6 Ways to Help Your Senior Loved Ones Stay Physically Active

At Saint Therese of Woodbury, stories of courage and compassion often live quietly among us tucked behind gentle smiles, modest gestures and humble words. This Veterans Day, we honor one such story: that of John Thuente, a Navy veteran whose service in Vietnam revealed not only bravery in the skies but deep humanity that continues to inspire.A Minnesotans Call to ServeJohn grew up in St. Paul, fascinated by airplanes and determined to fly. Following his fathers example of service, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and graduated in 1964. After flight school in California, he was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise as a navigator and weapons officer, flying F-4 Phantom jets over North Vietnam.I enjoyed active duty, John recalls simply. It was my duty, and I was willing and able to do it.Over three combat tours on the Enterprise, John flew more than 400 missions, navigating through perilous skies, guiding pilots through bombing runs and often circling low to protect other aircraft and troops on the ground. During those missions, he and his fellow aviators were often exposed to Agent Orange, a chemical herbicide used to clear dense jungle vegetation but later linked to serious health problems for those exposed.  One night after landing at an air base, he chose to sleep on the wing of his jet partly because, as he wryly recalled, the tents were full of rats. The wing, he said, was warmer than the ground.Courage Amid ChaosIn one of his final missions, as the carrier prepared to leave Vietnam, John volunteered for a dangerous decoy mission to draw enemy fire away from a helicopter rescuing children from a rooftop in Saigon. None of the other pilots wanted to fly, his wife, Rosemary, remembers. He just said, Ill go.  It was a split-second decision that may have saved lives and it captures who John is: a man of courage guided by compassion. Breaking New Ground with the F-14After his second tour, John was assigned to Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, where he helped test and develop the new F-14 fighter jet the Navys next-generation aircraft. Working closely with engineers at Grumman, he was one of just two test pilots on the project and later delivered the first F-14 to Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego, California. There, he trained other aviators to fly the advanced jet before returning to the Enterprise in 1974 for his third tour, this time flying the F-14. After the War: Service in a Different SkyWhen his military career ended, John turned his focus to another kind of challenge: protecting innovation and discovery. With an engineering background from the Naval Academy, he earned a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul and became a patent attorney.  He later led Patents & Licensing at the University of Minnesota, helping the university defend and reclaim valuable patents saving millions and fueling research that would benefit countless others. Eventually, he co-founded Patterson Thuente Law Firm in Minneapolis, where he built a respected career anchored in integrity and intellect. Despite health challenges later in life complications from Agent Orange exposure Johns outlook remains steady and uncomplaining. Rosemary describes him as my hero, not only for his service, but for his resilience, warmth and faith. A Family and a LegacyTogether, John and Rosemary raised eight children and built a life rooted in gratitude and community. Over the years, theyve quietly supported Vietnamese and Hmong families settling in Minnesota a continuation of Johns mission to fight for those who couldnt fight for themselves.  When asked what Veterans Day means to him, Johns answer is as measured as it is meaningful:  We were fighting for those who couldnt fight for themselves. Politics aside, it was about freedom.Never Again ForgottenFor John and Rosemary, this Veterans Day is a time of quiet reflection in their new home at Saint Therese of Woodbury. Rosemary recalls the early years after the war, when returning servicemen werent met with the gratitude they deserved. The word compassion means to suffer with, she says. Were more compassionate now, since Vietnam.At Saint Therese, we honor that compassion and the countless ways veterans like John remind us what courage truly looks like. It isnt loud or boastful. Its humble, steady and deeply human.This Veterans Day, we thank John and all who have served for living those values every day, and for reminding us what true respect looks like in action. 

