Community Village

Senior Assisted Living

Updates

A Winning Combination

Pentra Trevino. She loves it when you can pronounce her name with all the beauty intended in the Spanish dialect. This mother of eight always enjoys visitors to her Community Village home. Like most of our families these days, her children are scattered from Saginaw to San Antonio. When Pentra lost her husband, she came to the conclusion she needed a home she could afford on her Social Security budget and one that met her various physical needs. Her answer came in two parts: Great Lakes PACE meets her health/medical needs and Community Village meets her needs for a safe home, nutritious meals, 24/7 assistance, and a friendly community.

Pentra fondly recalls days she used to play football with her children and go fishing on occasion. Many of those early days, though, were spent working together in sugar beet fields.

Today, life is a lot more enjoyable with activities like big ball kickball and BINGO. Pentra tells how she really appreciates the care she receives at Community Village and at Great Lakes PACE. She highly recommends combining the two programs to affordably address all the needs of someone advancing in years.

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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

Community Village Makes Life Twice As Nice

The brothers agree: sharing life together is the one thing they hope to enjoy for many years.

Monte and Mark were born and raised in Saginaw County. However, after their parents died, life took them on separate paths and they rarely saw each other during the intervening 25 years.

Monte moved to Community Village in 2019 and this year Mark’s guardian, noting the way Monte thrived, made arrangements for Mark to share a room with his brother.

The two men are inseparable and have surprisingly similar affinities for activities, friends, and even favorite meals. They quickly agree that Irma, Chantell, Kim and Sabrina are their favorite caregivers. Monte enjoys a daily game of “Sorry” with another resident, but both Mark and Monte like playing BINGO and enjoying a weekly movie with popcorn. They agree that their favorite meals are chicken quesadillas, spaghetti, and tacos.

Where Every Day Is Treated Like Independence Day!

Independence at Community Village Assisted Living
Pat discovered that she loves her home at Community Village.

When she moved into Community Village in 2016, Pat was not enthused about needing assisted living as a relatively young person. Yet she now readily appreciates Community Village and how the staff desires her independence and freedom just as much as she does. “Sure, there was a time when I had full mobility. I used to manage the housekeeping staff for a nursing home, but today I’m happy with the independence I have here. The Great Lakes PACE program addresses all of my health needs as I see a physician whenever I need and they coordinate my medications and daily care needs with Community Village staff. I’m free to participate in activities, take advantage of the paved walking path, enjoy some reading time, talk on the phone with my sister, and basically enjoy life.”

We love enjoying life with you, Pat!