Two Brandon Oaks nurses have been recognized by Our Health magazine as Outstanding Nurses in the Roanoke Valley!

This is Our Health’s 2nd edition of Outstanding Nurses and we are so proud that two of our nurses were selected. This year they focused on the various traits one needs to be a successful nurse. See their profiles below (click here to view the digital edition of this month’s issue).

At 98 years old, Brandon Oaks resident Betty Pence has seen quite a bit. She will tell you she’s had a wonderful, full life – which she has. If you talk with her for just a few moments you will see how grateful and happy she is. What you will also see when you visit is beautiful illustrations, paintings and cross-stitching. Betty is an artist and an author. Yes, still an artist at 98 years old. She loves to stay busy – keeping her mind sharp with puzzles, illustrations, cross-stitching, reading and writing. Betty has authored a few books since the age of 91! In one of her books she writes:

Since God has given me some extra time, I feel as if I don’t want to waste a minute of it. If you feel discouraged by so called old age try to make it a gift that you didn’t expect and make the most of it!

With the New Year approaching and many thinking of how to plan out resolutions for losing weight or organizing spaces, try to treat every day as a gift and make the most of it, like Betty does! Below are a few of Betty’s pieces of art she’s created, most of which has been done since she’s turned 90. Inspiring to think how much you can do when you don’t let the constraint of age hinder you.

We are always trying new things to make sure our residents feel valued, appreciated and vibrant no matter what level of care they may be in. Our team at the Nursing and Rehab Center started a “Star for the Day” program and it has taken off. We were recently featured by a national healthcare news outlet, McKnight’s Long Term Care News! Click the photo below to see the story.

Although Brandon Oaks is a “retirement community,” there are two things residents want you to know:
1.) You don’t have to be retired!
2.) Retirement doesn’t mean less active or busy!

Along with the numerous activities, clubs and social events at Brandon Oaks, many residents also devote their time to other organizations in the Roanoke Valley.   From local hospitals to arts organizations, residents’ passions are as unique as they are. Many residents describe retirement as their opportunity to truly immerse themselves into community organizations that mean the most to them. In addition to the fun you’ll have, volunteering has been found to be good for your health. A study published in the British Medical Journal found that 25% of those over 60 years of age volunteered, and their mental health and emotional well-being benefited from it. The larger networks, mentally or physically stimulating tasks and social aspects of devoting one’s time to a cause were seen as reasons for the positive trend.

Many of our residents volunteer, or serve on boards, for organizations such as:

• Rotary Club of Roanoke
• Roanoke College
• Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
• Salem-Roanoke County Food Pantry
• American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop
• Opera Roanoke
• Center in the Square
• Virginians for the Arts
• Brandon Oaks Nursing and Rehab Center
• Many more!

From its black and white keys to the shiny coating encasing it, a piano is truly a work of art in itself. We have been blessed at Brandon Oaks to have been gifted a piano many years ago, however, due to age and frequent use, it didn’t play the same as it once had.

One resident, Deanne Vance, an accomplished pianist, took notice after presenting at “Professionally Speaking” (a monthly resident-led speaker series) where she played pieces that meant something to her through various points in her life. While the reception of it was wonderful, the existing piano didn’t cut it. “I realized the need for more musical performances was great, but, the existing piano wouldn’t be sufficient for quality performances, it was in very bad shape,” Deanne explained.

Soon after, Deanne spoke with her husband Sam about the possibility of helping fund a new piano for the community. In partnership with Director of Development, Julee Goodman and fellow resident, Janet Johnson, the “Friends of the Piano” was born. Between the Vance’s starter donation of $25,000, and an anonymous donation of $25,000, they were already half way to their $100,000 goal.

Over the course of a few months that included many one-on-one presentations, wine and cheese receptions and phone calls they raised the full $100,000 within 7 months!

Now the question was, what kind of piano should we get? The answer was clear for Deanne: a Steinway. Steinways are the Rolls Royce of the piano world. Hand crafted in Germany, they are composed of up to 12,000 individual parts and can take up to a full year to assemble. We found this amazing video that describes the process it takes to create these musical artforms.

Luckily, a Steinway showroom was close by in Greensboro, N.C. and Deanne paid a visit. “Each Steinway piano is unique and has a soul all its own, among the ones we saw, heard and played, we found the perfect one,” Deanne exclaimed. The gorgeous Steinway Model B Classic Grand Piano is now home at Brandon Oaks.

Along with the enjoyment among residents, the development of a public music series is underway. More information on this musical series will be out soon.

Brandon Oaks is home to not only this beautiful new piano, but residents with a drive to make positive changes in the community for themselves and future residents as well. We are grateful for the many diverse talents our residents bring to Brandon Oaks.

The decision to move to a retirement community is a monumental one in itself, but once that decision is made, the time comes for packing, moving and – typically – downsizing. Over the course of many years, people collect things that they need to fill their homes – furniture, artwork, linens, knick-knacks, etc. We spoke with Carol Cole of Smooth Transitions in Roanoke, who will be our featured speaker at our April Luncheon (click here to see our upcoming events), which is already full!

What do you find is the hardest part of downsizing?

Carol: Most of my clients have lived in their homes a long time and are used to having their treasures around them. The hardest part is letting go of so many things that will no longer have a place in their new smaller home. It is a part of the transition process that requires the client to “think backwards” by visualizing the new home and the wonderful freedoms the new life and space will bring. It is easier to let go of old things once that vision is adopted.

When do you think the best time to start the process is?

Carol: Life is all about changes and staying in balance. We need to be on top of changes – deliberately and all the time. When a person becomes aware that their home is no longer the right size for them, or lost the advantages it once had, it’s time to think about what’s next. Many people begin to long for a simpler life with less complications, expenses, and chores.  This is the best time to envision the next chapter and begin planning the way to get there.  It is always harder to make the transition when circumstances force it or the family thinks they need to take charge.  In a nutshell, as soon as possible.  Don’t wait!  The choices are better when there is less urgency.

What are your top 3 tips for making a move?

Carol: 1 – Make a commitment; 2 – Make a plan; 3 – Get all the help you can.

Downsizing is a very personal process so if you’d like more information or how to address your specific needs, contact Carol by visiting her website {click here}.