RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people age 55 and over.  Nationally, there are over 500,000 volunteers who are giving back to their communities.  “We have added six or seven RSVP volunteers just in the last several months,” Susie Wiseman said proudly.  Susie is the RSVP coordinator at the Warroad Senior Living Center.  “They’re so helpful because this is a big place.  They get the residents from here to there to enjoy mass and bible study and special events.  With their help it all goes very nicely.”
It is clear that these volunteers add meaning to the lives of the residents in Skilled Care.  Carol Krahn enjoys the interaction; nearly every morning she can be found visiting with some of the residents she volunteers with.  101 year-old Elva Risser is delighted when Carol brings her coffee.  As Elva was reading a letter, Carol helped her find her glasses, talked with her about her family and told her about some of the activities going on in the Town Center.  “Isn’t she amazing?” Carol said of Elva.  “I used to work at the Care Center and I really enjoyed it.  I can’t work eight hours a day anymore and this helps fill that void.” 

Orville ‘Ole’ Olson and his wife Harriet are also very active RSVP Volunteers.  “I’ve become such good friends with the people I help out with“ said Ole, “I go visit several times a week and they just can’t wait for me to get there!”   Susie Wiseman says the RSVP volunteers fill a generational gap that the staff just can’t.  “They can reminisce and talk about their lives, you can’t beat it!”

 
While the Warroad Senior Living Center has a fantastic network of volunteers living within the building, they have also found that community members enjoy helping out and interacting with the residents.  Jenna Jensen, Social Service Activity Director says people of all ages are welcome.  “We have people come in and sing or play music, some assist with church or bible study, a few bring treats and serve coffee.”  The Warroad volleyball team comes in once a month and there are also people who do one-on-one visits or help with meals and clean-up.  “We are so appreciative; we have seen some tremendous changes in our residents due to our volunteers.” 

Recently, a family of volunteers provided an event that the residents are still talking about.  Scott and Conway Marvin brought in a Game Feed and Super Bingo.  The residents enjoyed a huge smorgasbord of wild game including salmon, halibut, walleye, pheasant, venison, caribou, elk, bear and moose.  “Out of sustenance, many of these people grew up eating much of this.  They seemed to really enjoy it,” said Scott.  After the feed, they played a few games of Super Bingo and just visited.  “We have a special spot in our heart and a lot of respect for our seniors, they are our greatest generation.  We should all take time out of our schedule and pay tribute to them.” Scott says it’s about building relationships, “When I go in there now, it’s even more special because these people are my friends.”

There is still a need for volunteers at the Warroad Senior Living Center.  “We could really use people to come in and just visit with the residents. Sunday visits are especially needed,” says Jenna.  Another area of need is people to lead or assist with activities.  “If you have a hobby that you enjoy, you can come in and share it with the residents.”  Some examples might include quilting or scrapbooking, reading or playing cards.  Jenna adds, “It doesn’t have to be a big production, it can just be everyday things that some of our residents could participate in.”

 
To join the community of volunteers at the Warroad Senior Living Center, please call Jenna Jensen at 218-386-1235.  Monetary gifts to help pay for materials for volunteer activities are also being accepted.

The Warroad Senior Living Center sprawls over 135,000 square feet.  It may have taken a while for everyone to get acclimated to their new home, but now the place is a buzz with activity.  Elvera Kvarnlov who moved into the Independent Living wing last fall said, “It’s a community, it’s just like going for a stroll and meeting people on the street, I couldn’t imagine myself any other place.” 
The Town Center boasts a den, chapel, gathering room, wellness center, beauty shop, hobby hut and Movie Theater.  All of these areas are used regularly by the residents.  “I feel really catered to,” said Mary Marvin, “I can go exercise in the morning then come over to the beauty shop to get pampered.  The exercise facility is tops!”  The wellness center is open anytime for the residents to use, but from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. personalized exercise routines are available.   Ulrike Skime, a restorative therapy nurse, works with the residents individually every day.  “We’re starting a group exercise activity too,” said Ulrike, “it’s something they really enjoy and it’s so good for them.”

Special activities and programs happen regularly including music and dancing, tenant meetings, movies in the theater, bible study and masses.  “I like that church comes in every week for Thursday morning mass,” said Ruth Stukel.  When asked what else she enjoyed about living at the Warroad Senior Living Center, Ruth seemed to appreciate the freedom. “Well, it’s not quite like home,” she said, “but I can run and get something anytime.  I come and go as I please.  I like the garage.  It’s nice to go from my apartment into the garage, to town and back again and not even have to go outside!” 

Joe Klvarik made the move from the old Care Center to the Assisted Living wing of the new campus and has made many new friends.  “The people all like it here,” he said. “The food is good.  The care is excellent.  They take care of me, they wash my clothes and clean my apartment, and I can do anything that I want to.”  Joe repeatedly said he feels like a king. “This is the place to be ‘cause you’ve got it made here.”

There are several reasons why people choose to live in Independent or Assisted Living.  Many say it’s because of the social atmosphere, the convenience, the care and the security. Harriet Olson was happy to talk about another great benefit. “It was so nice,” she said, “we had some problems with our shower.  We had to make one call to the maintenance guy and he took care of the rest.  They come whenever you want them to help.”

It can be a tough decision for individuals to move into senior housing, but the Warroad Senior Living Center seems to make the transition easier.  “We spend a lot of time talking to potential residents and their families when they are making their decision,” said Housing Services Director Marlene Dahlquist.  “We want them to feel comfortable and be assured that we can meet their needs. We take them on a tour of the facility and model apartments, give them a chance to visit with some residents and we look at financing options.”  Marlene says that people have found the pricing to be very fair and comparable to the other senior housing options in the area.  

In addition to a full continuum of exceptional care, it is clear that this campus offers a number of programs and activities to ensure the residents are able to live with meaning and a sense of continuing purpose. The Warroad Senior Living Center, a non-profit organization, welcomes private support so that they may continue to provide the many extras that are important to fulfilling their mission.  For those who are able to do so, The Warroad Senior Living Center would welcome any tax deductible donation, large or small.  Contributions that they receive help support spiritual care programs, extensive activity schedules and other resident programs which are currently in development.