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A Message from our CEO
Medicare Madness
As the 2012 Presidential Election unfolds you will hear a lot of rhetoric concerning Medicare. Politicians and their friends will each accuse the 'other' side of destroying Medicare. Foes of President Obama accuse him of 'cutting Medicare by $716 Billion' - not true. Foes of candidate Romney accuse his running mate Paul Ryan of planning to 'end Medicare as we know it' - also not true.
Under the affordable care act, President Obama slows the growth in spending of Medicare by forcing providers to be more efficient and effective. Ryan plans on adding a voucher choice to potential Medicare recipients who are currently under the age of 55. Both these plans address the need to slow the growth in Medicare spending, albeit in different ways. Neither plan destroys Medicare.
Why is Medicare important? Medicare was established because senior citizens in America were having a difficult time getting health insurance during the 1960s. Elderly people needed more health care and insurers either would not cover them or charged such high premiums that coverage was not affordable for most seniors. Medicare addressed that problem and today, senior citizens have some of the best health insurance coverage in America.
At Lincoln Lutheran we rely on Medicare in two ways. First, Medicare pays for about the first 100 days of care for residents in our nursing homes who are receiving rehabilitative therapy of some kind. On average about 25% (or one in four) of our nursing home residents are paid for by Medicare on any given day. The majority of our nursing home residents are paid for by Medical Assistance - usually 60% (or six in 10). The real tragedy is that Medical Assistance in Wisconsin grossly underpays nursing homes for the cost of care. Medicare is not the problem - Medical Assistance is the problem.
Secondly, Medicare provides all our independent seniors in our communities and programs with basic health insurance to help meet their health needs. What troubles me the most with politics surrounding Medicare, is so many seniors will be frightened and concerned needlessly. I predict that after the Presidential election - regardless of which party wins, Medicare will still be with us and seniors will still have good health care coverage because of it.
Sincerely,
Dan Risch, CEO
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Important Updates
Project Update: Siena on the Lake
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Dan Risch and Sr. Sharon Simon (Front Row, Left to Right) Shari Geertsen, Sr. Suzanne Noffke, Sr. Agnes Johnson and Sr. Kathy Slesar (Back Row, Left to Right)
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In partnership with the Racine Dominican's, we plan to host a groundbreaking celebration for Siena on the Lake in the near future as we mark the beginning of yet another milestone in our 58-year history and the Racine Dominican's 150-year history.
Siena on the Lake, a $55 million dollar initiative on the shoreline of Lake Michigan involves three phases across the 47-acres at 5635 Erie Street. Today, we're excited to let you know that we're making significant progress on the development.
Earlier in the summer, two of the four wings at the Siena Center were demolished in preparation for Phase I, which includes the Retreat Center and Racine Dominican housing. Construction of this phase of the project will begin shortly after the building permit is received from the Village of Caledonia. Detailed design plans are in the works for Phase II, which includes the assisted living, therapy, rehabilitation and skilled nursing community components.
We've been fine tuning the floor plans and community space for Phase III, which includes the independent living apartments. Currently, there are 20 individuals who have each made deposits of $1,000 to be included on the priority list. Priority members receive a guaranteed place in line to select the residence of their choice when the independent living community opens for sales. Our apartment homes will range in size from 784 square feet to 1450 square feet. Each apartment will host a number of amenities as standard features. Members will have an option to look at the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan with the natural surroundings of the Prairie or the landscaped courtyard with ponds, environmentally friendly gardens and walking paths.
In the meantime, we're making developments on creative aspects such as the logo, marketing materials and website and hope to have this available in the near future.
To inquire about Siena on the Lake, contact Marge Puntarec, Director of Sales, at (262) 898-9100.
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Community Highlights
Renovations Begin at Becker Shoop
Earlier this year, our Board of Directors approved a plan to move forward on a 6-month revitalization plan to our Becker Shoop Community and we're excited to announce that we've begun this project. Our overall strategy is to rebalance, reposition and redesign our offerings to build a stronger Lincoln Lutheran moving forward. Offering a more focused rehabilitation program at Becker Shoop will help to do that. Our objectives for the project include creating more private rooms, thus reducing the overall census.
