REXBURG (Homestead Senior Living) — Homestead Senior Living recently introduced an exhilarating activity that had their residents cheering like they were 21 again — Indoor Tube Sledding.

In a creative effort to bring the joy of winter activities to residents who may not have the opportunity to venture outdoors, The Homestead Senior Living transformed the dining room and hallway into a winter wonderland.

The innovative activity was inspired by the desire to offer a fun and invigorating experience. The indoor tube sledding consisted of a large water tube strapped to the top of a dolly, and then pulled around the building by a staff member.

Residents eagerly waited for their turn to hop onto the tube and take a thrilling ride around the building. Laughter and cheers filled the air as participants navigated twists and turns, experiencing the joy of a winter pastime in the cozy confines of their home.

Residents have expressed their delight at the opportunity to engage in such a unique and stimulating activity. Many have shared stories of fond memories from their youth spent sledding with family and friends, and the indoor tube sledding experience has allowed them to relive those cherished moments.

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REXBURG (Homestead Senior Care) — In a spirited display of camaraderie and community bonding, the Homestead Senior Living Management team recently engaged in a friendly volleyball match against the Homestead Home Health & Hospice Staff. The lively event had the residents gathered and cheering on their favorite teams.

The Homestead Senior Living Management team, led by their spirited captain, Garren Shakespear, faced off against the Homestead Home Health & Hospice Staff, captained by Sam Stoddard, in a thrilling match that showcased both skill and sportsmanship. The game was marked by intense rallies, strategic plays, and, most importantly, infectious laughter.

Residents, some of whom were former volleyball enthusiasts, provided an enthusiastic audience, cheering on both teams with boundless energy as they performed the wave, and showed their creatively written posters. Sounds of encouragement and applause filled the air, creating an uplifting environment that showcased the vibrant spirit of the Homestead community.

The volleyball match not only served as a source of entertainment but also as a staff relationship building activity. After a closely contested match, both teams came together for a friendly handshake, demonstrating that the true victory was the sense of unity that had been strengthened through the event.

As residents exchanged stories and laughter with the players, it became evident that the bonds formed on the volleyball court would carry over into daily life at The Homestead Senior Living & The Homestead Home Health & Hospice.

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REXBURG (Homestead Senior Living) — In a festive and heartwarming event, residents of The Homestead Senior Living were treated to a special visit from Santa Claus, thanks to the overwhelming support of the local community. The holiday spirit was in full swing as jolly old St. Nick brought joy and smiles to the faces of seniors residing at The Homestead.

The Santa for Seniors program, a community initiative aimed at spreading holiday cheer to the elderly, was a tremendous success this year. Residents and staff of The Homestead were joined by generous members of the community who donated their time, gifts, and resources to ensure a magical experience for the seniors.

Santa Claus made his grand entrance, dressed in his traditional red suit, Santa spent time chatting with each resident, listening to their stories, and granting their holiday wishes. The joy in the room was palpable as seniors shared memories and laughter with the beloved holiday figure.

The highlight of the visit was the exchange of specially curated gifts, generously donated by community members who participated in the Santa for Seniors program. Local businesses, schools, and individuals came together to contribute a variety of thoughtful presents, ranging from cozy blankets and warm socks to personalized ornaments and handwritten cards.

“This is a wonderful tradition that brings our community together,” said McKelle Brown. “The outpouring of support from our neighbors has been incredible, and it’s heartening to see the smiles on the faces of the seniors. It truly embodies the spirit of giving during the holiday season.”

Residents expressed their gratitude for the thoughtful gifts and the opportunity to share the festive season with Santa. “It’s like being a child again, filled with wonder and joy. I can’t thank the community enough for making this day so special,” said one of the Homestead’s residents.

The success of the Santa for Seniors program serves as a heartwarming reminder of the power of community spirit and the joy that can be spread during the holiday season. The Homestead Senior Living wants to give a special thank you to everyone that donated and participated in our Santa for Seniors program!

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REXBURG (Homestead Senior Living) — The Homestead Senior Living brought the magic of the holiday season to its residents by organizing a heartwarming outing to chop down a real Christmas tree.

Residents of The Homestead, accompanied by staff, embarked on a festive adventure into the woods, where they were greeted by the enchanting aroma of evergreen and the crisp winter air.

“We believe in creating meaningful experiences for our residents. Though a fake tree probably would have been easier, they wanted to embrace the timeless tradition of selecting and chopping down a live Christmas tree, so that’s what we did!” said Heather Luthy, one of the activities directors at The Homestead Senior Living.

The residents, many of whom have cherished memories of selecting Christmas trees with their families in the past, were delighted to relive the tradition. Th shared stories of their favorite ornaments and holiday traditions as they searched for their perfect tree to send Blake out to cut down for them.

Once the perfect tree was chosen, residents cheered Blake & Heather on while they cut and loaded up their new cherished tree. Once they made it back to the Homesteads Independent Living Clubhouse, they decorated it while singing Christmas carols.

