News Archives | Burcham Hills

Burcham Hills Celebrates 50 Years of Service

Last updated on June 6th, 2024 at 10:40 am

On Thursday, April 25, 2024 Burcham Hills Retirement Community commemorated 50 years of service to the community with a festive celebration to recognize their half-century of impactful work.

The theme of the celebration was “Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow,” which paid homage to the community’s roots as well as its impressive advances over the years. The event featured entertainment, delicious food and drinks, and an interactive community art piece, where the wingspan of attendees was measured with yarn and is now being woven together into a textile to be dedicated at the community’s annual art walk in June.

Since the community has a long-standing relationship with Michigan State University, Sparty the Mascot was also present at the event. The original person to portray Sparty now lives at the Burcham Hills community. The Christman Company, the construction company that built the community 50 years ago, served as the presenting sponsor for the event.

“This is a celebration of who we are as a community as a whole – from our residents to our team members,” shares Kari Rennie, executive director of Burcham Hills. “Our longest-tenured employee, Dave Oxendale, has been with us for 46 years! We also have legacy residents who live here because family members before them called Burcham Hills home. We’ve grown so much over the years and have such a rich history.”

The celebration, which lasted into the evening, reminds all of us the power of community and connectedness, which is found in the welcoming environment created by Burcham Hills. Here’s to another 50 years!

Photo credit: McShane Photography

Introducing Burcham Hills’ Innovative Partnership with Stunio: Enhancing Resident Services

Burcham Hills is proud to announce a new collaboration with Stunio, a local tech startup. This groundbreaking partnership aims to revolutionize resident services by connecting Burcham Hills’ residents with the diverse skills and services offered by local college students.

At the heart of this collaboration lies Stunio’s innovative platform, designed to bridge the gap between eager college students seeking valuable opportunities and residents of Burcham Hills in need of reliable assistance. From pet care to gardening, cleaning, and companionship, residents now have access to a wide array of services conveniently provided by trustworthy local college students through the Stunio platform.

Kari Rennie, Executive Director at Burcham Hills, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration reflects our dedication to providing unparalleled services and enriching our residents’ lives. By harnessing Stunio’s innovative platform, we not only connect our residents with dependable college students but also cultivate a sense of community and mutual support.”

Adam Green, Founder and CEO of Stunio, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the shared mission of community empowerment. “Our partnership with Burcham Hills perfectly embodies Stunio’s mission to connect communities of people who need each other, enabling them to thrive together and live their best lives,” he remarked.

This partnership aligns seamlessly with Burcham Hills’ ongoing commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life through innovative solutions. By integrating Stunio’s services, Burcham Hills aims to foster a vibrant and interconnected community, where residents can access the support they need while providing local college students with valuable opportunities to contribute to their community.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in redefining resident services and fostering community connections at Burcham Hills. For more information, contact us or come for a visit at the community to learn more and see all the benefits of this partnership in action.

Burcham Hills’s Management Company becomes J.D. Power’s most awarded brand in the history of its Senior Living Satisfaction Study

Last updated on January 15th, 2024 at 11:41 am

Life Care Services ranked #1 in Independent Living, for the fifth year in a row, and added a #1 ranking for Assisted Living/Memory Care in the 2023 J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Study.

DES MOINES, Iowa. Nov. 15, 2023 — Burcham Hill’s management company, Life Care Services, An LCS Company, has been recognized as #1 in Resident Satisfaction among Independent Senior Living Communities for the fifth consecutive year and added a #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Assisted Living/Memory Care Communities. The awards make Life Care Services the most awarded Senior Living Provider in the nation. The J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study recognized Life Care Services for excellence in:

Independent Living: Five consecutive years as #1 in customer satisfaction among independent senior living providers. Life Care Services also achieved the highest score in all six factors of resident satisfaction: dining, community building/grounds, resident apartment, price paid for services received, community staff and resident activities.
Assisted Living/Memory Care: First place in Assisted Living and Memory Care customer satisfaction in the first year Life Care Services Assisted Living and Memory Care residents and families were surveyed. The company achieved the highest score in five of the six factors of resident satisfaction: dining, community building/grounds, price paid for services received, community staff and resident activities.