On the Becker (West) side, plans for multiple cosmetic updates will further improve the existing environment and create a homelike atmosphere. We'll be adding media amenities, installing resident room drapes, new flooring and updating furniture in resident rooms as well as common spaces. A few specific areas will be repurposed such as the current dining room, which will become the focal point for therapy and rehabilitation.
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The current look of Becker Shoop.
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The Becker west wing, which is slated for lease with Hospice Alliance, will be renovated through a separate plan but in conjunction with our renovation. There, they will develop and operate residential hospice rooms.
The Shoop (East) side of the building will continue to be an environment where we will provide care to individuals who suffer from forms of cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's disease. The space will receive an update at the nurse's station. All resident rooms and solariums will benefit from new window treatments and an updated patio at the dining room entry which will be a nice addition for residents and their families. The fire suppressant sprinkler system will also be updated to meet new life safety requirements.
Lastly, the parking lot will be redone in three phases.
We're excited to begin our renovation project at Becker Shoop and we'll keep you informed of project updates in future newsletters as well as on our Facebook page.
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Volunteer Spotlight
We All Scream for Ice Cream
For more than 55 years, Lincoln Lutheran's Auxiliary has provided volunteers, a connection to partner congregations and contributions raised through their many fundraising events. We could not ask for a better group of volunteers to help maintain the vitality of our programs and services.
One of the Auxiliary's most loved fundraising events is the Ice Cream Social. This annual event invites team members, residents, family and members of the community to enjoy brats and hot dogs, ice cream and homemade pies and cakes to raise money for Lincoln Lutheran's programs and services.
This August, marked the Auxiliary's 39th year hosting the event. Despite the rainy weather that struck this year's event, all residents and event goers had a fun time. With the help of a great community and sponsors, the Ice Cream Social raised $2,700 plus matching funds from Western Union Catholic of $500. These funds will support the residents and clients of Lincoln Lutheran.
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All the wonderful donated pie options.
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The Ice Cream Social Committee thanks volunteers who helped with the event and all those who attended. Much thanks to those who donated pies and cakes. Also a special thank you to Johnson Bank for the use of their tent and to Mike Stirle for the use of his tent.
Many thanks to our other donors- Brossman's Meat Market, Design Partners, Earth Grains Baking Company, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Women of North Cape Lutheran, Pick 'n Save, Sodexo, Tents 4 Events, St. Mary's by the Lake Catholic Church, Lee's Flowers, Sue Cooper and many others who supported the Auxiliary and Ice Cream Social.
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Programs and Services
A Time for Celebration
September 16-22 is Adult Day Services Week. This time is set aside to raise awareness of the availability and resourcefulness of adult day services programs.
Lincoln Lutheran is proud to offer two adult day services locations: one in Racine and one in Burlington (The Chestnut Club). These programs provide a safe, nurturing environment for those who may need specialized assistance and care during the day.
These programs would not be possible without the help of our loyal friends, team members and volunteers. The Chestnut Club is honored to have three wonderful volunteers from St. Mary's Catholic Church that have been providing them help from their start in 2010. These volunteers regularly provide our clients with St. Mary's Catholic Church Homebound Communion.
Bob Thompson, a resident of Burlington for over 40 years and Navy veteran and retired Dairy Farmer enjoys being kept busy by volunteering. When he is not busy volunteering, he is kept entertained with his wife, six children and eight grandchildren.
Also a resident of Burlington, Al Raboine, brings his handy, artful skills from his years as a Carpenter to the activities he shares with Chestnut Club participants. "I love volunteering," says Al.
Tom Durand, a resident of Waterford for over 10 years, and retired from Johnson Controls, came to Chestnut Club because he enjoys giving back to the community and helping older people.
"We don't know what we would do without the help of these three gentlemen and all our other magnificent volunteers," said Colleen Lois, Chestnut Club Manager.
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(Left to right) Chestnut Club volunteers: Tom Durand, Al Raboine and Bob Thompson.
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Join The Chestnut Club in celebration:
Wednesday, September 19; 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Root Beer Float Social
Celebrate Adult Day Services Week by enjoying a Root Beer Float and visiting with clients. Tours available.
