO musicians will also present “Inspiration Days,” in which American House residents will learn more about these artists’ paths to becoming professional musicians, hear and watch them demonstrate their instruments and have the opportunity to ask questions.

DSO PERFORMS AT AMERICAN HOUSE

Here is a list of American House Senior Engagement locations, where the Detroit Symphony Orchestra musicians will perform. April and May locations have been confirmed, but look for DSO ensembles to visit your local American House throughout the coming year!

APRIL 2013

Sterling II: 2 p.m. Monday, April 8 at 33433 Schoenherr, Sterling Heights, MI 48312.
Baldwin House: 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 15 at 200 Chester, Birmingham, MI 48009.
Riverview: 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 22 at 20300 Fort St, Riverview, MI 48193.

MAY 2013

Carpenter: 2 p.m. Monday, May 13 at 3470 Carpenter Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Hazel Park: 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 20 at 777 E. Woodward Heights, Hazel Park, MI 48030
Sterling I: 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 31 at 11255 15 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48312
**INSPIRATION DAYS: 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 28 at Dearborn Heights: 26600 Ann Arbor Trail, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127

** “Inspiration Days” are visits where residents learn about the artists’ paths to becoming professional musicians, hear and watch them demonstrate their instruments and have the opportunity to ask questions.

For more information about the DSO partnership or the current performance schedule, please call (248)203-1800, or visit www.americanhouse.com
or www.dso.org.

An American House Wedding: Love That Lasts

Posted on March 14, 2013 by americanhouse

Forty-two years later, Aaron and Margaret looked just as happy and in love as they did on their original wedding day when they renewed their vows during a surprise ceremony on Valentine’s Day at American House Livonia.

True Love Forever

We are thrilled the American House family was a part of Aaron and Margaret’s beautiful love story. Their fairy-tale romance began after the couple met at a dance a few days before Valentine’s Day in 1971. It truly was love at first sight. And as it turned out, the couple would find a little more meaning in some other holidays as well! The following month, on St. Patrick’s Day, Aaron and Margaret were engaged. When you know, you know — and the couple was married that same year, the day after Christmas.

A Celebration of Love

The vow renewal was a complete surprise to Aaron and Margaret, two of our beloved American House Livonia residents. When Aaron and Margaret were married in 1971, their wedding was a simple affair. They had 35 guests and two people in their bridal party: Margaret’s sister, Alice, and Aaron’s best friend, Jim — who, by the way, was responsible for their meeting, since he is the one who invited Aaron to that memorable dance! This time, Aaron and Margaret had about 40 of their friends and family surrounding them in the lobby of American House Livonia as they pledged their love to each other once again.

An American House Wedding

Margaret’s wedding dress and Aaron’s tuxedo were both donated to them (and didn’t they look dashing in their wedding attire?). Margaret carried a beautiful bouquet of flowers down the aisle, which was lined with rose petals. Red bows adorned the chairs during the ceremony and Aaron wore a lovely red rose boutonniere that perfectly matched the rose accents on their cake. Photos of the couple’s wedding day were on hand and completed the romantic feel at the vow renewal.

Tears of Joy

As Margaret walked down the aisle in her stunning gown, Aaron’s eyes grew wide and the first thing he said was “Wow!” The sermon was touching and heartfelt. Perhaps one of the best parts of the tribute to the couple was when the officiant said that even though they may not be as young as they were 42 years ago — and their wedding bands may have lost a little bit of their luster — it’s evident that Aaron and Margaret’s love for each other has persevered through the years.

At American House, we love being able to share in such wonderful memories with our residents. Call us today at (248) 579-4422 or visit www.americanhouse.com to find out what other memories we’re making here!

iBalance Machines Reduce Risk of Fall for Residents

Posted on March 1, 2013 by americanhouse

At American House, we know improving overall health and wellness is important for our residents. That’s why we are very excited to announce the implementation of several iBalance machines for our residents to use during physical therapy!

The iBalance machines are special training tools that will be used to assess a resident’s risk of falling so physical therapists can then work with the resident in clinics to reduce that falling risk.

