Community Village

Senior Assisted Living

Updates

Grateful for Caregivers

In the quiet moments of each day, there are those whose hearts and hands make all the difference—those who care for our loved ones in ways both big and small. To the caregivers of Community Village, your compassion is a light that brightens the path for so many, offering not just physical care, but a sense of dignity and belonging. You provide more than assistance; you offer kindness, patience, and a deep understanding of what it means to make someone feel seen and valued. In your unwavering dedication, you remind us all that the greatest gift we can give is love in action, and for that, we are forever grateful.

If you listen for very long, you’ll hear the deep love pulsing through our team of caregivers.

Avoid the Grandparent Scam

Grandparent Scam

Our family and friends who are 60+ are undeniably a primary target for scammers. Besides being more trusting, they tend to be less tech-savvy and have more resources that a scammer wants to access.

“Americans over the age of 60 lost $1.7 billion to fraud in 2020 — the highest loss amount reported out of any age group.” (Source: FBI’s latest Internet Crime Report)

The Grandparent Scam

A scammer will contact someone with a grandchild. Then the grandparent is told their grandchild was in an accident and are fine. But there’s been a mix-up! The grandchild is in jail and needs bail money sent right away. The scammer will even offer to put the grandchild on the phone for a brief conversation with you. And it’s incredible how easily our brain can trick us to thinking the person sounds like our grandchild!

How to Avoid the Grandparent Scam

  1. Pause. Scammers make it sound extremely urgent that you act immediately.
  2. Ask. Ask the caller/texter for their name, their phone number, and a physical address. If they will not give this to you, ignore them. In an actual emergency, the caller will provide this information.
  3. Hang up. Take a deep breath, collect your thoughts, and remember that there may be no emergency with your loved one!
  4. Call. Do not call the number they provided; instead, look up the phone number for the police station they referenced and call the station directly. Tell them your situation. If the story is real, they will confirm this for you or give you information on how to confirm.

Of course there are numerous variations of this scam, but the process you should follow to protect yourself is much the same. If you are contacted by someone you do not know and the person makes it difficult or impossible to confirm what they’re telling you… it’s a scam! 

Although scamming cases are at an all-time high, we want to help you avoid scams! Protect yourself, your resources, and your identity!

Report fraud: ReportFraud.ftc.gov

It Felt Like Jesus Visited Us

Noting the focus of Saginaw’s New Life Church, you quickly learn that they consider their church more than a building. To quote their website: New Life is a church that shows God’s love by serving Saginaw.

Through the years, people from New Life have participated in dozens of ventures to enhance the quality of life for Community Village residents and contributed to the attractiveness of the facility including painting resident rooms and hallways and major landscaping projects. Their 2023 “Operation Serve” provided exterior cleaning in preparation for painting the entire facility’s facia. Striving for excellence in the project, they hired professional tree trimmers to remove unattractive trees and bushes that helped highlight the beauty of their hard work. They even plan to return to clean windows sometime soon!

Robin Rappley, Administrator of Community Village, expressed appreciation for New Life and noted their efforts not only lifted the spirits of residents and staff but exemplified the mission of Community Village. “We provide care for many seniors unable to afford other assisted living options. The people from New Life have reminded us of the love we want to demonstrate as we serve residents every day”.

If you or your church/organization are the kind of people who like to help our community, let us know here! Thank you!

Meet New Administrator, Robin Rappley

Sometime before first-shift staff arrives and third-shift leaves, Robin Rappley can often be found roaming the resident hallways, greeting early risers with a warm “good morning” and even a hug… not necessarily part of her job description, but one of her favorite things to do!

Having worked with Community Village residents as a home care nurse years ago, Robin transitioned into the role of administrator for Community Village in November 2022. Combining her experience in nursing, home care, mental health, and adult foster care – along with her education (Bachelors in Psychology, Masters in Business) – Robin continues the mission of Community Village to provide excellent service and care to residents.

“I love getting to know residents and their families, hearing their stories on how they came to Community Village, being able to celebrate holidays and special days with them. Every day is its own treasure because I learn something new about a resident or hear a new story.”

We’re always looking to improve!

Robin leads monthly staff meetings that often focus on the type of care we want to provide, staying up-to-date on care standards. Her goal is to incorporate more training on medications and side effects, on dementia, on active-shooter situations, and more.

New Activities Director Michele Covert starts each morning with a devotional for residents, leads an exercise class, and has added some new activities each week. Resident favorites: table games, crafts, ring toss, bowling, and – best of all – snowball fights all winter long that brought out the kid in residents… and in staff! Michele is careful to plan activities for every level of ability and resident interest.

“We’re finding that residents want to leave their rooms and head to the activity center a whole hour before Bingo starts… just so they don’t miss any part of the activity!” Following a great tradition started a few years ago, once a month, Michele plans a family night for residents to enjoy an activity together with their family.

Covid took a toll on Community Village residents and their families. How are they recovering?

“They’re enjoying having visitors come to our facility once again, whether its family, or home care agencies, volunteers or entertainers we bring in. Of course, we’re all looking forward to the nice weather when we can enjoy going outside again and maybe go on some short trips in the van.”

What do you think makes Community Village different from other assisted living facilities?

“I want us to feel like one big happy family. I don’t hire bodies… I’m not looking for bodies. I’m always looking for people who love working with the elderly, who have some experience, who are willing to learn… and don’t just see this as a job. I want them to come here because they love our people. We love our residents… and we’re a team. This is what sets us apart!”

How can Robin help you?

Dementia Support Group

If you have a friend or family member experiencing decline from dementia, join us each month for encouragement, practical tools, and connection with others who can relate. You don’t need to be the caregiver, you just need to care… and we know you already do!

When: Second Thursday of each month (2-3 pm)
Where: Community Village • 3200 Hospital Road • Saginaw, MI 48603
Questions? Call: (989) 792-5442 or email the Facilitator