Nazareth Home Partners with the University of Louisville to Bring Music Therapy to Residents

Since early this year, Nazareth Home has been partnering with the University of Louisville to bring music therapy to their Highlands campus.

The heartwarming program was brought to fruition by UofL Music Therapist Jessica Rushing, who has been with the university for three years. Rushing was eager to reach out to seniors during a time when so many remain isolated.

The result of this new partnership was a virtual music therapy program that benefited elders and music therapy students alike.

“Offering the UofL music therapy program virtually has been a blessing to the elders. In response to COVID-19, we had to become innovative in how we offer services and activities from outside organizations,” said Activities Assistant Sarah Coode. “While in-person programs can’t be replaced, this virtual option is still very effective in reducing social isolation and improving the mood of elders.”

Most student clinical sites have had increased regulations, and many have had to pause on clinics altogether. By virtually working with the elders at Nazareth Home, UofL’s music therapy students could make an impact while still completing their clinics via video chat.

Rushing says that music is a health resource that individuals need access to at all stages of life and abilities. Musical therapists are unique because they are trained in both the art of music and in the health implications that experiencing music and engaging in it with others can have.

“Music elevates the mood, life associations, and makes accessing memories easier,” Rushing said. “One of the most exciting elements of this program for us, and those at Nazareth Home, was seeing elders suffering from nonverbal conditions becoming engaged enough with the music that they were encouraging others in their community to take a more active role in the program.”

“This year has been difficult for all of us, but there are few who have had a harder time than seniors experiencing heightened isolation during the pandemic. My students and I are so honored that we were able to work with these residents in a meaningful way and give something back during this unprecedented year,” Rushing said.

At Nazareth Home, we are proud to partner with organizations that help us enhance our person-centered approach and innovative focus. Providing programs and activities to enrich the quality of life of those living at Nazareth Home, even if they are virtual, is imperative to creating a nurturing and inviting home that provides top-notch care.

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April 12, 2021September 20, 2021

Nazareth Home to host farmers market at Highlands campus

Nazareth Home to participate in Give for Good Louisville

Nazareth Home Highlands is hosting an outdoor farmers market for residents, staff and the local community. The market will be located at the front entrance of the Highlands campus, 2000 Newburg Rd., on Thursday, April 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Farmers Market will include food, farm-fresh goods and handmade items for sale, and live music by Doug Pinson. Vendors include:

- - Ms. Tracey’s Sewing Emporium
  - Crafts by Janet
  - L&R Homemade Jewelry
  - Flying Leap Farms
  - Royal Couture Treats
  - Beth Fowle
  - Georgia Sweet Potato Pie Company
  - All Thai’d Up
  - Super Food Veda
  - Jackson’s Produce Market Helper

“We are excited to provide residents, staff and the community the opportunity to purchase fresh produce and hand-crafted items and at the same time support local farms and other area vendors,” said Director of Development Roberta Steutermann. “This event is a fun way to engage with the local community in a safe and convenient way.”

Nazareth Home follows CDC guidelines and requires everyone to wear masks and social distance.

For more information, contact Roberta Steutermanni at (502) 473-2375 or rsteutermann@nazhome.org. Rain date is scheduled for April 22.

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March 24, 2021March 26, 2021

Residents at Nazareth Home in Louisville, Ky., enjoy meals donated from their local KFC, as part of KFC’s donation of one million pieces of chicken to seniors across the country who have been increasingly isolated during the past year.

Daughters Hug Mom in Nursing Home for the First Time Since Pandemic Began: "I've Lived for This Day"

Source: Messenger-Inquirer
By KFC
March 24, 2021

Click here to view article

Residents at Nazareth Home in Louisville, Ky., enjoy meals donated from their local KFC, as part of KFC’s donation of one million pieces of chicken to seniors across the country who have been increasingly isolated during the past year.

