News stories from Ives Hill

Urge your senators and representatives to enact key aging services priorities before Congress adjourns! In the remaining weeks of 2022, Congress must not leave key supports and services for older adults unfinished. Severe shortages in the aging services workforce and affordable senior housing, coupled with inefficient and burdensome Medicare Advantage (MA) prior authorization processes that often result in inappropriate care denials,…

We’ve entered a new era for New York State government with the election of Governor Kathy Hochul. I congratulate Governor Hochul and wish her all the best as she continues to lead our great state. With the election behind us, the newly-elected governor and legislators can now look ahead, with an eye toward setting New York on a course for…

This afternoon, the New York State Assembly joined the Senate in passing A.8874-B (Joyner)/S.8063-A (Ramos), an overtime penalties bill. Lisa Haglund, chief executive officer, Heritage Ministries, issued the statement below in response “It’s time to start putting solutions for seniors before penalties for nursing homes.” “Our seniors who are cared for in nursing homes and the people who care for…

Late last night, bill A.8874-B (Joyner)/ S.8063-A (Ramos) was passed in the Senate and the bill is now on Assembly Ways and Means agenda. The bill is likely to be taken up for a vote in the Assembly in the next 24 hours. Due to the pandemic and associated healthcare staffing crisis, the health and well-being of our most vulnerable…

Congratulations to Rachael Steinmetz, PCA at Ives Hill Retirement Community, for receiving our May Employee of the Month award! Rachael truly lives the mission of Heritage through her compassion, heart for our mission and commitment to excellence! Thank you for continually going above and beyond to serve our seniors.Because of you, Rachael, we are #HeritageStrong!

Dear Friend of Ives Hill, This week, bill A.286 (Gunther) was added to the New York State Assembly Debate list. If the Assembly chooses to take up the debate list, this bill threatens to be passed in the Assembly. Due to the pandemic and associated healthcare staffing crisis, the health and well-being of our most vulnerable NY State residents are…

Friends of Ives Hill, we reach out to you today to again share updates in how recent legislation concerns in New York State continue to impact those we serve. Two bills have been proposed in New York State that will directly impact assisted living communities, including Heritage if passed. What are the bills? 196 (Gottfried)/S.1576 (Rivera), is a proposed bill…

The Daily Sentinel recognized Lisa Haglund, President and CEO of Heritage Ministries, for her advocacy on behalf of nursing homes in New York State regarding the recent implementation of the increased minimum staffing mandate. Click here to read the article from The Daily Sentinel where it was originally published.

Congratulations to Shannon Hellenbeck, Cook, for receiving our April Employee of the Month award! Shannon truly lives the mission of Heritage through his positive attitude, honesty and commitment to excellence! Thank you for continually going above and beyond to serve our seniors. Because of you, we are #HeritageStrong!

Our Ives Hill choir is developing quite the following with their resident led performances!

Don’t miss your chance to move in before spring and save with 1/2 off your first month’s rent* and a chocolate gift basket!

Three of our employees won vacations courtesy of Heritage Ministries management as a way to say “thank you” for their perseverance and hard-work throughout the pandemic.

Join us in congratulating our 2021 graduates from Heritage communities, nationwide!

We are excited to welcome visitors back at The Lodge. We need your help to keep everyone safe during this transition, and ask that you follow all guidelines, listed on our website. To view our visitation policies and learn more regarding enriched housing visitation updates, see downloads below. We look forward to seeing you soon! —— Download our posted visitation…

Dear Friends of Heritage, As we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic nationwide, the safety and health of our residents and staff continues to be of the utmost importance. Staff are monitored daily upon arrival for work and wear surgical masks and eye protection, such as face shields, to limit the transmission of COVID-19 from potential asymptomatic employees. Staff in…

Heritage President and CEO, Lisa Haglund, shared earlier this week that Ives Hill, a Heritage senior living community in Watertown, New York, has a staff member who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus in their senior living community. She stated that at this time, that staff member is still the only positive test for Ives Hill. In accordance with HIPAA…

Heritage President and CEO, Lisa Haglund, confirmed today that Ives Hill, a Heritage senior living community in Watertown, New York, has a staff member who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus in their senior living community. Haglund stated, “The staff member who tested positive is currently in quarantine, and will not return to work at Ives Hill until further notice….