“We hope this initiative will make our residents healthier, keep them out of hospitals and reduce their risk of falls,” said Kevin Kieninger, the PR and Communications Coordinator for American House. “Coupled with physical exercise from HC Rehab Solutions and In-Home Rehab, the (iBalance) machines are part of the latest technology that measures where your fall risk is at.”

Beginning March 1, 2013, the iBalance machines will be available in three American House, communities: Sterling I; Dearborn Heights and Farmington Hills. Two of the rehabilitation companies working with American House residents will do therapy on the iBalance machines with patients, in addition to conducting patient clinics about the machine.

In addition, the rehabilitation companies, HC Rehab Solutions and In-Home Rehab, have implemented an initiative to have a custom-designed educational and interactive program surrounding the use of the new iBalance machines.

The following four topics are scheduled to be covered during the next several months at clinics:

A basic balance clinic, with a general balance assessment
Hydration, dehydration and the risk of falling
Senior fitness and staying active
Fall prevention

According to Kevin, the use of the new iBalance machines is part of American House’s health and wellness theme. “We’re hoping these tools will help the rehab companies implement physical exercise with the residents, and we hold up our end of the bargain by providing healthy food options,” he said.

During their physical therapy, residents can stand on the iBalance machine (which looks like a glorified scale, Kevin said) and go through a few movements to determine their ability to balance — and risk of fall. Under the guidance of a physical therapist, residents will lean in one direction and then have to reach over in another direction, all while the machine is calculating those movements. A risk factor number is created, and then the physical therapist can determine the best path to take to reduce that risk. The testing is then followed up by the physical therapist who will work to see measurable change.

To find out more about our health and wellness programs at American House’s, call us today at (248) 579-4422 or visit www.americanhouse.com.

Tips to Ease the Transition into a Senior Living Community

Posted on February 27, 2013 by americanhouse

We are pleased to share that American House Senior Living Communities has been featured as a guest blogger on New Lifestyles.

Please check out our latest post for their blog, “Tips to Ease the Transition into a Senior Living Community.”

Skype for Seniors Comes to American House

Posted on February 1, 2013 by americanhouse

It can be hard when the kids and grandkids move away and you can’t see them as often as you’d like, right? Luckily, technology is making it easy to chat face-to-face with far-flung loved ones! If you haven’t heard about Skype, you’re not alone — but at American House, we’re out to change that, thanks to the help of Tony and David at 50 Plus Prime.

Skype is an easy online program for people to make video calls for FREE to anywhere in the world! It’s FREE to open a Skype account and FREE to make video and voice calls to anyone else on Skype (and FREE to use the Skype instant messaging and file sharing systems, too!). We think Skype is such a fantastic way to stay connected — especially for senior citizens — that we’re teaching some of our residents how to use Skype.

50 PLUS PRIME AND DEVIN SCILLIAN TEACHES SKYPE AT AMERICAN HOUSE

Devin Scillian, news anchor for WDIV Local 4 in metro Detroit, in January 2013 had a big part in helping some of our residents try their hand at making video calls on Skype. Devin, Tony, and David were able to show the residents just how easy to is to make video calls.

Residents at American House Troy Senior Living used the computers for a session on Skype for Seniors. They took turns setting up accounts on computers and Devin Scillian, who already has a Skype account, talked to the residents via Skype on their computers!

“It was great to hear some of the residents share their questions and connect with Devin Scillian,” explained Debbie Smith, Executive Director at American House Troy. “I’ve watched Devin anchor the news since he came to Detroit, so it was a treat for me as well!”

Before he worked with the American House residents, Devin Scillian talked excitedly about the project on Paul W. Smith’s program on WJR 760 AM. He said Skype seems to be tailor-made for senior citizens — and we have to agree.

“It’s a really cost-effective, easy way to connect with not just grandkids, great-grandkids and your children, but also other seniors and your old friends from all over the country — wherever they may be,” Devin Scillian said.

To listen to the podcast of the program, click here.