The Homestead Senior Living is dedicated to enhancing the lives of its residents by fostering a sense of community, engagement, and fulfillment. Through thoughtful and festive activities like the Christmas tree outing, the community continues to prioritize the well-being and happiness of its residents, making the holiday season truly special for everyone involved.

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REXBURG (Homestead Senior Living) — In a heartening celebration of life, residents at Homestead Senior Living kicked up their heels as they visited Rexburg Arts Dance Studio, proving that age is just a number when it comes to enjoying the rhythms of life.

The event, aptly named “Dancing through the Decades,” saw seniors grooving to a variety of music from different eras. From the swinging tunes of the ’50s to the disco beats of the ’70s and the pop hits of the present day, residents showcased their
impressive dance moves and infectious enthusiasm.

Homestead Senior Living, known for fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment for its residents, organized the event to promote physical activity, social interaction, and, most importantly, sheer enjoyment. The dance floor became a stage for stories and memories, with each song triggering nostalgic tales and laughter echoing through the halls.

One resident proclaimed, “It’s incredible how music can bring people together. We may be a bit older, but we’ve got the spirit of teenagers when the music starts playing. Dancing is such a wonderful way to connect with others and stay young at heart.”

The event also featured professional dance instructor Cecilia Roberts who guided the residents through various dance styles, ensuring everyone felt comfortable and confident on the dance floor.

The “Dancing through the Decades” event at Homestead Senior Living left an indelible mark on both participants and spectators, serving as a reminder that life’s most beautiful moments are often found in the simple joys of connection and celebration.

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REXBURG (Homestead Senior Living) — In a heartwarming twist of fate, 94-year-old Dennis Skinner recently drew a once in a lifetime moose hunt, and with the support of The Homestead Senior Living, he went out and embarked on a hunting adventure that defied all stereotypes about age limits.

Skinner has been putting in to draw a moose hunt tag for decades, and finally drew it this year. He has maintained a lifelong passion for the great outdoors and hunting. The news of his successful draw quickly spread throughout the community.

The Homestead Senior Living saw an opportunity to help Skinner fulfill his dream. They rallied together to provide logistical and physical support, ensuring that Skinner’s hunting expedition was successful, and an exciting story he could tell to his great grandchildren for years to come.

“We believe in supporting our residents’ passions and ensuring they continue to lead fulfilling lives, no matter their age,” said Blake Jenkins, activities coordinator at The Homestead Senior Living. “Mr. Skinner’s enthusiasm for hunting is infectious, and we are thrilled to be a part of this extraordinary journey with him.”

The staff at The Homestead worked closely with Skinner to make the necessary arrangements, such as coordinating transportation, securing appropriate gear and dealing with the animal after the hunt.

The local community also rallied behind Skinner showing their support and encouragement, offering specialized hunting gear to assist him, spotting and calling in where they knew of moose to be, and more. Skinner would like to give a big thank you to everyone who took place in making this dream come true.

Skinner’s story serves as a powerful reminder that no matter where you are at in life, there should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s passions and that with the right support, individuals can continue to lead fulfilling and adventurous lives well into their golden years.

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REXBURG (Homestead Assisted Living) — In a heartwarming and picturesque event, Homestead Assisted Living treated its residents to a memorable horse drawn wagon ride through the stunning elk refuge in Jackson Hole. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Teton Range, the residents experienced the beauty of nature up close, creating lasting memories.

As the wagon set off, the residents were greeted by the crisp mountain air and the majestic scenery of the National Elk Refuge. Jackson Hole, renowned for its natural beauty, is home to an abundance of wildlife, and the refuge is a haven for a large elk herd during the winter months.

The wagon ride meandered through meadows and pristine landscapes, offering residents a front-row seat to the region’s rich wildlife. The sound of hooves crunching in the snow, the jingle of harnesses, the bugling of the elk, and the laughter of residents created a symphony of joy that echoed through the refuge.

Residents were delighted as they rode through the middle of the massive elk herd. The experience provided an opportunity for residents to connect with nature, fostering a sense of tranquility and awe.

The Homestead Senior Living has long recognized the importance of providing not just care but also enriching experiences for its residents. The wagon ride through the elk refuge is part of a broader initiative to create a vibrant and engaging living environment that enhances the quality of life for all residents.

A resident at The Homestead Senior Living, expressed her gratitude for the outing, saying, “It was like a dream. I’ve visited Jackson Hole for many years, but seeing the elk up close in such a serene setting was truly special. I can’t thank the staff enough for making this happen.”

The management and staff at The Homestead Senior Living believe that experiences like these contribute to the overall well-being of their residents. The wagon ride exemplifies their commitment to fostering a sense of adventure, connection, and joy in the lives of the seniors under their care.

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REXBURG (Homestead Assisted Living) — In a bold move that defies stereotypes about senior living, The Homestead Senior Living, a local retirement community, recently treated its residents to an exhilarating zip-lining adventure. Breaking away from traditional activities for seniors, the community organized the outing to provide its residents with an unforgettable experience that challenges preconceived notions about aging. “Just because we’re old doesn’t mean we aren’t still kids at heart!” one resident stated.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as residents began to ask questions and gather around to watch Blake Jenkins, our activities director, string up a rope & homemade zip line handle.