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March 24, 2021March 26, 2021

Why These Louisville Nursing Home Residents Are Painting Rocks in March

Daughters Hug Mom in Nursing Home for the First Time Since Pandemic Began: "I've Lived for This Day"

Source: Spectrum News 1
By Eileen Street
March 24, 2021

Click here to view article

Throughout the month of March, residents at Nazareth Home Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Louisville are painting rocks with positive messages as a way to connect with the community.

During the pandemic, residents were isolated from the outside community at-large, so this is a way to reach out to the community who has also gone through a difficult time in an effort to connect in a positive way and spread hope.

“Because we’ve gone through some pretty hard times being isolated,” said one of the Nazareth Home Highland residents, Bobbie Chance.

The residents start with a blank rock but soon they paint the canvas with vibrant colors and then write a scripture or positive message on it, such as “hope,” “love,” or “peace.”

“It’s just simple little things that you can say that makes a difference in people’s lives,” Chance told Spectrum News 1.

Nazareth Home Highland’s Activities Director, Julie Cane, said residents on their campus have painted over 150 rocks, so far. Once they are finished, the rocks are hidden around Louisville, such as in public parks.

“So parks are a big place, but they are all kind of going to be throughout the community, and you never know where you’re going to find one,” Cane said.

Cane said many of the elders have found the pandemic difficult.

“You know they are doers. They are helpers. They have reached out into the community. They are priests, and sisters, and parents, and they’ve done things for others their whole lives,” Cane said. “For them, during this difficult time of isolation, it was a great project for them to feel like they were doing something that could put a smile on somebody’s face.”

Marilyn Allen is another Nazareth Home Highland’s resident who told Spectrum News 1 she has painted about five rocks. She said her favorite part is selecting the passages to paint on them.

“I think it’s impressed people. It’s made them think. And what we were going through at the time, they needed to have some positive thinking,” Allen said.

Chance said if someone picks up her rock, she wants the person to know that there is someone with similar feelings.

“And they want you to feel that there is light at the end of the tunnel because there certainly is…it’s hopeful,” Chance said. “We’re all connected, and we all need to help each other, and this is our way of trying to give support. So as we give support, we are getting it from them.”

If you live or visit Louisville and find a rock, the elders want you to take a selfie with it and post it to the Nazareth Home Facebook page and use #NAZHOMEROCKS. Nazareth Home said people can then keep the rock or hide it in another place for someone else to find.

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March 22, 2021March 26, 2021

86-year-old COVID-19 survivor reunites with wife after spending a year apart

Source: WDRB
By Kristen Shanahan
March 20, 2021

Click here to view article

For the first time in a year, long-term care residents are getting to reconnect with their loved ones in person.

Denny Moorman lives at Nazareth Home in Louisville, where his wife, Ann, would visit him at least four times a week before the pandemic hit.

“When COVID hit, it was quite awhile before, you know, if there were any COVID cases here we couldn’t, but the window visits started and we did come as often as we could, which was just once a week,” Ann said.

The Louisville couple has been married for 56 years. Their love story has taken them around the world and given them five kids and 10 grandchildren.

“He’s always been my anchor and our kids are our heroes, and religion is a big part in our life,” Ann said.

The two said it’s faith and support that got them through a year of being physically away from each other.

“It was very unsettling,” she said.

Months into the pandemic her husband, Denny, got sick with COVID-19. For more than a month, he battled the virus in the hospital with virtual calls from his family.

“But he’s been taken very well care of,” his wife said. “I just can’t imagine at 86 that he survived.”

Reflecting back on memories with his family, Denny fought through and just recently had a special reunion with his wife. For the first time in a year, he finally got to sit next to her again.

“It was wonderful, because we couldn’t touch,” Ann said. “I just wanted to take his hand and I couldn’t give him a hug, give him a kiss.”

“Yeah she was all over me,” Denny said as they both laughed.

It’s another story the two fully vaccinated love birds now have to share.