“Receiving this recognition from J.D. Power, one of the most respected consumer insights organizations in the world, demonstrates our focus on the most important part of our business: our residents and their families,” said Joel Nelson, CEO of LCS, the parent company of Life Care Services. “For five consecutive years, nearly 40,000 residents have expressed their confidence in our company and communities, I couldn’t be more thankful for our team members for their hard work and dedication.”

Life Care Services provides senior living management solutions to more than 140 communities nationwide. Those solutions include the LCS Signature Experiences that elevate hospitality and ensure quality care.

The J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study is based on responses from residents living in an independent, assisted living or memory care senior living community within the previous three years. For more information about the J.D. Power U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/jd-power-us-senior-living-satisfaction-study-award-information.

For more information about Burcham Hills please use the form below and our team will be in touch shortly.

About Life Care Services
Life Care Services, An LCS Company, has the experience required to grow community financial performance, increase occupancy, and develop new lifestyle and health initiatives to meet consumer expectations and help communities thrive. With a long track record of excellence, Life Care Services sets itself apart from other senior living companies with its unique, comprehensive portfolio of support services. Life Care Services is the nation’s third largest operator of senior living communities and has expertise in the management of both Life Plan and Rental communities. From independent living to assisted living, skilled nursing to memory care, at Life Care Services, Experience Is Everything. For more information, visit www.LCSnet.com.

Sparty almost ended up in the trash. Cyrus Stewart prevented that, and launched a legacy

Last updated on July 22nd, 2024 at 07:10 pm

EAST LANSING — It’s been 60 years since Cyrus Stewart walked into Spartan Stadium as Sparty, but he bears physical proof that he was one of the very first students at Michigan State University to portray the mascot.

“Give me your finger,” Stewart, 82, said Wednesday afternoon, his voice echoing off the high ceiling inside the west lobby of Spartan Stadium. Just a few feet away stood the original Sparty statue, unveiled in 1945 and moved inside the stadium in 2005.

He points to his own nose, “Put your finger right in there. Can you feel the dent?”

The obvious dent is at the bridge of Stewart’s nose, where the mouth of the more than 4-foot-tall, 30-pound, fiberglass Sparty head rested when he wore it during football games from 1959 to 1963.

“The problem was it was so damn heavy,” he said. When Stewart was running onto the field its mouth would slam back into the bridge of his nose repeatedly, he said.

“So many times when I came out of the game I’d have two black eyes.”

That was the price he paid to be Sparty — long before the mascot’s outfit was redesigned and became much lighter and safer to wear. Stewart, who went on to teach at MSU for more than 50 years after he graduated said taking on the role was a seminal experience, worth every bump and bruise.

“I think Sparty represents everything that’s good about Michigan State,” Stewart said.

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Over the mascot’s 68-year history, the students who have portrayed him have said being Sparty was, and always will be, bigger than any of them.

The mascot is, without a doubt “one of MSU’s biggest hype men,” said Caeden Hunter, 21, who portrayed him for four years before graduating this spring.

Hunter’s time as Sparty is separated from Stewart’s by six decades but Hunter feels the same about the mascot’s significance. Sparty is about so much more than sports, he said: “The excitement that follows him is something that’s really cool. He’s a big pillar of the MSU community.”

GALLUP EXCEPTIONAL WORKPLACE AWARDED TO LCS

Last updated on July 22nd, 2024 at 07:05 pm

We are thrilled to announce that LCS® has been named a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award Winner for 2023. This prestigious award recognizes organizations that have achieved exceptional performance in employee engagement and workplace culture.

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As a Life Care Services® community, part of the LCS family of companies, we are deeply committed to creating a positive and engaging workplace culture that empowers our employees to thrive both personally and professionally. We believe that our success is directly tied to the dedication and hard work of our team members.

The Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award is based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes surveys of employees and managers, as well as an in-depth analysis of organizational culture and leadership practices. To receive this award, organizations must score in the top percentile of all companies surveyed, demonstrating exceptional performance across a wide range of metrics related to employee engagement, satisfaction, and well-being.

We believe that our commitment to creating an exceptional workplace is reflected in the quality of care and service that we provide to our residents and their family members. By fostering a positive and engaged workplace culture, we are able to attract and retain top talent and provide the highest levels of hospitality and care to those we serve.

We are grateful to our employees for their dedication and hard work, and we are thrilled to share this exciting recognition Gallup has presented to LCS. As we look to the future, we remain committed to building on our successes and continuing to foster a workplace culture that empowers our employees to thrive and excel.

