Arbour Square of Harleysville News

Arbour Square of Harleysville, an independent senior living community in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, recognizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle among the senior population and is working toward changing the focus of health and wellness for over 270 residents.

Nestled within 22-acres, the senior community features a beautiful walking trail, where you're bound to bump into residents partaking in a fitness class or out for a leisurely stroll.

“I’m always told by incoming seniors and visitors that the energy level here is much different than at other communities,” said Mimi Kehan, campus executive director at Arbour Square. “We’re always looking for ways to collaborate with our employees, as well as community members to bring programs, presentations or other services here that will improve the quality of life for our residents.”

This was the initiative used when revitalizing the fitness center—making health and wellness a lifelong goal. The state-of-the-art facility features a 65-inch screen television, free-weights, stretch bands, and various exercise machines like an elliptical and stationary bike.

“The fitness center is senior-friendly as are the exercise classes provided,” said Steve Sherer, a board-certified physical therapist and owner of Senior Physical Therapy Services, which operates out of Arbour Square. “If a resident is feeling unsure about how the fitness center operates, the fitness instructor will take them through and show them how to exercise safely and the rules of the machine.”

Sherer’s services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and a wellness program. He also has a dedicated fitness instructor who offers complimentary exercise classes, as well as wellness guidance to residents at the senior living community.

For a nominal fee, residents can opt-in to an advanced wellness plan that includes individualized training with the fitness instructor two times a week and access to AlterG®, an anti-gravity treadmill. This unique piece of equipment allows seniors to move, walk, run, build strength, and improve cardio conditioning, without the risk of falling by using air pressure to gently decrease 100 percent body weight to as low as 20 percent.

Barbara Lewandowski, resident life director at Arbour Square, creates a monthly schedule filled with various recreational and fitness activities instructed by employees and individuals from the local area. Activities are provided at no extra charge with some events being open to the public.

“I came from a family that fishes and hunts, shoots archery and shotgun competitively. I realized early on how important it is to follow your passion no matter your age or limitations,” said Lewandowski, which is also why she considers residents’ opinions when scheduling activities, such as fishing and golfing.

“Now that I’m in my 80s, it’s nice to be able to still do some of the things I loved when I was younger. I fished since I was a boy, and I love that I have the opportunity to fish again,” said Austin Hayes, a resident at Arbour Square.

Senior exercise classes are also scheduled with adaptability in mind so residents with limitations can still experience the benefits from physical activity. Stretchersize is an exercise program that can be modified to a person’s ability. Regardless of the change, the program still improves general fitness, flexibility, mobility, balance and muscle tone through purposeful movement.

Additional classes include Roll and Stroll, a supervised aerobics-based program of walking with others, both indoors and outdoors, for fitness and enjoyment; circuit training, an all-levels, fun, fast-paced exercise class set to music; and tai chi, a class focused on graceful movements and designed as a gentle way to fight stress and anxiety, while increasing flexibility and balance.

"Circuit Training and Flexercise classes are the best,” said Phil K., a resident at Arbour Square. “Not only do the classes get me in shape, but the instructor also makes it really fun to do!"

In addition to the enhancements to fitness programs, residents can expect to taste changes in the menu. Award-winning chef David Lademann is looking to revamp recipes using fresh fruits and vegetables from the seniors’ community garden.

“We are trying to incorporate a more farm-to-table type of dining,” said Kehan.

But, what can residents and incoming seniors expect in the near future? How about a boxing class, more Couples Night-In events with live music for dancing, and additional destination outings? Find out first-hand why seniors are loving life here. Call 267-677-1200 to schedule a non-obligatory tour.

Arbour Square of Harleysville is an all-inclusive, independent living community that promotes a vibrant retirement lifestyle. Services include delicious home cooked meals served in our beautiful dining room, activities and social events, exercise and wellness programs, trips and transportation, housekeeping services and much more. Arbour Square offers residents a month-to-month lease with no long-term contracts or entrance fees. For more information, please call Julie Kline, director of marketing, at 267-677-1200, or visit www.arboursquare.com

“We’re very proud that 89 cents of every donated dollar goes directly to Parkinson’s research,” said Haley Deal, Associate Director of Advancement for the Michael J. Fox foundation. “It all goes strictly to research funding and finding a cure or improving the lives of people living with Parkinson’s.”

