Sunset Blog

Aug 02,2019 | Sheila Carney

WGVU Community Connections: Waterford Place Memory Care

Join Waterford Place executive director Ben Leavell as he leads WGVU Morning Show host Shelley Irwin on a tour of Waterford Place. Our 40-acre campus includes independent, assisted living, and memory care neighborhoods, where residents create community. Ben shows Shelley our serene outdoor areas, where residents can visit with their friends and family, garden, or simply enjoy time outdoors in the fresh air. Grandpa’s Woodshop attracts many residents and provides a space to work with tools,…

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Jul 31,2019 | Steve Zuiderveen

Holding Hands

“For I am the LORD, your GOD, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” ~Is.41:13 Lately I have been noticing how much hand holding goes on in life. Parents hold their young child’s hand to keep him from running out into the busy street.…

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Jul 18,2019 | Betty Epperly

How Sweet the Sound

At a June 2018 West Michigan Whitecaps baseball game, Jayne Rinkus hit another one out of the park. She led the fans by belting out the national anthem from memory. According to Nick Wahl, Brookcrest Recreational Therapist, Jayne has been singing either the anthem or “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in the seventh inning…

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Jul 08,2019 | Emily Foster

Taking Care of the Little Things

At Brookcrest, our staff does all of the small things with great care. Kathryn Waller, one of our devoted Certified Nursing Assistants, embodies that philosophy in her everyday work. Kathryn describes her work environment as empowering. The culture of passionate service, teamwork, and communication allow staff to feel included and heard. Because of the love…

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Jul 05,2019 | Emily Foster

Following Your Passions

The word “passion” describes our culture at Sunset. We are passionate about creating an environment that exemplifies the love and comfort of Jesus Christ, “who came not to be served but to serve.” (Mark 10:45) We celebrate a special place where passion meets culture in the lives of our staff and residents every day. Our…

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Jun 29,2019 | Emily Foster

Be Helpful and Be Joyful

After working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Brookcrest for almost 15 years, Jo Micallef still loves helping her residents and finds joy in the little moments of every day. Jo’s bond with the residents she cares for begins and ends with a smile. On her best days, she brings her joy to her…

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Jun 27,2019 | Betty Epperly

Our Lives, His Story

“Life is such a mystery,” says Norma Terpstra, “but God always has a higher plan. Only in glory will it all be revealed; our stories are His story, and He orchestrates it all.” Jack and Norma Terpstra’s lives intersected when they attended Wyoming High School, where they learned valuable life lessons. “Even though it wasn’t…

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Jun 26,2019 | Sheila Carney

Discussing Dementia

WGVU’s Family Health Matters featured a panel of local experts discussing Dementia, including Waterford Place Memory Care’s executive director and SAIDO Lead Supporter, Ben Leavell LNHA. Ben sat alongside Joy Spahn, regional director of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Michigan Chapter, Dean Solden, founder and co-owner of New Friends Memory Care, and Chris Simmons, Clark Retirement’s director…

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Jun 25,2019 | Joe Martin

Waterford Place Memory Care: A Godsend

Waterford Place Memory Care is a Godsend for my mom, Rayanna, and our family. There is something special going on here, you can feel it. After 49 years of marriage dad passed away and mom moved to Waterford Place. She explained her decision to her children that, “If something happens to me, you won’t have…

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Jun 20,2019 | Betty Epperly

Rooted in God’s Unchanging Grace

Henrietta (Blankespoor) Byker’s ancestors emigrated from the Netherlands because they believed the United States was the “land of promise.” When they established roots in northwest Iowa, they put their priorities of faith, family, and farming into action. Henrietta, born on March 12, 1921, was the third child of Gysbert and Hilda Blankespoor’s four children. As…

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