To learn more about careers at Burcham Hills, click here. To see how life at a community led by a strong, hospitality-focused employee base could enhance your life or that of a loved one, click here to contact us today.

Annual Christmas Dinner at Burcham Hills

The Burcham Hills Christmas Dinner is a great event every year, but this year saw the biggest turnout yet. A record number of guests – about 650 – were there on Thursday, December 15, seated at tables in their decorated dining room for a feast that was easy to eat and hard to beat!

Here are the statistics for this year’s dinner:

600 handmade rolls
80 pounds of chicken
80 pounds of salmon
130 pounds of New York strip
30 different desserts
1,500 mini desserts
70 pounds of carrots
100 pounds of sweet potatoes
100 pounds of brussels sprouts
100 pounds of twice-baked potatoes
650 residents and guests served

We’d like to thank the wonderful dining team at Burcham Hills, along with our Executive Chef Jeff Davis, who truly made this feast come to life. From our community to yours, we hope that your holiday season is filled with good food, great company, and an abundance of holiday spirit.

To watch the full news segment from WILX News 10, please visit https://bit.ly/3hFb5Zq.

Burcham Hills Management Company Ranked #1

Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 11:21 am

in J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study

Burcham Hills, managed by Life Care Services^®, An LCS^® Company, announced that its management company ranked highest in customer satisfaction with independent senior living providers for the fourth consecutive year in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study. Burcham Hills is proud to be a part of Life Care Services, which also achieved the highest score in all six factors of independent living resident satisfaction: resident activities, community staff, price paid for services received, resident apartment/living unit, community building and grounds, and dining.

The J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Senior Living Study examines industry-level performance metrics of senior living providers and highlights the best practices that are critical to customer satisfaction, advocacy, and loyalty.

“Life Care Services is honored to again be recognized as the best in customer satisfaction among independent senior living providers,” said Joel Nelson, CEO of LCS, the parent company of Life Care Services. “Receiving this award for a fourth consecutive year is a significant accomplishment, especially considering our teams serve nearly 40,000 residents in more than 30 states. This award recognition is the result of our team’s focus on providing the best independent senior living experience for our residents.”

Life Care Services ranked highest in independent living resident overall satisfaction with a score of 841 in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study, 24 points higher than the prior year. The study is based on responses from residents of the largest* U.S. independent senior living providers within the previous three years.

To schedule an experience and learn more about Burcham Hills, request a visit online or call (517) 253-9980.

About Life Care Services^®

Life Care Services, An LCS Company, has the experience required to boost community financial performance, increase occupancy, and develop new lifestyle and health initiatives to meet consumer expectations and help communities thrive. With a long track record of excellence, Life Care Services sets itself apart from other senior living companies with its unique, comprehensive portfolio of support services. Life Care Services is the nation’s second largest operator of senior living communities and has expertise in the management of both Life Plan and Rental communities. From independent living to assisted living, skilled nursing to memory care, at Life Care Services, Experience Is Everything. For more information, visit lifecareservicesLCS.com.

*Independent living providers included in the study must have had at least 7,000 living units and could not solely operate entrance-deposit communities. Included assisted living/memory care providers must have had at least 10,000 assisted living and/or memory care living units. Living unit data based on the Argentum Largest Providers Report, 2021.

Nation’s third-largest senior living operator receives highest score in all 6 resident experience factors

Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 11:20 am

Explore the best exercises for seniors and tips on how to get started, stay motivated, and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Staying active is vital at any age, but it’s especially crucial for seniors. Regular exercise provides many health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, enhanced mental well-being, and helping seniors live a more independent lifestyle. There is growing evidence to show that it may slow the progression of dementia. In this blog post, we will explore the best exercises for seniors and provide tips on how to get started, stay motivated, and enjoy the numerous benefits of an active lifestyle.

Factors to Consider Before Starting an Exercise Routine

Before diving into a new exercise routine, taking a few precautions is essential. Speak with your doctor or physical therapist to determine which exercises suit your needs and health conditions. Pay attention to any discomfort or pain during training and adjust as needed. Begin with shorter durations and lower intensity, gradually increasing as your fitness level improves. To maintain long-term commitment, we recommend choosing exercises you’ll enjoy, and don’t be afraid to mix things up and try something new.

Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

Regular exercise is about as close to the fountain of youth as possible. Our top eight exercises have multiple benefits for seniors. The best news is that it is never too late to start. Seniors in their 60s, 70s, and even 90s have started exercise programs with fantastic results. No matter which exercises you choose, starting slow and easy is important. You’ll see the following benefits frequently throughout this blog:

Improved cardiovascular health
Better balance and coordination
Increased bone density
Reduced risk of falls
Improved mental health
Better sleep quality
Stronger immune system
Weight management
Vibrant social connections

What Are the Types of Exercise?

If you haven’t seen the inside of a gym in a while, the terms weight-bearing, non-weight-bearing, and resistance exercises might be new to you.

Weight-bearing exercises are those that bear weight on your frame. These types of exercises include walking, jogging, stair climbing, tennis, and dancing.
Resistance exercises include all weight training or lifting weights.
Non-weight-bearing exercises include yoga, Tai chi, Pilates, cycling, and swimming. These are very gentle on your joints.

A good workout program can include all these workout types.

Top Exercises for Seniors

Below we’ve compiled the best exercises for seniors with benefits and tips to get started.

Walking for Seniors

Walking is one of the easiest exercises for seniors. It needs no special equipment, and most people can get started by opening their front door and going for a walk! Walking is considered a low-impact exercise, meaning it is easier on your joints, unlike running, which can put more stress on joints.

Benefits of Walking

Walking can improve your cardiovascular health, build endurance, strengthen muscles, and help to reduce high blood pressure. It can also maintain your joint flexibility and improve coordination which helps to reduce falls. Even taking a casual stroll can help improve your mood.

Tips to Get Started

If it has been a while since you’ve put on your walking shoes, start with a short stroll around your community and gradually increase the distance and pace as you feel comfortable. To stay motivated, consider joining a walking group or exploring different walking trails. If your community allows pets, but you want to avoid taking on the full-time responsibility of a pet, offer to walk other residents’ pups. As you get more comfortable walking, pick up the pace and add a light hand or ankle weight.

If the weather is a concern, you can always walk indoors.

Tai Chi for Seniors

Tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, promotes balance, flexibility, and mindfulness and is considered by some to be a “moving meditation.” Tai chi classes are often found at community centers, senior centers, local parks, or senior residences. If your senior community doesn’t offer Tai chi, ask your events director to add it to their list of programs.

Benefits of Tai Chi

Beyond the benefits mentioned above, Tai chi has been known to promote deep breathing, improve lower body strength, help with arthritis pain, and improve posture. Tai chi has been practiced by people worldwide for hundreds of years.

Tips to Get Started

Tai chi classes are fun and bring together like-minded people looking to mix up their workout routines. It is generally best to find an established teacher to teach the moves, and it is recommended to wear comfortable flat shoes. Since Tai chi is a very gentle exercise, seniors can do it once weekly or daily. Start with beginner-level classes, progress at your own pace, and have fun.

Strength Training for Seniors

Strength training has enormous benefits for seniors, and it’s never too late to reap the benefits. It’s important to start slowly and follow all the safety rules.

Tips to Get Started

Resistance training can be done using weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises. Body weight exercises can be a great place to start because you don’t need any equipment and you use your body as the weight. An example of using your body weight would be wall pushups or chair squats. Consult a professional to learn the proper form to prevent injuries.

Benefits of Strength Training

Building muscle strength is crucial for seniors to maintain independence. Strength training helps prevent osteoporosis and can aid in the growth of muscle. It can also help maintain a healthy weight, boost metabolism, and improve balance and coordination.

Dance & Aerobic Activity

Aerobic exercises can encompass various activities, including aerobics classes, rowing, elliptical trainers, dancing, and even gardening. Of all aerobic activities, dancing may be the most fun. Dance fitness can include Latin, salsa, line dancing, and even ballet, tailored for adults and seniors.

Benefits of Aerobics

Aerobic exercise, called cardio, helps get your heart rate up and pumps blood and oxygen to your muscles and body. Like most exercises for seniors, aerobic training can improve heart health, help manage your weight, boost your metabolism, and can be fun to do.

Tips to Get Started

Seek out low-impact aerobics classes for seniors or try SilverSneakers. Wear walking shoes or other well-cushioned shoes for exercising.