“We have so many blessings. We are so grateful,” Ann said.

The couple says they are now looking forward to the day when they can eat at one of their favorite restaurants together again.

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March 20, 2021March 22, 2021

Daughters Hug Mom in Nursing Home for the First Time Since Pandemic Began: “I’ve Lived for This Day”

Daughters Hug Mom in Nursing Home for the First Time Since Pandemic Began: "I've Lived for This Day"

Source: Spectrum News 1
By Eileen Street
March 20, 2021

Click here to view article

Just over a week ago, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services gave updated guidance that allows indoor visitation at nursing homes, except for a few circumstances. Following that guidance, Nazareth Home Nursing & Rehabilitation Center started allowing in-person visits in residents’ rooms for the first time since COVID-19 forced shutdowns more than a year ago.

Two visitors Saturday at Nazareth Home’s Highland location were Mary Finnegan and Ann Ingram. The two sisters came to visit their mother Marilyn Allen for the first time in her room.

“I’m just thrilled to be able to see her in her room besides behind a glass door [or] on a Skype,” said Finnegan while waiting for her sister to go through the mostly touchless check-in process, which includes a temperature check.

Ingram reunited with her mother about a month ago but it was from a distance, sitting at a long table. Saturday was the first time Finnegan got to see her mother in person, without a window between them, since the pandemic began.

As soon as they walked into their mother’s room, the two took turns giving their mom a hug. Those hugs were the first ones they were able to have with each other since the pandemic began.

“When she first started here, it was like three weeks before the pandemic hit and not only did she have to give up her independence, but she also had to live through the isolation. So it was really hard, you know, for all of us in the family,” Finnegan said.

Following the facility’s visitation guidelines, their time together was only 45 minutes, but for Allen it was priceless.

“I mean I’ve lived for this day. I really have. That’s what kept you going, is that it wouldn’t last forever,” Allen told Spectrum News 1.

The 88-year-old said faith and family is what kept her going during a time that caused her to miss out on events, such as seeing new great grandchildren born. She kept in touch via virtual visits, phone calls, and window visits, but nothing replaces meeting face-to-face and being able to hug after a year of waiting.

“It’s just great to be able to see her in person and to come to her room. That’s the most important thing because, you know, family is everything,” Finnegan said.

Allen said the hugs made it feel like old times.

“It felt like the year’s gone. Now, there’s just the future,” Allen said.

All visitors to Nazareth Home need an appointment prior. With six children, 20 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren, with another grandchild on the way, Allen is expected to have plenty of visitors to keep her busy.

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March 19, 2021March 22, 2021

Loved ones reunite as senior living communities, nursing homes welcome back visitors

Daughters Hug Mom in Nursing Home for the First Time Since Pandemic Began: "I've Lived for This Day"

Source: WHAS11
By Dennis Ting
March 18, 2021

Click here to view article

For more than half a year, Ellen Sears has not been able to see her mother in person.

“I was counting back,” she said. “I believe it’s been about six or seven months.”

Sears’ mother, Claire Stanley, has been a resident at Nazareth Home in Clifton for several years. Last March, the senior living community closed its doors at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, which disproportionately affected many nursing homes and assisted living communities.

“March 8, I believe, I actually got off a plane around midnight and by the next morning, I would have come to visit her because I had been out of town and the nursing home was already shut off to visitors,” Sears said.

While she was not allowed to go inside the facility for months, Sears said she continued staying in touch with her mother, who turned 97 last June.

“We tried FaceTime a couple of times. Technology is not for her. We were able to do a window visit one time,” she said. “Her mode of communication, her preferred one is actually letter writing. So I would drop off notes every week, notes and pictures.”

Sears and her brother were able to visit Stanley in person in August and September, but once coronavirus cases started increasing again, they were shut out once more.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversee facilities like Nazareth Home, issued updated guidance earlier this month that allowed “responsible indoor visitation” at their facilities for all residents regardless of the vaccination status of the residents and visitors.