Clare Bridge: Our Community-Based Approach for Dementia and Memory CareClare Bridge stands as Brookdales exclusive brand dedicated to providing compassionate, communitybased memory care. Over the past 30+ years, this thoughtful approach has evolved through a blend of modern research and a personcentered philosophyensuring residents with Alzheimers and dementia are supported physically, emotionally, and cognitively at every stage of their journey. Person-Centered, Strength-Based CareAt the heart of Clare Bridge is a belief in recognizing residents as individualsnot merely their diagnosis. Personalized care plans are crafted based on each residents personal history, preferences, and needs, fostering a nurturing environment where they can rediscover their sense of self and engage in meaningful ways Brookdale Senior Living. Care associates are assigned consistently to the same residents when possible, building trust, familiarity, and deeper understanding over time Brookdale Senior LivingA Gentle, Structured Day: The Daily PathResidents follow a gentle, evidencebased daily routine called the Clare Bridge Daily Path. This structure typically includes six planned programs each day designed to stimulate cognition, movement, and connectionsuch as mental workouts, creative arts, group fitness (e.g., Brookdales BFit classes), dancing, baking, walking, and music activities Elder Life Financial+12Brookdale Senior Living+12Brookdale Senior Living+12. These activities not only help preserve existing abilities but also offer a comforting sense of routine and purpose Tailored Support for Late-Stage Dementia: The Solace ProgramFor residents in advanced stages of dementia, the Solace program provides enhanced, sensoryfocused care. It supplements the standard Daily Path with specialized elements such as extended grooming, soothing sensory stimulation, music therapy, and aromatherapy to align with the residents comfort and remaining abilities Engagement Technology and ComfortClare Bridge embraces innovative tools to enrich life and promote engagement. The InTouch program delivers personalized, brainstimulating touchscreen games, virtual travel experiences, and therapeutic music, while FamilyConnect and iConnect enhance interaction between residents and loved ones Brookdale Senior Living+1. Additionally, the use of robotic companion pets offers comfort, companionship, and emotional connectionespecially for those in later stages of dementia Nutrition and Dining with DignityMealtime is thoughtfully designed to be both nourishing and empowering. The Clare Bridge Dining Program features dementiafriendly menus, consistent seating, subtle sensory cues (such as music, centerpieces, and scented hand towels), and assistance when neededhelping residents maintain independence and joy during meals Family Partnerships and Training ExcellenceBrookdale values families as part of the care circle. The Embrace Family Partnership Program offers support, education, and connection through communityhosted eventshelping caregivers navigate dementia care while fostering solidarity and shared learning Brookdale Senior Living+5Brookdale Senior Living+5Brookdale Senior Living+5. Furthermore, Brookdales Clare Bridge training is recognized by the Alzheimers Association for embedding evidencebased Dementia Care Practice Recommendations across key domains, including communication, behaviors, assessment, and activities of daily living Conclusion Clare Bridge exemplifies how memory care can be both innovative and deeply human. By weaving structured daily routines, tailored sensory programming, personalized relationships, and engaging technology into a nurturing environment, Brookdale creates a memory care model that honors individuality, promotes dignity, and supports both residents and their families through every stage of dementia.

When navigating the final stages of a loved ones life, having access to compassionate, professional care can make all the difference. Hospice care in Northern Colorado offers families the support they need during one of lifes most challenging transitions. Understanding what hospice is, when its appropriate, and how to find the right support locally can bring comfort and clarity to families during a difficult time.This guide will walk you through what hospice care includes, how it helps both patients and families, and how to explore your options in Northern Colorado. What Is Hospice Care?Hospice is specialized care designed for individuals who are facing a life-limiting illness, typically with a prognosis of six months or less if the illness runs its natural course. Rather than focusing on curative treatment, hospice emphasizes comfort, dignity, and quality of life. It provides comprehensive physical, emotional, and spiritual support to both patients and their families.Hospice services are often provided in the patients home, but they can also take place in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or dedicated hospice centers. Key Features of Hospice CareFamilies considering hospice care in Northern Colorado should understand what these services typically include:Pain and symptom managementEmotional and psychological support for patients and family membersSpiritual care and counselingCoordination of medical equipment and supplies24/7 on-call nurse availabilityBereavement support for loved ones after the patients passingHospice teams are made up of healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides, and trained volunteers who work together to deliver personalized care. When to Consider Hospice CareOne of the most common questions families ask is, When is the right time to consider hospice? While its never an easy decision, hospice is often appropriate when:Curative treatments are no longer effective or desiredA patients condition is declining despite medical careQuality of life becomes the primary focusThe patient or family is seeking holistic, compassionate end-of-life supportHospice can be a source of peace, helping families shift their focus from medical interventions to spending meaningful time together. Hospice Services in Northern ColoradoNorthern Colorado is home to a wide range of hospice providers who serve communities such as Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, and surrounding areas. These providers offer both in-home and facility-based services tailored to meet individual needs.Whether you're seeking help for a loved one with advanced cancer, heart failure, dementia, or another life-limiting condition, hospice providers in Northern Colorado are committed to delivering compassionate care that honors each persons journey.Explore your local options here: Northern Colorado Hospice Directory Home Health and Supportive Services in Northern Colorado Choosing the Right Hospice ProviderBecause hospice care is so personal, its important to find a provider that aligns with your loved ones values and your familys expectations. Consider the following when making your decision:Is the provider Medicare-certified?What services are included in their care plan?Are bereavement services offered for family members?How quickly can care begin once a referral is made?Are spiritual and cultural preferences respected and supported?Take time to ask questions, meet the care team, and understand whats included in their approach to hospice. Final ThoughtsHospice is not about giving upits about choosing dignity, peace, and comfort for those nearing the end of life. In Northern Colorado, families have access to a wide range of supportive services that can make this transition more meaningful and less stressful. At Seniors Blue Book, were here to help you explore trusted, local hospice providers and get the information you need to make confident decisions.