We’re thankful to Devin Scillian and 50 Plus Prime for Skyping with our residents and we are currently working on setting up more opportunities for all our residents to learn how to Skype.

HOW TO SKYPE

If you’d like to learn how to use Skype, here are the basics:

All you need to be able to Skype is a computer — OR Smartphone, tablet or television — with a microphone and speakers, and a webcam for video chats (If you’re using a computer that doesn’t have a webcam already installed, you can purchase one separately and just plug it into the computer.).
Once you’re online, go to Skype.com and register for a FREE account. You’ll need to give your name (and other information) so your friends and family can look you up. It’s a fairly quick and easy process and then you’ll be set to make Skype calls.
Once you’re logged into your account, use the search function under “Add a contact” to find friends and family with Skype accounts and add them to your contacts list.
If you don’t see the person you’re searching for, give them a call on the phone and help them set up their own FREE Skype account, too!
Once you’ve created a list of contacts that are on Skype, check to make sure the person you want to Skype is online — there will be a symbol next to their name to let you know if they’re available.
Click on their name, then click “video call” and start Skyping!

To find out more about what other fun activities we’re offering for our residents at American House, call us today at (248) 579-4422 or visit www.americanhouse.com.

American House Choir performs Christmas carols all around town

Posted on January 3, 2013 by americanhouse

“Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa-la-la-la-la, la la la la.” Admit it: You started singing along in your head, didn’t you? There’s just something about music that makes people smile — it doesn’t matter if you are making it or listening it.

Our American House Choir, comprised of all American House residents who love to sing, was thrilled to showcase its talent and go on a seven-stop Christmas Carols Tour throughout metro Detroit in December. The choir sang everyone’s favorite carols in hopes of spreading some cheer and bringing smiles to many people of all ages.

One of the highlights of the American House Choir’s Christmas Carols Tour was a stop at Children’s Hospital in Detroit. The children and staff were so excited to listen to the cheery tunes float down the hallways and it made our residents happy to be able to bring a little bit of the Christmas spirit to them.

Other stops included performances at Henry Ford Cottage Hospital in Grosse Pointe Farms; the Auburn Hills Community Center in Auburn Hills; the Macomb County Senior Services building in Mount Clemens; the Livonia Civic Center and the Livonia Senior Center in Livonia and Deerfield Elementary School in Rochester Hills.

Our American House Choir debuted earlier in 2012 and has already performed for residents on several occasions, including Veteran’s Day and 9/11. This was the choir’s first tour around town and we are very excited and proud of the accomplishments of our choir! You can watch some of their performances (and other American House videos) here.

Don’t forget you can follow us on Facebook to keep up with all our events and have a chance to see the American House Choir perform.

At American House, we offer a variety of activities for our residents to showcase their talents and passions. To find out more about becoming a resident at American House, call us today at (248) 579-4422 or visit www.americanhouse.com.

Seniors Helping Seniors: American House Residents Spread Holiday Cheer

Posted on December 14, 2012 by americanhouse

At American House, ’tis the season for giving. For the fourth year in a row, our residents are spreading the true meaning of the season by helping their less fortunate neighbors through the Holiday Hope for Seniors campaign.

The campaign, which started with a tree-lighting event at 25 American House communities Nov. 29, raises money to provide 710 local senior citizens with basic necessities like soap and toothpaste this winter. Our residents are thrilled to be able to harness their charitable spirit and raise money by selling paper ornaments for donations to the Holiday Hope for Seniors campaign!

While donations range from $5 to $20, every penny goes directly to help other seniors. According to MyTV20, a new study shows that 37 percent of senior citizens in the area are living in poverty — and we want to help. Our residents at American House know that it’s important all year long — but particularly around the holidays — to show others that someone cares.

“Each year, the scope of Holiday Hope for Seniors becomes bigger, and the impact becomes more noticeable,” said Rob Gillette, chief operating officer of American House. “We are excited about the opportunity to provide dignity and hope for senior citizens outside of our own American House walls, and help individuals in the community.”