Certain exceptions are for:

- Unvaccinated residents if the COVID-19 positivity rate is greater than 10% and less than 70% of the residents are fully vaccinated
- Residents with confirmed COVID-19 cases, whether they are vaccinated or unvaccinated
- Residents in quarantine, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated

Nazareth Home began allowing visitors this week. According to Roberta Steutermann, the director of development at Nazareth Home, people must schedule appointments to visit their loved ones. Once they arrive, they must fill out a form inquiring about recent symptoms or contact with COVID-19 and must have their temperature taken.

Everyone is required to wear a face covering at all times and the facilities have masks and face shields available for those who need them.

“When I think of what this past year has been, it’s a small part of my life. It’s really a smaller part of my mother’s life,” Sears said. “We can make it and we can do it.”

“I think you live where you are at the moment,” Stanley said. “You just shape up to it.”

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March 17, 2021March 17, 2021

Nazareth Home residents paint rocks and spread hope

Source: The Record
By Ruby Thomas
March 15, 2021

Click here to view article

A boy held up a “Scripture rock” he found while playing in Seneca Park in early March. The rocks, painted by residents of Nazareth Home, have been scattered around town. (Photo Special to The Record)

Elderly residents of Nazareth Home’s Highland and Clifton campuses are letting their creativity flow out into the community as a way of spreading hope during the pandemic.

The residents have been painting colorful “Scripture rocks” which are hidden around town and as far as Oldham and Meade counties for individuals to find.

“The whole goal was to put a smile on the face of our residents and remind the community that Nazareth Home is still active,” said Roberta Steutermann, development director of Nazareth Home.

They also see it as a chance to spread hope to others during the pandemic, she noted.

“One of our residents at Clifton said it was an ‘opportunity to provide God’s hope to the community,’ ” Steutermann said in a recent interview.

Steutermann, who joined the staff at Nazareth Home last summer, said she had a different perspective of life in the pandemic before meeting the residents. She said she was “humbled” by the way they handled the lockdown.

A year ago, visitation to long-term care facilities was restricted except in situations where sick residents needed special medical or emotional care. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid announced March 10 that visits to nursing homes may now resume with certain safety guidelines, such as face coverings.

“There’s an increasing sense of peace among them. They’ve had an attitude of ‘this too shall pass … it’s part of God’s plan and we’ll be okay,’ ” said Steuterman. “It has helped the staff to find peace and do what we do every day. It’s been remarkable how strong they are in their resolve for hope and peace.”

Now they are hoping to spread that hope and peace to others.

A resident of Nazareth Home painted a rock in early March. The residents have been painting “Scripture rocks,” which are left in various places throughout the community for individuals to find. (Photo Special to The Record)

Nazareth Home is asking those who find the rocks to take a picture and post it on the home’s Facebook page.

Steutermann, said to the delight of the residents, they’ve heard back from a few individuals who’ve found rocks. A woman hiking on Buttermilk Falls Trail, near Brandenburg, Ky., came across a colorful rock left in a hollow of a tree trunk. A grandmother and her young grandson picked up a blue rock with the message ‘I’m praying for you!’ on the playground in Seneca Park.

“They are excited when the rocks are found,” Steutermann said. “We’re bringing smiles to the elders and people in the community.”

Steutermann said Nazareth Home has always been an active part of the Louisville community. Before the pandemic, Mass at the chapel on the Highlands campus was open to the community.

“They thought of us as their church. We hope to see that come back to life, but for now, this is what we can do. The residents want people to know they are still here and doing great,” she said. The project will continue through the month of March and residents hope to paint and scatter about 100 rocks.

The project has helped some discover their creativity but might have the added benefit of helping them through difficult times.

Lisa Stacy, who serves as activities director at Nazareth Home and came up with the project, said art can help individuals get through hard times. She uses art therapy in many of her activities at the home, she noted.

