Providing senior living and long-term healthcare services is what Avalon Springs strives to do on a daily basis. The assisted living center includes a health center, long-term care, and memory care for its residents. While there are plenty of services that support the residents in the facility, it's the “Live A Dream” program that allows them to explore activities that they’ve never done in the past.
Amy Plumb, life enrichment director at Avalon Springs, knows the importance of giving someone an opportunity to do something they could only dream about before.
“We do an observation with every resident who comes into our campus,” Plumb said. “We’re trying to find out if there is something that they’ve always wanted to do but have yet to experience in their life. Our program gives them a chance to live out their dreams.”
The “Live A Dream” program fulfills various levels of dreams. This includes bucket list dreams – which could be an overnight experience for three nights somewhere – and campus-level dreams, a more local option for the residents to partake in a new experience.
One resident, a World War II veteran, was given the opportunity to ride in an airplane for the first time. The program gave another the chance to sing all of his favorite church hymns. Other experiences that the program has provided include a visit to the water park, fair rides and motorcycle trips.
“When we took one lady on a motorcycle ride. There were about 20 members from a motorcycle club who showed up,” said Emily Brandt, life enrichment director at Avalon Springs. “She used to go on rides all the time with her husband. We put her in a side car that connected to the motorcycle and drove her around town to give her that experience.”
The program has allowed a number of residents to rekindle a form of childhood happiness. “Live A Dream” is not just a way to give people a new experience but also stirs the nostalgic moments that gave the residents joy in their earlier years.
One resident who admired the “Live A Dream” program was Connie Bretscher. As she celebrated her 104th birthday on January 10, Bretscher received a special visitor. Roger Powell Jr., head coach of the Valparaiso University (VU) men’s basketball team, surprised her with the game ball for the team’s 98-95 overtime win at home against Indiana State University just two days prior. Attending basketball games at VU was the dream for Bretscher.
“When the coach came here and gave her the game ball, she just lit up with excitement,” Plumb said. “She’s very well known at VU, along with her husband. They’ve been a part of the VU family for a very long time.”
Unfortunately, Bretscher passed away a little more than a week after receiving the game ball. Many residents and staff members at Avalon Springs have a great appreciation for the lasting legacy she has left in the Valparaiso community.
“Connie is a great example of what the ‘Live A Dream’ program stands for,” Plumb said. “It’s for any of our residents here to try and accomplish their bucket list items before they pass away. We want them to live life to the fullest. Our whole team is committed to making sure these dreams come true. We’ll go above and beyond for our residents to make sure they’re happy.”
The sense of family at Avalon Springs is strong. Whether the “Live A Dream” program existed or not, the people who live at the facility have a great relationship with one another and the staff members. This program is the ultimate way for Avalon Springs to express gratitude for having kindhearted residents.
“We still have family members from previous residents that come here to visit current residents and our staff,” Brandt said. “The relationships built here don’t stop just because a family member or loved one might not be here anymore. It doesn’t matter what skill level the resident is in. We are always motivated to give them a great experience and find a way to fulfill their dreams while they’re here.”
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