103-year-old woman and WINK News superfan celebrate birthday

Author

Discovery Corporate

Posted on

Sep 18, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

share-this
Share This

After a woman beat breast cancer at 90 years old, a devoted WINK News fan celebrated a special milestone on Thursday.

Elsie Lutz turned 103 years old. Lutz’s friends and staff at Discovery Commons celebrated the joyous celebration with a concert, balloons, and a glittered cake.

“I hope I’m appreciating everything everybody’s doing cuz they’re doing a lot. I never expected this. So it’s really something,” said Lutz.

And Lutz’s day wouldn’t be complete without getting her daily dose of WINK News.

“When you guys developed, she followed actually was diehard fan with Lois Thome,” Lutz said. “But yeah, she has been following you guys for as long as I know.”

After all, Lutz isn’t a stranger to the news business. She told WINK News she used to work for a newspaper company.

“She was so over the moon excited. And one bucket list item was for Elsie just to have her you know, moment of fame with her favorite team, which is WINK News,” said Jamie Johnston, the community’s senior living advisor.

Lutz isn’t just any 103-year-old woman, she’s a mother, grandmother and cancer survivor. After all her experience, Lutz explained that she doesn’t have a secret for beating the odds.

“I have no secret for that, because I just pray,” said Lutz.

“Senior Living is about living at your best. It’s not your last chapter. It’s your next and let’s make the best out of it. So celebrate every milestone big or small,” said Johnston.

And do so with balloons and cake.

Other Articles You May Like

Four Signs it May be Time to Consider Assisted Living for Your Senior Loved One

It's a difficult decision to make, but sometimes it becomes clear that our older loved ones need more care than we can provide at home. If you're struggling with the decision of whether or not to place your parent or spouse in an assisted living facility, this blog post is for you. Here are some signs that it might be time to start considering assisted living.1. Are simple activities becoming difficult?Assisted living facilities are designed to help seniors with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. If your loved one is struggling with any of these activities, it might be time to consider assisted living.2. Does your loved one have difficulty with living independently?Another sign that assisted living might be the best option is if your elderly loved one is having difficulty paying bills, getting around to run simple errands, or attending appointments. If getting from point A to point B has become a challenge, assisted living can help. Most facilities offer transportation services for their residents and have services on-site for a variety of needs. 3. Has there been a decline in your loved ones hygiene or appearance?Has your loved one started to neglect their personal hygiene? Are they no longer keeping up with their usual grooming routine? This could be a sign that they need assistance with activities like bathing and dressing.4. Are you noticing changes in mood or behavior?Sometimes changes in mood or behavior can be a sign of declining health. Has your usually cheerful loved one become withdrawn or depressed? Do they have sudden outbursts of anger? These changes could be indicative of a larger health issue that might be best addressed in an assisted living facility.Making the Decision TogetherOnce you have decided that assisted living is the best option, its important to involve your loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible. Let your Senior Care Authority advisor assess their care needs, explain the options, and schedule tours of places that best fit the needs of your family. Include your loved ones in the process as much as possible so they feel that they are part of the decision to choose the next place they will call home.  If possible, try not to wait too long as adaptive skills can decrease with the progression of age or cognitive decline.Finding the best senior living setting for your loved one can be an overwhelming task, but you dont have to go through it alone. The experts at Senior Care Authority are here to help! We offer a variety of services designed to help seniors live their best life possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your family. 

