Amy Lund- Community Life Coordinator, Woodstone New Ulm.

Adult coloring has become a craze over the past couple of years, there are now adult coloring books available to purchase at man retail locations. Activity Professionals no longer need to worry that providing coloring activities for the elderly will be viewed as a childish activity, Research into the effects of coloring for the elderly suffering from dementia have shown positive outcomes, mostly a decrease in anxiety and agitation. 

Some of the benefits of coloring for Seniors include: Mood Improvement, Stress Relief, Reduction of Agitation, Self-Expression. Maintain Motor Function, Hand Eye Coordination, and Dexterity (Grip Control)

By: Amy Lund- Community Life Coordinator, Woodstone New Ulm

As we approach the middle of summer, we try and take advantage of the opportunities that the warm weather brings! Taking our residents out for different excursions and activities is at the top of our list. It is very important to us to make sure our residents are a part of our local community and the activities it offers. We have been busy, on the run, doing some fun things this month and looking forward to the things we have planned for the rest of the summer. Here is a sneak peek at some of our adventures thus far!!

A day on Sleepy Eye Lake… Courtesy of Boating and Bobbers, our residents enjoyed a day of fishing, riding on a pontoon, sharing fish stories and a picnic lunch at the park. We have also enjoyed the Monday night concerts at German Park, here in New Ulm. Our newest addition is having a BBQ every Wednesday evening, to spend time together and enjoy the fun of grilling out and the summer weather!

Residents enjoying the Ken and Ken Show.

Joe and his wife enjoying the BBQ.

Pauline and Floyd…. Cheers!!

First Catch… Kiss a Fish!

Leo and Amy with a little catch of the day!

Brittany Gulden
Executive Director

Hey! I was born and raised in New Ulm, MN. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies as well as a Gerontology Minor from Minnesota State University (Mankato) I have worked in the Healthcare field for about 7 years now; all in long-term care.
Things I like to enjoy outside of work: going to the lake, exploring Minneapolis, hanging out with friends and family, watching Hockey, and spending summer days on the lake.
I am grateful to have such an opportunity to be working in an environment where I am surrounded by the work I love to do on a daily basis. It is my personal desire to ensure our community is appealing and one that our residents feel proud to call home. As your director it is a passion of mine to be an advocate for our residents, friends, and families. Our passion doesn’t only extend to our residents, but family, friends and staff as well.

Cheyenne Platz
Director of Health Services (RN)

I graduated from Springfield High School, I worked five years as a medical lab tech before becoming a nurse. I have a deep passion for nursing, helping, and taking care of people. I bring 12 years of long-term care experience beginning with volunteer work at my hometown nursing home when I was 13. I’ve worked primarily in memory care during my time in various nursing homes and assisted livings. Having worked as a CNA for the last 10 years has allowed me to really get to understand geriatrics on a different level as well as working with their families. I am eager to be an advocate for not just my residents and their families, but my staff as well. I am very excited to be in a position where I will be able to help make the team, family members, and community member’s work as one for the best possible care of our residents.

Kelsi Wahl
Lead Care Manager (LCM)

Hi! My name is Kelsi Wahl; I am the Lead Care Manager for Woodstone Senior Living in New Ulm MN! I grew up in southern Minnesota with my three sisters! After high school I spent four years travelling and going to school. I am now a full time nursing student at Minnesota State University- Mankato, where I live with my soon to be husband and our dogs! I coach volleyball at Mankato West High School and have always had a love for travel and outdoor recreation. I plan to further my career into physician assisting and believe the skills I have and will continue to learn are a beneficial asset to Woodstone. I am excited for the changes taking place and look forward to what lies ahead!

Shawn Wilfahrt
Food Service Director(FSD)

Hi, I was born and raised in New Ulm, MN. I have been in the Food Service Industry since 2001. In 2010, I graduated from Oregon Culinary Institute of Portland. My passion for cooking has lead me to run and work in all types of kitchens. I have cooked for and catered weddings, prepared European dishes in a fine dining restaurant, and also served up to 1200 people in a day in a private college setting.
I enjoy working for Woodstone; for the last 9 months I have been trying so many new things each and every week with new menu options. I feel that the residents at Woodstone are all “country folks” and most grew up on “meat & potatoes”: There is nothing better than to make them feel at home again by replicating the warm home cooked meals from their past.

Amy Midtbruget
Community Life Coordinator(CLC)

I am the new Activity Director for Woodstone Senior Living in New Ulm. I come to Woodstone with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field, both in clinical and administrative backgrounds. I hold a degree in Health Information Technology and several other certificates related to the health care field. I am hoping to bring an active lifestyle to our residents here at Woodstone. My goal is to keep them engaged through in-house activities as well as keeping them involved in our community events. I will be tailoring programs to meet the specific needs of our residents and the things that they enjoy doing. I look forward to the adventures and memories to come!

By: Jill Springer, Executive Director, Woodstone of Hutchinson

We all hear about the importance of activity for our overall health.  Walking, biking, gardening, even cleaning your house are all considered a good source of activity to get your blood flowing, you heart pumping and your body moving.  We’ve even written a blog about the importance of staying active as a way of reducing the risk of falls—it’s a good one, you should check it out.

One topic that often gets overlooked in regards to our overall health is that of activities.  I am not referring to breaking a sweat.  Instead I’m talking about things like catching a movie with friends, having lunch with friends, trying some new arts and crafts or even learning a new card game and playing with friends.  The importance of exercising your mental muscles are just as important as exercising your other muscles.

Our cells renew constantly and the brain is no exception.  Some of the mental muscles that we need to exercise include reason, imagination, and memory to name a few.  Keeping these muscles flexed are vital to staying young during the aging process.  Here at Woodstone, we do our best to keep our residents busy with activities that engage their brain. 

Keeping the brain busy is not just important for the aging population.  I encourage all of you to do something you haven’t done in a while.  Draw or paint a picture, ride a bike, learn a new game…and then find a friend to engage in these new activities!  Your brain will thank you!