Category: Healthy Tips

Exercise is an important aspect of both physical and emotional well-being. While it’s only one part of the overall wellness spectrum, we try to offer something for everyone at Brandon Oaks. Lead by our Wellness Coordinator, Susan Bryant, the Health and Vitality Center boasts land and aquatic classes, a full-service gym, yoga studio and heated pool with spa. “Land classes are the most popular, but the aquatic run a close second,” says Susan. {You can see a schedule of all of our land and aquatic classes here}

Many new, and old, residents visit with Susan to set personalized fitness goals and plans throughout the year. “Residents are eager to continue or start exercising when they come to Brandon Oaks for a healthy and happy lifestyle,” Susan adds. The National Council on Aging recommends classes moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes a day and muscle strengthening activities for two or more days per week to remain healthy. If classes aren’t what you enjoy, the gym is always open and has many cardio and resistance machines available for use.

Although January is a popular time of the year to set resolutions, make fitness a lifestyle change. “Making exercise a priority in your routine will help you maintain your independence and stay motivated,” Susan stresses. Get moving and keep moving!

The holidays are typically a time of joy, merriment and family. However, for many people, it’s the first holiday they will celebrate without their loved one, such as their spouse.  Many of our own residents experience this uncomfortable and saddening milestone.

We know this is common to those even outside of our community. Each year, our chaplains host a special “Longest Night Service”, honoring those who have passed during the year and showing support to those who are still grieving. We spoke with one of our full-time chaplains, Rev. Kathleen Miko, about some ways to make the holidays a little easier after a loss.

What inspired you to start hosting the “Longest Night Service”?
Rev. Kathleen Miko: There were so many people I saw lose their spouses the first year I was here. There were so many activities and festive celebrations but none of them were participating. I wanted to find a way to let them know, they aren’t alone. Over the years it has brought together people going through similar emotions and allowed them to build a stronger support network within the community.

What suggestions do you have for someone who is celebrating their first holiday season without their loved one?
Rev. Kathleen Miko: Grief can wash over you at any time and it’s ok to grieve, there is no timeline on grief. For the first holiday season, expect to be sad and frustrated. However, do not try to dismiss the person that is gone from your thoughts. Do something in honor of them, for example, set a place for them at the table or put up their favorite decorations. Make it a celebration of them.

How can other be supportive to someone who has lost a loved one? 
Rev. Kathleen Miko: Just be there to listen. Let them talk, even if they say the same thing over and over. No two people grieve the same way. Invite them to your celebrations, but accept their declines and politely invite again (without being pushy). Let them know they are loved. Don’t expect them to enjoy the holidays as much as they used to, their lives are completely different now, but they can still experience joy and happiness, which will come in time.

This year’s Longest Night Service will be held on Thursday, December 21st at 4:15pm in the Chapel. 

Virginia Lutheran Homes, Inc., a multi-site, nonprofit, senior living organization has chosen Senior Options, LLC, a subsidiary of Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay, to help develop and advise in the operation of its own home care, home health and hospice services.

Virginia Lutheran Homes operates Brandon Oaks, a continuing care retirement community in Roanoke, and also Luther Manor in Virginia Beach and Luther Crest in New Market.

Brandon Oaks currently serves over 280 residents in independent living, assisted living, intensive assisted living, skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation. A new venture in the realm of home care, home health and hospice will allow Brandon Oaks to truly offer a complete array of health care services to both its residents and the greater community.

“Our board has encouraged us to expand our mission into home health, home care and hospice. We know it’s what seniors want and need,” said Heather Neff, president and CEO of Virginia Lutheran Homes, Inc.

Joe Hoff, executive director of Brandon Oaks, added, “This partnership allows us to enhance our continuum by offering additional services to Brandon Oaks’ residents, and also strengthens Brandon Oaks’ ties to the greater Roanoke area.”

As an award-winning community, Brandon Oaks is seeking to deliver the same high-caliber care that is provided to their residents to those in their homes. Brandon Oaks is seeking to obtain licensure in 2016 to begin operations.

Senior Options provides advisory services and operational support to nonprofit senior living organizations wishing to serve seniors beyond the walls of their campuses.

“We are delighted to be working with Virginia Lutheran Homes and Brandon Oaks,” said Ben Unkle, president and CEO of Westminster-Canterbury. “It makes great sense to share resources; and Senior Options is thrilled to see home and community based services grow for the benefit of older adults in the western part of the state. We know we have a winning formula in our home health and hospice programs. We want to help other retirement communities serve more people and serve them better.”