Patient & Family Care at Vincentian

At Vincentian, Patient and Family Centered Care is a fundamental approach that shapes every aspect of healthcare delivery. This philosophy places individuals at the heart of all decisions and actions, recognizing that each person has unique needs, preferences, and communication styles.Core PrinciplesThe cornerstone of this approach is the partnership between caregivers, patients, residents, and their families. This collaborative model ensures that care is tailored to individual needs, promoting not just health but overall thriving.Understanding the Patient ExperienceTo truly grasp the patient and resident experience, Vincentian employs several strategies:Shadowing: Staff members may follow patients or residents throughout their day to gain firsthand insights into their experiences.Observation: Careful monitoring of daily routines and interactions helps identify areas for improvement.Continuous Learning: The organization maintains an open dialogue with those they serve, constantly adapting to feedback and new information.Practical ApplicationsPatient and Family Centered Care manifests in various practical ways:Personalized Scheduling: Therapy sessions are arranged around preferred mealtimes or sleep patterns.Tailored Welcome: New residents receive personalized invitations to activities matching their interests.Flexible Care Plans: Care routines are adjusted to accommodate individual preferences and habits.Fostering ConnectionVincentian recognizes that the need for human connection doesn't diminish with age or in care settings; in fact, it becomes even more crucial. Their approach emphasizes:Intergenerational Interaction: Programs that bring together different age groups, fostering mutual learning and growth.Holistic Wellness: Strategies addressing all aspects of well-being, from physical health to social and emotional needs.Community Building: Creating environments where residents don't just coexist but thrive together.Designing for Individual NeedsThe organization goes beyond basic care to create living spaces that truly feel like home. This is achieved through:Resident Councils: Groups that provide input on community decisions and improvements.Experience Workgroups: Teams dedicated to enhancing the overall resident experience.Adaptive Design: Spaces and programs that evolve based on resident feedback and changing needs.Inclusive EnvironmentVincentian strives to create an atmosphere that is welcoming and accommodating to all. This includes:Diverse Programming: Activities and events that cater to a wide range of interests and abilities.Accessible Spaces: Physical environments designed to be navigable by residents with varying levels of mobility.Cultural Sensitivity: Recognition and celebration of the diverse backgrounds of residents and staff.Continuous ImprovementThe organization maintains a commitment to ongoing enhancement of their care model. This involves:Regular Feedback Loops: Mechanisms for residents and families to share their experiences and suggestions.Staff Training: Continuous education for caregivers on the principles of Patient and Family Centered Care.Innovation in Care: Exploring new technologies and methodologies to improve care delivery and resident quality of life.By embracing this comprehensive approach to Patient and Family Centered Care, Vincentian creates a nurturing environment where individuals are not just cared for but truly valued and empowered. This model recognizes that each person's journey is unique, and by tailoring care to individual needs and preferences, Vincentian helps ensure that every resident can live their life to the fullest, maintaining dignity, autonomy, and a sense of community throughout their care journey.  Give them a call today to learn more about what makes them different.

Vincentian: Nurturing Seniors with Compassion and Care Since 1924

Vincentian is a remarkable organization dedicated to providing comprehensive care and services for older adults and their families. With a rich history dating back to 1924, Vincentian has established itself as a trusted name in senior care, offering a wide range of options to suit various needs and preferences.A Holistic Approach to Senior LivingAt Vincentian, we understand that each individual has unique requirements when it comes to their living arrangements and care. That's why we offer a full continuum of care, designed to help older adults maximize their happiness and quality of life.Independent LivingFor those who wish to maintain their independence while enjoying a maintenance-free lifestyle, our Independent Living option is ideal. You can leave the burden of home upkeep, groundskeeping, and snow shoveling to us, allowing you to focus on enjoying life to the fullest.Personal CareAs we age, some of us may require a little extra assistance with daily tasks. Our Personal Care services are tailored for those who need a small amount of help with activities of daily living, ensuring you maintain your independence while receiving the support you need.Memory CareFor individuals living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, our Memory Care facilities provide a safe and nurturing environment. These spaces are specially designed to allow residents to thrive and be themselves, with staff trained to provide compassionate care for those with memory-related conditions.Long-Term CareSometimes referred to as nursing home care, our Long-Term Care option is available for those who require round-the-clock access to nursing services. Rest assured that our dedicated staff is always on hand to provide the highest level of care.Rehabilitation ServicesShould you find yourself in need of recovery after a hospital stay, fall, or illness, Vincentian offers comprehensive rehabilitation services. Our post-acute care setting provides 24/7 nursing care and access to a range of therapies to help you regain your strength and independence.Occupational TherapyOur Occupational Therapy program focuses on helping you participate fully in activities of daily living. This includes both fine and gross motor skills, enabling you to perform household chores, handle small objects, and maintain your daily routines with confidence.Speech TherapyFor those experiencing difficulties with communication or swallowing, our Speech Therapy services can be invaluable. Our therapists work to improve general communication, voice, language, and swallowing abilities.Physical TherapyOur Physical Therapy program is designed to enhance your mobility and strength. Through exercises and targeted movements, we help improve your flexibility, endurance, strength, balance, and posture.Enriching Lives Beyond CareAt Vincentian, we believe in nurturing the whole person. That's why we offer various programs and services that go beyond traditional care:Vincentian Learning and Engagement Institute (VLEI)Our VLEI program brings learning opportunities to the community, sparking imagination and fostering new perspectives. It's a wonderful way to stay engaged and connected with others.Child Care ServicesVincentian also offers childcare services for children aged six weeks to six years, as well as summer discovery camps. This intergenerational approach creates a vibrant community where young and old can interact and learn from each other.Unconventional KitchenOur unique culinary initiative not only serves delicious, locally-sourced meals but also reinvests every dollar back into our nonprofit mission. It's a delightful way to enjoy good food while supporting a great cause.At Vincentian, we're committed to providing compassionate, person-centered care that puts you at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is rooted in fearless compassion, always ready to step in and meet unmet needs in the community. We invite you to experience the Vincentian difference and join our warm, welcoming community.