With onlookers cheering the participants along, Blake Jenkins would push the residents from one end of the dining room to the other in a wheelchair at top running speed while they hung onto the zip line handle, and at the end they would crash into a tower of toilet paper rolls.

Squeals of joy, and shouts of “DO IT AGAIN!” erupted from the residents as they felt like they were kids again! One resident expressed her delight at the unexpected opportunity.

“I never thought I’d be doing something like this at my age, but it’s been absolutely thrilling! The Homestead really knows how to keep life exciting,” she exclaimed with a beaming smile.

The Homestead Senior Living believes in fostering an active and vibrant lifestyle for its residents. Activities director Blake Jenkins, shared the inspiration behind the zip-lining stating,

“We wanted to challenge the stereotypes surrounding senior living. Our residents are full of life, energy, and a desire for new experiences. Zip-lining provided a perfect opportunity to show that age is no barrier to adventure.”

The Homestead Senior Living plans to continue offering unique and unconventional activities to its residents, aiming to promote an active and engaging lifestyle. The success of the zip-lining adventure has sparked interest in other daring activities, with talks of hot air balloon rides and trips to places like Banson, Missouri and cruises to Alaska.

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REXBURG — The Homestead Senior Living community recently hosted a lively and unique event that brought residents together in a culinary adventure like no other. With the aim of spicing up their routines, residents indulged in a delicious array of exotic foods, showcasing the facility’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and engaging environment for its senior residents.

The event, aptly named “Taste of the Wild,” transformed the dining room into a global food fest, where the residents had the opportunity to savor a diverse range of international cuisines, celebrating the richness of various cultures through food.

Homestead Senior Living’s Activity Director, Blake Jenkins, expressed excitement about the event, saying, “We believe in enhancing the quality of life for our residents by providing them with a variety of stimulating experiences. ‘Taste of the Wild’ was a perfect way to bring people together and try some new and exciting delicacies they haven’t tried before.”

The exotic food festival featured a smorgasbord of dishes from around the world, prepared by the Homesteads talented chefs. Residents were treated to delicacies such as ostrich, rattlesnake, sandhill crane, frog legs, alligator, pheasant, white tail deer, grouse, rabbit, antelope, and much more!

The tantalizing aromas of the exotic dishes created an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

The event was a resounding success, fostering a sense of community, camaraderie, and shared experiences among the senior residents. It also demonstrated that Homestead Senior Living is more than just a place to live; it’s a place to thrive and enjoy life.

Homestead Senior Living is known for its commitment to providing residents with engaging and enriching experiences that go beyond traditional senior living. The “Taste of the Wild” event is just one of many examples of the community’s dedication to making life enjoyable for its residents.

As the event concluded, residents left with full bellies, warm memories, and a renewed appreciation for the diversity within their community. The “Taste of the Wild” event not only satisfied their culinary curiosity but also nourished their sense of togetherness, ensuring that life at Homestead Senior Living continues to be a flavorful and fulfilling experience.

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REXBURG — As the vibrant autumn leaves painted the Teton Valley in a mesmerizing tapestry of red, orange, and gold, the residents of The Homestead Assisted Living were treated to an exhilarating adventure they will cherish forever.

The senior living community, known for its commitment to providing residents with unique experiences, organized a memorable ATV ride through the picturesque Teton Valley, bringing smiles, laughter and unforgettable memories to their residents.

The adventure took place on a crisp and sunny day, with the Teton Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop. A convoy of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) awaited the eager residents, with experienced guides ready to lead the way. Donning smiles of anticipation, the residents were welcomed aboard their vehicles.

Homestead Senior Living’s team of caregivers and staff was dedicated to ensuring that every resident had the chance to participate. Extra care and attention were provided to those with mobility challenges, ensuring that the adventure was accessible to everyone. While residents waited their turn for their ride, they were entertained in the cabin with comfort, food, music, and games.

As the convoy revved their engines, the excitement in the air was palpable. The ATVs rumbled through the rolling hills, along winding trails, and through vibrant groves of aspen and cottonwood trees, providing the residents with a front-row seat to the stunning fall foliage. The crisp mountain air, the scent of pine trees, and the sound of laughter filled the surroundings as the seniors embraced the thrill of the ride.

Residents couldn’t hide their enthusiasm, saying, “I never thought I’d get to ride an ATV again, but this was incredible! The colors, these comrades, and the wind in my hair… it was a dream come true.”

The ride also included stops at scenic viewpoints where residents could take in the sweeping vistas
of the Teton Valley. It was an opportunity for residents to bond, share stories, and forge new
connections with their fellow adventurers.

The ATV ride was a testament to the dedication and creativity of the Homestead Senior Living in providing its residents with vibrant and memorable experiences. This adventure will undoubtedly remain etched in the hearts of the participants, serving as a reminder that age should never be a barrier to embracing life to the fullest.

Homestead Senior Living continues to prove that their commitment to enhancing the lives of their residents goes beyond providing exceptional care; it’s about creating moments of joy, adventure, and celebration that seniors will carry with them as treasured memories.

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