Deal visited Arbour Square as a presenter for the monthly Parkinson’s support group meeting, which is held the fourth Wednesday of every month. “We discussed how the Michael J. Fox foundation started, as well as some of the current research that is going on,” said Deal. At the conclusion of Deal’s presentation, the Arbour Square Resident’s Association made a donation of $1,000. This donation was matched by Arbour Square resident and Dean Mininger, as well as another couple in attendance, for a total donation of $3,000.

“The presentation was very helpful in understanding the disease,” said Mininger, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 12 years ago. “It was a tough diagnosis for me to accept. It’s all symptom related; there are no blood tests for it.”

Mininger did not go in to the meeting expecting to make a donation, but he was impressed with Deal’s presentation and her knowledge of the disease. “I read about it all the time and stay up to date with it. She was very educated,” Mininger said. “You donate a dollar and you know where it goes; you can’t say the same about some other organizations.”

Mininger has been attending the monthly Parkinson’s support group since he first moved in at Arbour Square. “It’s nice to be there with people experiencing the same things as you; some people deal with it differently, but depression is common in people diagnosed with Parkinson’s, so they need that support,” said Mininger. “Being informed and staying informed is key.”

Arbour Square of Harleysville is an all-inclusive, independent living community that promotes a vibrant retirement lifestyle. Services include delicious home cooked meals served in our beautiful dining room, activities and social events, exercise and wellness programs, trips and transportation, housekeeping services and much more. Arbour Square offers residents a month-to-month lease with no long-term contracts or entrance fees. For more information, please call Julie Kline, director of marketing, at 267-677-1200, or visit www.arboursquare.com

“We are fortunate to have wonderful residents with an outstanding and caring staff who make a difference in their lives, ” said Mimi Kehan, executive director of Arbour Square of Harleysville. “Our goal has always been to exceed our residents’ expectations, and the community staff and leadership team dedicate themselves to delivering on that promise. The residents and families always have many compliments about living at Arbour Square of Harleysville, as seen by the positive feedback they share on Caring.com. We are honored to be recognized as a Caring Star of 2018.”

Online reviews help Americans research and select the best senior care providers for aging or ailing loved ones. In multiple Caring.com research studies, the majority of family caregivers have indicated that they turn to the Internet and consumer reviews when narrowing their options among senior living communities in their area, and have relied on these perspectives as much as or more so than in-person recommendations from geriatric professionals or medical personnel. Now entering its seventh year, the Caring Stars annual list helps consumers see which senior living communities are top rated by other families just like theirs – which is particularly helpful as families gather for the holidays and discover increased or urgent senior care needs for their parents or grandparents.

“Congratulations to Arbour Square of Harleysville for achieving this award after earning accolades from residents and their loved ones on Caring.com, ” said Karen Cassel, Caring.com CEO. “This important milestone speaks volumes about the positive difference Arbour Square of Harleysville is making in serving older adults, and we join with the local community in celebrating their accomplishment.” Some of the positive feedback that led to Arbour Square of Harleysville being a Caring Star of 2018 includes: • “The Campus Executive Director Mimi is super visible leading a great team and her leadership is extremely genuine...she knows every single resident on a first name basis.”

•“Nothing can compare to Arbour Square. Its run very personal and professional and the staff is extremely caring and knowledgeable.”

• “We are so grateful to the entire staff that do such an amazing job in making Arbor Square a wonderful place to spend the golden years of your life.” Read the full text of these reviews and others on Caring.com: https://www.caring.com/local/independent-living-in-harleysville-pennsylvania/arbour-square-of-harleysville. To learn more about the Caring Stars program and view the complete winner list, please visit: https://www.caring.com/bestseniorliving

Rathschmidt, 82, admits she was overcome with nervousness during her first attempts but found the overall experience soothing thanks to the patience of her instructor, Louisa Wismer. “I never thought I’d be able to do it, but Louisa is very encouraging,” said Rathschmidt. “She offers guidance and support. You can’t find instructors like that.” 