This year, the Holiday Hope for Seniors campaign partnered with Lighthouse of Oakland County, The Senior Alliance, The Information Center, Adult Well-Being Services and The Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation to identify seniors in need of personal items this holiday season, and the goal is to raise $50,000. The Holiday Hope for Seniors campaign is run by the American House Foundation, which was founded in 2007 to invest in outreach for older adults in need of assistance along and in research opportunities through a partnership with the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University.

For more information about Holiday Hope for Seniors, or to pledge a donation, please contact Danielle Bruce at dbruce@americanhouse.com or (248) 203-1800.

The residents and staff at American House believe it is truly better to give than receive. Give us a call today at (248) 579-4422 or visit www.americanhouse.com to find out what we can offer you (or your loved one) at one of our close-knit communities.

Halloween and Other October Festivities

Posted on November 28, 2012 by americanhouse

At American House, providing our residents with the opportunity for intergenerational activities is a key part of our mission. So when Deerfield Elementary chose to American House Elmwood for a trick-or-treat visit, our residents were thrilled. Young and young-at-heart alike had an amazing time, with the students being courteous as residents welcomed them to their home. The students’ costumes were creative and residents loved hearing about how they were chosen.

In the days leading up to Halloween, residents at American House Troy decided to turn their apartments into spooky, haunted residences. Executive Director Debbie Smith explained that senior citizens are often overlooked on holidays like Halloween, but not at our Troy location! The Detroit News stopped by to check out the spooky and fun ways residents decked out their apartments.

Not only did our residents celebrate the fun and exciting times of Halloween, but with October comes Oktoberfest! Detroit Tigers’ mascot Paws stopped by American House Stone to spend time and visit with residents. They had a day full of fun activities!

Want to see a recap from our entire fun-filled month of October? Check out our YouTube video!

Every month at American House brings a host of special and engaging activities. To schedule a tour and learn more about what we offer in our senior living communities, please visit our Web site or call (248) 579-4422. To stay in touch, find us on Facebook and Twitter.

16 Tips for Choosing a Senior Living Community

Posted on November 16, 2012 by americanhouse

Deciding where to live is a huge decision, based on so many different factors — including the location, the appearance, amenities (Fireplace? Extra closets?) and sometimes just a feeling that this is the place. Choosing a senior living community can be the same way and sometimes making that decision can be overwhelming. At American House, we’d like to make that decision as simple as possible for you — and we’ve compiled a list of 16 Tips for Choosing a Senior Living Community.

While you are choosing a senior living community, especially if you are looking for a community when you cannot visit personally, keep in mind the needs and wishes of the loved one who will be living there and include them in the process as much as possible.
Here are several questions to keep in mind as you visit and assess senior living communities for your loved one (courtesy of the Assisted Living Federation of America or ALFA):

Do you like its location and outward appearance? Is the decor attractive and homey?
Do you receive a warm greeting from staff welcoming you to the community?
Do residents socialize with each other and appear happy and comfortable?
Is the community well-designed for your needs?
Are there different costs for various levels or categories of personal care? Are there discount programs?
Is there a staff person to coordinate home healthcare visits from a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, etc., if needed?
Does the community provide housekeeping services in personal living spaces?
Can residents arrange for transportation on fairly short notice?
Are barber/beautician services offered on-site?
Does the community provide scheduled transportation to doctors’ offices, the hairdresser, shopping and other activities desired by residents?
Are different sizes and types of apartments available? Are apartments for single and double occupancy available?
Is there evidence of organized activities, such as a posted daily schedule, events in progress, reading materials, visitors, etc.?
Do residents participate in activities outside of the community in the neighboring community?
Do volunteers, including family members, come into the community to help with or to conduct programs?
Does the community create a sense of inclusion by encouraging residents to participate in activities?
Are common dining areas available? May residents eat meals in their apartment? Do dining room menus vary and may residents request special foods?

To schedule a tour and learn more about what we offer in our senior living communities at American House, please visit our website or call (248) 579-4422. We’re confident that you’ll get that this is the place feeling when you visit us!