As we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic nationwide, the safety and health of our residents and staff continues to be of the utmost importance. Staff are monitored daily upon arrival for work and wear surgical masks and eye protection, such as face shields, to limit the transmission of COVID-19 from potential asymptomatic employees. Staff at The Lodge receive mandatory…

Lisa Haglund, Heritage Ministries President and CEO, shared details this week on her new initiative, “Feeding the Hearts of Heroes”, at Ives Hill Retirement Community, a Heritage senior living community in Watertown, NY. Haglund stated, “The work our employees do each day is heroic, but especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have worked tirelessly. During this difficult and often stressful…

The Northern New York Community Foundation is pleased to announce nearly $10,000 in grant awards to support nonprofit organizations responding to the needs of thousands of north country residents impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Earlier this month, the Foundation’s Board of Directors approved the additional grants from the COVID-19 Community Support Fund, a resource that continues to grow thanks…

Lisa Haglund has been confirmed as the permanent President and CEO for Heritage and its affiliates. Lisa previously served Heritage as the Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Development across all communities in four states. Lisa began her career with Northwest Bank, a ten billion dollar corporation, for over twenty years, prior to joining the Heritage organization. Lisa worked her…

Lisa Haglund has been named as the interim CEO for Heritage and its affiliates. She will replace previous CEO, David Smeltzer. She stated, “Each employee at Heritage plays an important role every day, but especially as we face the recent events unfolding surrounding COVID-19. I am both honored and blessed to have been chosen to lead our organization as we…

Whether you just landed your first job or nearing retirement, it’s never too early or too late to plan for your long-term future. Unfortunately, studies show that only about 33 percent of US households have an IRA designed to help save for post-retirement life and less than half of those people have a 401k set up. Kiplinger.com lists five common…

During the winter months, inactivity can take a toll on the physical and mental health of seniors. Staying active during the colder months is vital to maintaining good health. Senior living communities like Ives Hill offer wellness and fitness programs and we encourage community members to remain involved and engaged during the winter months. Here are six simple stretches you…

Changing the way you eat doesn’t sound too difficult. But, if you’ve been doing something for most of your life, and now you’re in your 60s or older, that can be pretty daunting. What helps is to have a partner to help you. Those residing within retirement communities that provide three nutritious and delicious meals each day enjoy such a…

Hibernation is not an option for seniors during the winter! While the cold, the snow, and the lack of sun can be depressing, you cannot let that cause you to curl into the fetal position and count the days until spring arrives. It’s no joking matter either. Being inactive is unhealthy for you physically, mentally, and socially. Therefore, it’s recommended…

Winter – also known as cold and flu season – can leave you more prone to falling ill in the cold months. There are over 200 different cold viruses, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults average two to three colds each year. Both the common cold and the flu are contagious, but cold symptoms…

The holiday season can be an especially difficult time to grieve the loss of a loved one. Your sense of loss can be magnified during family gatherings, holiday traditions and meaningful events. The need for support is the greatest during the holidays. Focus on good memories and take comfort with family and friends. There are a number of ways you…

Veterans Day has passed, but Ives Hill continues to honor its residents who served. More than a dozen residents in attendance Saturday served in World War II. The guest speaker, Major General Miyako Schanley, is honoring her mother, an Ives Hill resident whose military career was cut short when she became pregnant. Schanley says her experiences in the military have…

