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... [Read More]

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... [Read More]

By: Jill Springer and Anita Martin, Woodstone of Hutchinson Almost all of us know someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia.  If it’s someone very close to you, like a spouse or a parent, watching the disease progress can be very stressful and difficult.  But it can also be a little scary to try and visit with someone who has dementia when you haven’t seen them in a while and you are not sure what to expect.  Here are some pointers on how to visit with someone who has dementia: Always introduce yourself.  It may seem... [Read More]

By: Jill Springer, Executive Director, and Rachel Garfunkel, Dining Experience Manager, Woodstone of Hutchinson Take a minute to imagine the following scenario.  You are getting older and living by yourself.  You have noticed that it’s not as easy to do all the things you used to do.  You are finally faced with the reality that you are no longer able to live in your own home.  You need a little extra help with some of your activities of daily living and your family is getting concerned about your safety.  You and your loved ones start the difficult journey of looking... [Read More]

By: Jill Springer, Executive Director, Woodstone of Hutchinson Every winter, at least once, I slip and fall on the ice.  In my 20’s, I’d pop right back up.  In my 30’s, it started to get a little annoying.  And now that I’m 40, I actually consider just staying on the ground for a few minutes while I allow my body time to adjust.  Thankfully, I’ve never been injured, but every year it gets a little bit more difficult to bounce back from the fall.  As we age, it is important to change our normal fitness routine to include activities that... [Read More]

Submitted By: Val Corton, Community Life Coordinator, Woodstone – Rice Lake As we look around our beautiful building, we see the work of the Christmas Elves!  Each year we hold our Annual Christmas Door Decorating contest for our residents and staff.  Everyone is encouraged to spread a little holiday cheer by decorating their apartment or office door.  They can be decorated simply, eloquently, or anywhere in between! The decorations can be homemade or purchased. We just hope everyone has a little fun! Then, to add a little more fun into the mix, we post all of the decorated doors on... [Read More]

The task of putting up Christmas decorations is no small feat.  It usually involves ladders, tangled lights, and sticky fingers from the sap of a fresh cut tree.  And let’s not even talk about taking it all down.  So why do we do it?  Science says because it makes us happy.  According to Psychologist Deborah Serani, decorating for Christmas creates a “neurological shift that creates happiness…Christmas decorating will spike dopamine, a feel good hormone.” But what is it specifically about Christmas decorations that make us feel happy?  It could just be the bright lights and color, according to Serani, but... [Read More]

Submitted By: Val Corton, Community Life Coordinator, Woodstone-Rice Lake A few residents here at Woodstone Senior Living Community in Rice Lake took the opportunity to bless a family in need.  We teamed up with the Rice Lake Main Street Association to participate in their Annual Adopt-A-Tree Program.  Businesses and organizations sign-up to decorate a tree.  All decorations must be hand-made and non-breakable. This is the 2nd year that Woodstone has participated in this Community Project.  Our residents not only enjoyed getting together to create something fun, but love the idea of blessing a family that may not have a Christmas... [Read More]