“Working with art helps,” said Stacy. “They’ve been stuck in their rooms and this is an opportunity to help them feel happiness. One resident said, it ‘made my heart warm to be able to do this.’ ”

In the future, Nazareth Home plans to use art therapy to help residents process what they’ve been through during the pandemic, said Steutermann.

If you find one of these rocks, post a photo to the Nazareth Home Facebook page — https://www.facebook.com/NazarethHomes — and tell the residents where you found it.

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March 9, 2021March 17, 2021

Looking for hope? These elders are hiding painted rocks with messages of hope around city

Source: Courier-Journal
By Andre Toran
March 8, 2021

Click here to view article

Donna Heicken couldn’t paint the rock like the others.

She couldn’t hold the paintbrush or feel its paint-drenched bristles freely gliding across the rock’s surface, but that didn’t stop her commitment to her artwork as she instructed a staff member at the Nazareth Home to paint out her vision on the stone.

Her message, simply: Have a great day.

“Particularly this year we need a lot of hope,” Heicken, 72, said. “And I just felt like my rock was a good representation that better times are coming.”

With every brushstroke, senior citizens like Heicken at the Nazareth Home Highlands and Clifton campuses — two senior-living facilities in Louisville — paint with the intention of getting closer to the community they love.

After months of being separated from family and friends due to COVID-19 precautions taken in long-term homes for the elderly, residents at the Nazareth homes are using the month of March to paint “scripture rocks” to reconnect with the community.

Each rock painted will have a short bible scripture or words of encouragement on them and are being placed in parks and public spaces across Louisville as a way to spread joy and hope during tough times.

“Our elders haven’t been able to connect to the outside world,” said Roberta Steutermann, Nazareth Home director of development. “We’ve been in lockdown like everyone else, but this is a facility that believes in ministry and mission. … And not being able to connect to the communities for the last year has been tough.”

Nazareth Home is asking the community to actively search for the rocks and to take a selfie and post the photo with the location of the rock was found on the Nazareth Home Facebook page.

The idea for Nazareth Home to re-connect with the Louisville community was fueled by the Clifton campus’ activities director Lisa Stacy, Steutermann said.

Stacy, who has a background in art and art therapy, approached Nazareth Home leadership with the idea after finding a rock with an inspiring message on it herself that someone left in the community in December.

Now, she is leading senior citizens in the craft as a way to pay it forward. A Catholic facility, the home believes Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, is the opportune time to hand-paint the uplifting messages, and leave them for people to find in areas around the community.

Steutermann has been with the home since July and has watched how the pandemic has had an impact on the facilities, its residents and the outside world. And with the home on lockdown, taking precautions to keep its high-risk residents safe, she was surprised by the hope many ofthe elders possessed and shared, which falls in line with the spirit of Lent.

While the rest of the world mourns the loss of our normalcy, the elders’ perspective “has been one of hope and calm and reminding us that ‘this too shall pass,'” Steutermann said.

“Hope” has been the word that defines the journey through COVID-19 for the Nazareth Home, and that’s the sentiment it aims to share with the world outside its doors, Steutermann told the Courier Journal.

That’s what the smooth, black rock she holds in her hand says. Hope, written in yellow letters outlined with pink and speckle dots of paint. It reminds her of the resiliency of the elders, what the elders aspire to accomplish with each rock found and the people the elders have so much they still want to share with.

“As people get older, we think they have less to give and less to share,” Steutermann said. “And what I can tell you from being here at Nazareth Home is that’s completely untrue. These elders have so much to give. … And they are so excited to provide this little bit of hope to someone out in the community.”

Contact Andre Toran at atoran@gannett.com or follow on Twitter @andretoran.