Cycling for Seniors

Ready to feel the wind in your hair and feel like a kid again? Hopping on a bicycle can take you on a delightful journey physically and mentally, allowing you to explore new paths and rekindle that youthful spirit within.

Benefits of Cycling

Cycling, on a stationary bike or outdoors, can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen leg muscles, boost the immune system, and enhance balance and coordination.

Tips to Get Started

Biking for seniors is a safe exercise to engage in, but there are some precautions you should take.

If you last rode your bike a while ago, be sure to have it checked over at your local bike shop. Make sure it is in top shape before riding.
Always wear protective gear, including a bike helmet.
Start slowly. If you haven’t been on a bike lately, take a leisurely ride around the community, keeping to flat roads or gentle inclines.
Ride on designated bike trails rather than roads and streets.

Additional cycling options for seniors include:

Recumbent bikes
Electric bikes
Fat tire bikes
Stationary cycling at your gym or fitness center

Swimming for Seniors

For water-loving seniors, swimming can be a highly beneficial activity. Seniors can do other activities in the pool too, including aqua jogging, walking, and water aerobics; there are even senior water polo leagues to join.

Benefits of Swimming

When swimming, up to 90% of a person’s body weight is supported by water, which means it is gentle on the joints and is an ideal choice for seniors with arthritis or joint pain. Swimming is considered a full-body workout, which is an excellent choice if you have a busy lifestyle and are looking for one activity that will hit all muscle groups.

Tips to Get Started

Join a local pool or aquatic center to participate in swimming or water aerobics classes designed specifically for seniors.

Yoga for Seniors

Yoga and other non-weight-bearing exercises like Pilates, Tai chi, and qigong offer the benefits of a flexible body and may help improve sleep quality.

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is an excellent way for seniors to build strength and reduce stress. Yoga and other forms of stretching exercises are fantastic ways to improve flexibility. Greater flexibility in seniors can help reduce the risks of fractures and sprains. Keeping bodies limber through yoga improves posture and can aid in overall calmness and improved mental health.

Tips to Get Started

Look for senior-friendly yoga classes at local studios or community centers. Remember to use props and modifications to accommodate your unique abilities, and don’t over-stretch.

Chair Exercises for Seniors

A chair can adapt many standard exercises for those with limited mobility. Even cardio exercises can be done while sitting. Other exercises that can be adjusted include:

Strength and weight training
Yoga
Full-body workouts

Benefits

Like standard exercises, chair-based routines can help improve strength and flexibility, pumping heart rate, and putting less strain on joints. Chair exercises can aid in improving posture and circulation too.

How to Get Started

Many recreation and fitness centers have chair-based exercise programs and routines or search for “chair routines” online. Chair exercises can be done in a sturdy, comfortable chair, or a wheelchair.

Tips for Staying Motivated

Exercising is the easy part. Staying motivated is the tricky part. Some helpful tricks to keep on track include:

Set manageable milestones to keep yourself motivated.
Celebrate your progress!
Keep a journal or use an app to document your exercise routine and monitor improvements.
Take a before, during, and after photo. This can motivate you to keep going.
Enlist a friend or family member to join you in your fitness journey. Mutual support and accountability can go a long way.
Join a club or fitness group to foster community and make exercise fun.
Variety is the spice of life. Mix up your routines to prevent boredom and keep your body challenged.

The Importance of Rest and Recovery

Rest and recovery are crucial for your body’s health. Pay attention to signs of fatigue and allow yourself time to recover between workouts. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to support muscle recovery and overall well-being. Incorporate relaxation practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching to help your body recover and manage stress.

Exercise As the Fountain of Youth

Physical exercise remains one of the best ways to keep bodies healthy and delay and reverse negative signs of aging. While we may not have discovered the elusive fountain of youth, embracing a consistent exercise program can help you age gracefully and maintain vitality. So, lace up those sneakers or roll out the yoga mat, and let the joy of movement be your fountain of youth, adding a splash of health, happiness, and energy to your life!

Find Your Community Today

At Life Care Services, we prioritize a healthy lifestyle for seniors. As a trusted leader with over 130 communities across the U.S., we offer a variety of care support and living options. For seniors looking to maintain health and wellness, a majority of our senior communities provide nearly every healthy choice mentioned above. Join us today and discover the best place to thrive, stay active, and create lasting connections.