We are thrilled to “shine a light” on an organization that does so much for the Des Moines community. Their reach and impact is substantial to say the least! As the region's largest provider of health and well-being services for older adults, WesleyLife's vision to be the most dynamic and inclusive champion to revolutionize the experience of aging drives everything they do. Their comprehensive network of services is designed to support older adults in remaining independent and active, wherever they choose to live ... and to create opportunities for residents, clients, and team members to pursue joy!
Big life changes are tough and can be hard to navigate. How does WesleyLife help their residents through life’s challenges?
No matter what stage a person is living though, we believe opportunities abound, and that the services we offer can help people live more purposefully, meaningfully, and joyfully. We work to provide:
Social support and companionship. Isolation can be a significant challenge for older adults. Community living, such as independent or assisted living, offers opportunities for social interaction with peers, which can help combat loneliness and enhance well-being. Group activities, outings, and community events foster a sense of belonging and connection. For those who choose to remain living at home as they age, support from WesleyLife’s broad network of at-home services can fulfill a similar function. For instance, WesleyLife Meals on Wheels provides not only much-needed nutritional sustenance, but well-being checks to help combat
isolation, encourage holistic wellness, and help ensure peace of mind. In addition, WellAhead, our program for people who plan to remain living at home as they age, offers not only health and well-being opportunities, but ways to plan financially for future health needs.
Health-care assistance. WesleyLife’s 10 communities for healthy living, which span the state of Iowa, and broad network of at-home services provide access to health-care professionals, including nurses, doctors, and aides, to help ensure older adults receive timely medical attention, whether it’s routine care or assistance with chronic conditions. In addition, our short-term rehabilitation services and home health visits are designed to help people regain strength after illness or surgery.
Personalized support. For older adults who need support with activities of daily living, assisted living offers independence with assistance as needed. For those living with memory challenges, specialized memory care and support households in our communities offer safety and support in an overarching structure of person-directed living and recognizing value in all stages of life.
Encouragement of holistic wellness. Our emphasis on health and well-being provides a focus on emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual wellness, promoting a sense of purpose and reduction of stress. Nutrition is a major component of well-being, and Meals on Wheels as well as a healthy nutritional focus in our communities shine a spotlight on the need to eat healthily. In
addition, our Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm on the WesleyLife Meals on Wheels campus grows greens to augment meals for clients, residents, and the public.
Financial support and peace of mind via WesleyLife Foundation. Thanks to our WesleyLife promise, residents in WesleyLife communities who deplete their resources through no fault of their own — via catastrophic illness, for example — will not be asked to leave their homes with us. The promise is supported through generous donations to dedicated funds at each of our communities. In addition, funding is available to help support clients who cannot easily afford our WesleyLife at Home services, including Meals on Wheels and public health care and non-medical services.
Iowa Stage Theatre Company strives to build community here in Des Moines. How does WesleyLife foster a sense of community and belonging among residents?
WesleyLife believes that creating experiences where people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives are accepted and valued makes a positive impact on each person’s health and well-being. Being included and genuinely seen, heard, and respected creates a sense of community and belonging. Embracing diversity and engaging input from many perspectives enhances our collective strength, fosters innovation, and creates conditions which promote the opportunity to pursue joy. Our commitment to inclusion extends to our team members, residents, clients, and partners. WesleyLife remains a place where everyone can feel welcome and empowered to thrive! Here are a few ways we make that happen.
Social programming. Our communities and services offer a range of organized programming to provide opportunities for residents to connect with one another over shared interests.
Design intentionality. On our campuses, communal spaces like gathering rooms, lounges, dining areas, gardens and outdoor features, and wellness centers encourage organic camaraderie and connection.
Peer support and social networks. Our services and communities cultivate a culture of mutual support in which residents and clients connect with and care for one another in times of joy as well as hardship. Peer support groups and mentorship programs also encourage connection and foster a sense of belonging.
Volunteer and service opportunities. WesleyLife offers myriad opportunities for residents to volunteer or help others, whether on our campuses or in the larger communities in which our campuses are located. Older adults typically often have much to offer in terms of time and treasure, and engaging for the benefit of others can enhance a life-enriching sense of purpose.
Intergenerational programming. We create programming designed to encourage meaningful connections across generations, helping to combat feelings of isolation, increase a sense of belonging, and even boost brain health.
A seat at the table. WesleyLife’s commitment to person-directed living encourages residents in our communities to be part of leadership groups that help shape the campus. Inclusion in decision-making processes reinforces residents; importance to the way the community functions.
Well-being programming. Physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual wellness programs help encourage connection while enhancing a person’s involvement in the world around them, enhances feelings of belonging and joy, and can even affect longevity.
Grand Horizons has a theme of finding your joy at any age. Nancy’s husband Bill discovers a new interest in comedy! How does WesleyLife help residents in discovering new passions and interests?
WesleyLife plays an important role in helping residents, clients, and team members discover new passions and interests by providing programming, support, and opportunities for engagement. Here are some examples.
Variety of activities and classes. Our communities offer diverse programming, from art classes to cooking, gardening, fitness, music, and even technology classes. These programs give individuals the chance to try new things in a supportive environment.
Group outings and excursions. Organized trips to museums, parks, local events, or even travel opportunities can spark new interests. These outings can provide a chance to explore things that might not have been on residents radar before.
Social connections. Through social clubs or organized meetings (book clubs, discussion groups, or hobby groups), residents and clients can connect with others with similar interests, which can inspire them to take up new activities or revisit old hobbies with a fresh perspective.
Fitness and well-being programs: Exercise classes and programs such as yoga, tai chi, and dance can improve physical health while also introducing residents to new ways to stay active. These programs can often lead to other passions around health and well-being. In addition, programming such as Rock Steady Boxing, a national curriculum for those living with Parkinson’s disease, can ease symptoms and improve quality of life.
Volunteer and service opportunities: WesleyLife offers residents and clients ways to become involved in charitable causes or community service, helping them feel a sense of purpose and connection to the world around them.
Life enrichment team members: Communities employ life enrichment coordinators who are responsible for creating tailored experiences that align with each person's preferences and help them discover new areas of interest.
Access to learning resources: Residents can access lifelong learning platforms, guest speakers, and seminars that explore a wide range of topics, helping them stay mentally engaged and curious.
One of our main characters, Nancy, finds purpose through volunteering. What volunteer opportunities does WesleyLife have?
Whether you want to work directly with our residents and clients or help keep our programs running smoothly behind the scenes, we offer myriad ways to serve. Explore options below and sign up to get started!
WesleyLife Meals on Wheels: Deliver lunch as a volunteer driver, volunteer in the hydroponic farm, or brighten the life of a participant by calling to say a quick & "hello."
WesleyLife Hospice: Work with clients and their families, assist the hospice team in the office, or help support our music therapy and pet therapy programs.
Community Volunteers: Assist with activities and events on one of our campuses, creating opportunities for residents to pursue joy.
Learn about all WesleyLife’s volunteer opportunities here.