Local Services By This Author

LeHigh Acres Assisted Living - Respite Care

Housing - Other Types 1251 Business Way, Lehigh Acres, Florida, 33936

Welcome to Lehigh Acres Assisted LivingLehigh Acres is a pet-friendly Assisted Living community providing personalized assistance with daily task to help maintain independence as long as possible. We develop individual care plans to meet the needs of each resident. Just a short drive from historic downtown Fort Myers and its miles of sandy, white beaches, Lehigh Acres Assisted Living offers you access to amazing water recreation and entertainment, while providing tranquility and comfort at home.We offer everyone the opportunity to thrive in mind and body by organizing engaging activities and excursions like scenic outings in the Fort Myers area, dining and shopping trips, and some of our favorite at-home activities like bingo, manicures and movies. As inviting as our beautifully landscaped grounds are, it doesn't compare to the sense of community you feel amongst friends inside. Schedule a visit to explore our Assisted Living community's services for yourself today.What is Senior Respite Care?Senior respite care involves a short-term stay in a senior living community. This stay might be a form of relief for primary caregivers who are going away or will otherwise be unavailable for a time. Some seniors need assistance at home on a daily basis. If their caregiver is unable to care for them for several days, they can arrange for respite care in a senior living community. These stays could last for a few days or a few weeks. Respite care provides peace of mind for the caregiver as well as giving the senior opportunities to interact with others. In many senior living communities, there are opportunities for group activities. You also might choose respite care for your loved one if they are recovering from a surgery, a joint replacement procedure, stroke, or another medical event. Recovering from a medical event can require more care than can be provided in-home. Caregiving can be a full-time job. Senior respite care provides relief so that you can continue caring for your loved one in the future with renewed energy. At Discovery Village, your loved one will be in the care of trained, experienced team members. Theyll enjoy our on-site amenities, meals cooked from scratch, and 24/7 medical care. What You'll Find in Discovery Villages Senior Respite CareRespite care is a fine choice for those recovering from a medical procedure or for those whose caregivers will be away. Professional senior respite care at a Discovery Village senior living community is an excellent choice for those who want the peace of mind of round-the-clock care and support. This convenient lifestyle choice includes the following:A fully furnished apartment homeDelicious dining optionsAmenities including community activities 24-hour support and rehabilitation services from highly trained nurses, physicians, and therapistsRespite care is a great way for seniors to regain strength before ultimately returning to health in the comfort of their own home. Its also a good solution if ever a family member or regular full-time caregiver is away or unavailable for a period of time. 

Diamond Oaks Village

Independent Living 24110 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, Florida, 34134

At Diamond Oaks Village, we are dedicated to enhancing the active lifestyle you already enjoy, making it even better. Located in beautiful Bonita Springs and now managed by Discovery Management Groupa national leader in senior living with decades of experience and a passion for building lasting communitieswe are excited to bring you even more ways to enjoy life.Our community is undergoing exciting changes, offering customizable lifestyle options, including new la carte services, health and fitness programs, and a wide range of exceptional activities designed for an active lifestyle.Amenities & ServicesAt Diamond Oaks Village, you can personalize your experience with our new la carte services and explore our health and fitness programs. Enjoy socializing, participating in recreational activities, and living life to the fullest in our vibrant community.Apartment Home FeaturesChoose from a selection of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment homes, offering spacious and comfortable living with maintenance-free convenience. Each home comes equipped with modern features, including:Pre-wired for cable2-inch blindsStainless steel appliances packageFaux wood flooring in select homesGourmet chefs kitchenControlled access entry system24-hour emergency call systemScreened-in lanaiWasher and dryerCentral air conditioningSpacious closetsGarbage disposalGranite countertopsCome discover the exciting possibilities at Diamond Oaks Village, where you can create the life youve always envisioned, right here in Bonita Springs.

Lehigh Acres Assisted Living

Assisted Living 1251 Business Way, Lehigh Acres, Florida, 33936

Welcome to Lehigh Acres Assisted LivingLehigh Acres is a pet-friendly Assisted Living community providing personalized assistance with daily task to help maintain independence as long as possible. We develop individual care plans to meet the needs of each resident. Just a short drive from historic downtown Fort Myers and its miles of sandy, white beaches, Lehigh Acres Assisted Living offers you access to amazing water recreation and entertainment, while providing tranquility and comfort at home.We offer everyone the opportunity to thrive in mind and body by organizing engaging activities and excursions like scenic outings in the Fort Myers area, dining and shopping trips, and some of our favorite at-home activities like bingo, manicures and movies. As inviting as our beautifully landscaped grounds are, it doesn't compare to the sense of community you feel amongst friends inside. Schedule a visit to explore our Assisted Living community's services for yourself today.