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March 7, 2021March 9, 2021

Nazareth Homes connects with community through painted rocks

Source: WDRB
By Kate Springer
March 7, 2021

Click here to view article

Throughout the month of March, residents at the Nazareth Homes are painting “scripture rocks” to leave in parks and public spaces across downtown Louisville as a fun way to spread happiness and connect with the community.

It’s been a tough year for residents at the Nazareth Homes with lock downs, no visitors, and isolation. But now they’ve found a way to connect with the community from afar, a way that rocks.

With a steady hand and a paintbrush dipped in bright yellow, Sister Mary Lee Hansen works quickly transforming a dull gray stone into a vibrant work of art with an inspirational message for all to see.

“I believe that all of us could use a little bit of hope and so the Lord, all we have to do is ask the Lord to give us hope,” said Sister Mary Lee.

Throughout the month of March, residents at the Nazareth Homes are painting “scripture rocks” to leave in parks and public spaces across downtown Louisville as a fun way to spread happiness and connect with the community. The painted rocks are a bright spot in an otherwise dark year.

“So many have been sick. We’ve lost some people and regardless of where we are in life we’re grateful,” said Sister Mary Lee.

The community is invited to search for the rocks, and then take a selfie with it and post the photo to the Nazareth Home Facebook page with the location the rock was found. The person can then keep the rock or re-hide it in another place for someone else to find.

Since the start of the pandemic, the nursing home has been locked down, leaving residents in isolation, away from their loved ones. This is a way to connect with others from a safe distance.

“We’re doing all we can here to keep them connected virtually and through window visits but this has been hard. And this is a tangible way for people to remember that the Nazareth Home is still here,” said Roberta Steutermann with Nazareth Homes.

The elders have jumped at the chance to show off their creative side. Sister Martha Showalter wasn’t too confident in her artistic abilities, but ended up with a masterpiece.

“It gives me a joy that reflects what’s in my heart,” said Sister Martha. “It’s a joy to be able to express yourself in something beautiful.”

A colorful connection to the community, sparking joy, one simple stone at a time.

“With the rocks when somebody reads it hopefully their heart will be moved and they’ll see just how precious they are,” said Sister Mary Lee.

Start looking for the rocks on Monday, March 8. That’s when they’ll be placed around the city. And if you find one, make sure you take a picture and tag Nazareth Homes on Facebook so the residents can see their creations.

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Author: Nazareth Home

Nazareth Home Partners with the University of Louisville to Bring Music Therapy to Residents

Nazareth Home Partners with the University of Louisville to Bring Music Therapy to Residents

Nazareth Home to host farmers market at Highlands campus

Nazareth Home to participate in Give for Good Louisville

Residents at Nazareth Home in Louisville, Ky., enjoy meals donated from their local KFC, as part of KFC’s donation of one million pieces of chicken to seniors across the country who have been increasingly isolated during the past year.

Daughters Hug Mom in Nursing Home for the First Time Since Pandemic Began: "I've Lived for This Day"

Why These Louisville Nursing Home Residents Are Painting Rocks in March

Daughters Hug Mom in Nursing Home for the First Time Since Pandemic Began: "I've Lived for This Day"

86-year-old COVID-19 survivor reunites with wife after spending a year apart

86-year-old COVID-19 survivor reunites with wife after spending a year apart

Daughters Hug Mom in Nursing Home for the First Time Since Pandemic Began: “I’ve Lived for This Day”

Daughters Hug Mom in Nursing Home for the First Time Since Pandemic Began: "I've Lived for This Day"

Loved ones reunite as senior living communities, nursing homes welcome back visitors

Daughters Hug Mom in Nursing Home for the First Time Since Pandemic Began: "I've Lived for This Day"

Nazareth Home residents paint rocks and spread hope

Nazareth Home residents paint rocks and spread hope

Looking for hope? These elders are hiding painted rocks with messages of hope around city

Looking for hope? These elders are hiding painted rocks with messages of hope around city

Nazareth Homes connects with community through painted rocks

Nazareth Homes connects with community through painted rocks

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