Wismer is a well-known Bucks County artist and art teacher. She teaches all media and enjoys seeing students explore and experiment with color and different mediums to discover their hidden talents. Wismer teaches Watercolor 101 at Arbour Square twice a month.  

Rathschmidt finds the watercolor class easy to follow and continues her newfound hobby outside the classroom. She set-up her own painting area in her spacious apartment to accommodate her passion, and is now able to produce artworks whenever a creative mood strikes her.  

Recently, Rathschmidt entered her painting into Arbour Square’s annual Artisan Exhibit, where residents and staff members showcased their collection of artworks. In addition, family members and local community members came out to show support for the artistic abilities of the residents. 

Mary Ann Flynn, Rathschmidt’s daughter, is thrilled about the class and is noticing a change in her mother’s demeanor. “All the activities at Arbour Square are wonderful. She’s really excited, she enjoys painting and looks forward to the next class,” said Flynn. “The watercolor class has encouraged my mother to try more activities.” 

If you are interested in joining the watercolor class or learning more about the activities offered at Arbour Square, please call Julie Kline, director of marketing, at 267-677-1204.

The Presidential Award is chosen by the President of the ACF Philadelphia Chapter and is given to a member of the chapter who has gone out of their way to support the chapter in any way that they can.

“I actually had several people I looked at for this award, but Dave has really been a huge help to the whole organization in general,” said Mike McCombe, ACF Chapter President. “He’s just a great guy and I just thought he’s given so much of his time, which is why I thought he was deserving of the award.”

As the Director of Culinary Services at Arbour Square, Lademann is responsible for all kitchen operations and maintaining a healthy menu for the residents. Prior to working at Arbour Square, Lademann worked at The Blair Mill Inn for 15 years as the executive chef. He and his wife currently live in Jenkintown with their three daughters. Dave and his family dedicate a lot of their free time to help the ACF with its events.

Part of the reason McCombe chose Lademann for the award is due to his willingness to volunteer for just about everything. “Last year we put a Phillies game tailgate party together and Dave organized everything. He got all the food and got items donated and then he and his family came and cooked at the event. When they were done, they took the excess food to be donated to a shelter,” McCombe said. He continued to praise Lademann and his family for their consistent contributions to the ACF.

According to McCombe, nothing is ever too much for Lademann. He and his ACF chapter have worked with Gift of Life, which is an organization dedicated to coordinating life-saving transplants. In the past year, Lademann has also worked with Fuse to help raise money for students trying to earn scholarships. “Dave comes out to the schools and judges the exams and he’s really good with kids that are struggling; he’s really kind and nice to those kids,” McCombe said. “He truly is an amazing guy.”

For more information about Dave and how he provides healthy dining options for residents at Arbour Square, or to speak with someone about how your loved one can live life to the fullest at Arbour Square, please call 267-677-1200.

“The Top Workplaces award is not a popularity contest. And oftentimes, people assume it’s all about fancy perks and benefits,” says Doug Claffey, CEO of WorkplaceDynamics. “But to be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict standards for organizational health. And who better to ask about work life than the people who live the culture every day—the employees. Time and time again, our research has proven that what’s most important to them is a strong belief in where the organization is headed, how it’s going to get there, and the feeling that everyone is in it together.” Claffey adds, “Without this sense of connection, an organization doesn’t have a shot at being named a Top Workplace.” 

“We are especially honored to be receiving this award for the second year in a row,” said Campus Executive Director Mimi Kehan. “Our associates prove on a daily basis that they are willing to go above and beyond to provide outstanding service to our residents. What makes this accomplishment unique is that it is based on our employee feedback, which is a true testament to our culture and mission statement at Arbour Square. Our employees present themselves with a positive and respectful attitude to residents and families, as well as their fellow employees.”