“It was an honor to receive recognition for doing something that God has blessed me with which to do, and to see how purposeful He is in placing me where there is need for His love and His forgiveness,” said Pastor Cory.

Wittenberg Village is blessed to have such a faithful leader.  Pastor Cory brings excellence, compassion, learning and stewardship into the lives of many.   We are proud of him for the recognition he received.

Every few months, the Lutheran Home hosts a cruise to a new, exotic location without ever leaving the building.  The Chapel of St. John the Beloved is decorated to provide residents with a vacation-like experience.

The most recent cruise was to China.  Volunteers from China acted as “ship captains” and greeted each resident. Cruise passengers received personalize passports and were escorted on the “ship.”  They received a delicious, ethnic dinner and Chinese beer, and they saw a beautiful slide show presentation.  Cultural entertainment was also provided throughout the event to complete the experience.

These cruises give residents a chance experience something new, have fun, be active and socialize – it is a great example of how Lutheran Life Communities empowers vibrant, grace-filled living across all generations.

All of St. Pauls House nursing staff is trained on proper rehabilitation and treatment techniques, and will work with PEL VIP Medical Staffing (pulmonary care professionals).  Patients who receive proper rehabilitation live longer, fuller lives.   It also reduces hospital re-admission rates and likelihood of developing additional pulmonary conditions.

In addition to now offering cutting-edge pulmonary rehabilitation, St Pauls House will also start offering smoking cessation support groups in the near future.

Everything we do is mission-driven – to empower vibrant, grace-filled living across all generations.  St. Pauls House is excited to offer this excellent, life-altering benefit to our residents and patients in need.

Recently, the Lutheran Home celebrated the 100^th birthday of resident, Helen Hibner.  Helen is the oldest living child from a family of 13 children – she has a 95-year-old brother, a 93 year-old sister, and an 81-year-old sister.

“I don’t feel old,” said Helen.  “I feel like I am 50 years old. I don’t know where the years went, but I know I worked hard my whole life.”

The mayor of Arlington Heights, Arlene Mulder, even presented Helen with a proclamation during the party.  “It was a lovely party,” said Helen.  “A lot of people came, and boy, did I have a lot of fun.”

100-year birthdays are something to be celebrated – 100 years is a remarkable blessing from God, and we are grateful for the wisdom and grace these special residents bring to our lives.   We look forward to these major milestones almost as much as the birthday boy or girl does.

Lutheran Life Communities pays for the party – we provide flowers, corsages, balloons and cakes.  The residents can invite as many friends and family members as they wish.  A pastor does a blessing and many times we have a special, faith-based performance like a singer.

Happy birthday to each of these special residents throughout our communities who achieve more greatness with each passing year.

Angie was picking up wrapping paper after a busy Christmas morning when her foot got stuck on her pajama pants and she fell.  Injuries to her knee, ligaments and ankle were extensive.  The doctors forewarned her that rehabilitation from surgery would be long and too difficult to do at home – it would be weeks before she could put weight on her legs.

Angie’s husband did research on local short-term rehabilitation centers.  “Privacy, comfort, cleanliness and staying connected to my family were the most important factors for me,” said Maria. “When we visited the Lutheran Home, we were immediately impressed with how welcoming and clean it was.  It didn’t have that ‘hospital’ or ‘nursing home’ feel to it.”

“I love the fact that my room has WiFi – it was necessary for me to find a place with internet connections and privacy.  At the Lutheran Home, I have my own room and a private bathroom. I especially like that my family can come and go anytime – there are no visiting hours – I can call my husband to bring me something as simple as lotion at 9:00 at night and he is able to come.”

Angie admits that she was apprehensive about recovering in a retirement community, but “it’s so much more than that.”

“I really do love it here, and everyone is so nice,” said Angie.  “I can participate in group activities and discussions, or I can stay in my room and read if I want.  Sure, I would rather be home, but this is a great alternative.”

The Lutheran Home has more than 50 rooms dedicated to short-term rehabilitation patients of all ages as we help them move forward after illness, injury or surgery that has set them back.  Lutheran Home offers modern and comprehensive services to assist patients who run the gamut of specific needs.