Thursday, September 20
Chestnut Club 2-Year Anniversary
Join for cake and a lively game of Bingo.
Everyone is welcome. Contact Colleen Lois at
(262) 661-4740 for more information.
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 |  |  | Volunteer Opportunities
Looking for a rewarding experience? Volunteer at Bay Pointe. Reliable volunteers needed to: - Play card games with residents in the mornings or afternoons. - Bake with residents on Mondays. (Help with reading directions, measuring, stirring, etc.) - Share travel experiences. Bring in photographs, videos and mementos from your favorite vacations. Volunteer groups are also welcome. Start a Saturday or Sunday outing with your Youth Group or friends to read stories to residents or just visit for coffee. For more information on volunteering, contact Stephanie at (262) 898-2731.  |
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The Importance
of Staying Connected
How can Social Media benefit you? Whether you are one of our volunteers, a donor or a user of our services, staying connected with us is important to remain current with the latest news, events and announcement from Lincoln Lutheran and our partner organizations.
When you link up with one of our Social Media platforms, you can:
- View photos from our events.
- Read testimonials and value sharing stories from residents, clients and family members.
- Learn more about our team members.
- Ask questions about our services and programs.
- Have the chance to participate in giveaways for prizes.
Keep in touch
with us:
Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Network with us on Linkedin.
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Lincoln Villas North
* Lamps
Becker Shoop
* Outdoor Christmas
Decorations
* Working White
Christmas Lights
* Tree Ornaments
* Light Up Reindeer
The Chestnut Club
* Lamination Sheets
* Quick Chop Food
Chopper
* Dollar Store Gift Cards
* Gardening Equipment
and Tools
* Hair Dryer
* Small Step Stools
* Wii Games
* Craft Tools and
Supplies
* Household Cleaning
Products
* Puzzles
* Modge Podge Sealer
* All Occasion Greeting
Cards
* Care Package
If you would like to donate any of these items, please contact Stephanie
at (262) 898-2731.
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Walk to End Alzheimer's
Sat. September 29
UW-Parkside
Join Lincoln Lutheran in the fight against Alzheimer's. Together, we can become an unstoppable force against this devastating disease.
You can help in two ways:
1. Join the fight by walking with one of our teams: "Lincoln Lutheran Walkers" or "HomeLinc Memory Walkers". Can't walk on the day of? Be a virtual walker.
2. Help reach our goals by donating to our fundraising page.
For more information, contact Stephanie
at (262) 898-2731.
Auxiliary Fall
Book Fair
Tues. October 16 & Wed. October 17
Fireside Lounge -
Lincoln Village
Wine Tasting Fundraiser
Thurs. November 15
Uncorkt
Tickets are $25.00. Proceeds benefit the Service Coordinator Program. Contact Kris Kurklis-Ohnstad at
(262) 833-0138 to purchase tickets.
Watch for more upcoming fall and winter events on our website.
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Thrivent Choice
Direct your Thrivent Choice Dollars to Lincoln Lutheran!
Eligible Thrivent members are designated Choice Dollars, based on insurance premiums, contract values and Thrivent Financial volunteer leadership. Choice Dollars can be directed to Lincoln Lutheran and will support the efforts of our Auxiliary by providing "wish list" items within our communities and programs.
If you are eligible to direct Choice Dollars, you will receive a letter in the mail from Thrivent at the point you become eligible.
If you are unsure of your eligibility, contact your Thrivent representative.
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About Lincoln Lutheran
At Lincoln Lutheran, we Honor God by Serving People.
We have celebrated aging since 1954 and are privileged to serve older adults in Southeastern Wisconsin by providing housing, skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, assisted living and a wide variety of community services.
In response to our faith-based heritage, we are value driven and people-centered. Our activities and services are guided by our values of Compassion, Honesty, Respect, Teamwork and Financial Integrity. Our values define who we are. Our values guide us in our actions towards all the people we come in contact with - residents, customers, families, visitors, vendors and each other. Our values unify us as an organization by providing a common belief system for us all.
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