Decorating can ease the transition into enhanced housing. Helping someone move into enhanced housing can be an emotionally fraught experience. Collaborating with loved ones to decorate their new living quarters in a way that helps protect their physical safety and boost their emotional outlook can assist them in their transition, says Julia Bailey, a senior associate and interior design project…

Calcium and vitamin D are two of the most important nutrients for bone health, but vitamin D deficiency is common among seniors. Because seniors typically drink less milk and spend fewer hours outside, they often aren’t getting all the vitamin D they need. For most people, sunlight is the most important source of vitamin D, as sunlight converts cholesterol to…

Cold weather forces many seniors inside during the winter months, but you don’t have to limit your activities until spring. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week. That’s just 30 minutes, five days a week. Ives Hill offers a wide range of physical and mental activities and varied programs and events…

Research has shown that a more plant-based diet may help prevent, treat, or reverse heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. While you may not want to give up steak and chicken for good, you can still adopt a plant-based diet while consuming modest amounts of fish and lean meat. People who averaged eight-plus servings of fruits and…

On Wednesday afternoon, September 18, more than 800 golf balls were dropped from the sky by the Watertown Fire Department for the Ives Hill “Drop to Drive” fundraising event in Watertown. Each golf ball signified a $5 contribution towards a new vehicle for the transportation of Ives Hill residents. Stay tuned for how much money was raised! If you’d still…

Pets not only can improve the lives of seniors, but they also have a positive impact on their health too. People of all ages benefit from having a pet, but this is especially true for seniors. Walking a dog not only provides an opportunity for exercise, but also the chance to socialize thanks to increased interactions with neighbors. Studies show…

Do you think that crossword puzzles and word search games are nothing more than mild entertainment that help pass the time? Think again. Those affordable and easy-to-find games are likely one of the keys to staying mentally sharp as you age, at least that’s what numerous studies have shown. Brain games, as well as other mentally stimulating leisure activities play…

As we age, it becomes more likely that additional medicines are being used which can increase the chance of harmful drug effects or interactions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration urges older adults to use caution when taking prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Physical changes as you age can affect the way medicines are handled by your body. Ives Hill offers…

Your home is your haven. Shouldn’t it feel peaceful, comfortable, and organized? 2019 may be the year to feather your nest with those things most cherished, and eliminate those things that don’t serve you. Organization can be an overwhelming task when faced with decades of accumulated material possessions. As a senior, now may be the right time to pass down…

Seniors who reside at Ives Hill enjoy numerous amenities and scheduled activities, including exercise classes. These community members can literally walk from their home and join their peers in working up a sweat, socializing, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It’s just one of the many reasons why Ives Hill and The Lodge at Ives Hill is a great choice for…

One of the most important relationships in our lives is the one between grandparent and grandchild. When you live at a maintenance-free, vibrant community like Ives Hill, grandparents have the space, freedom, and lifestyle that allows them to connect with their loved ones! You can create memories and bridge the generation gap with these three fun DIY projects to do…

Ives Hill Retirement Community by Heritage family members and proud parents, Theresa Fallon and Vivian Bufalini, recently enjoyed watching their sons, Jeff Fallon and John Bufalini, partake in friendly competition during the Watertown Men’s City Golf Tournament in Watertown, NY. Congratulations to John Bufalini for winning first place in the tournament! Ives Hill is proud to encourage community involvement and…

The 91st Military Police Battalion recently invited Ives Hill residents and family members to tour the Historic LeRay Mansion and the Ft. Drum Museum on the Ft. Drum Army base. Everyone who attended had a wonderful time! Ives Hill is so blessed to have intriguing activities such as these while promoting a carefree, maintenance-free lifestyle among friends, neighbors, and a…

Ben and Peggy Coe have been married for 65 years and have spent the last 70 Valentine’s Days together. To many, that’s pretty impressive – unless you ask them. “We don’t make a big deal out of it, do we?” asked Peggy. “No,” Ben responded. The Coes have lived in Watertown since 1973. They first met in Massachusetts.

Residents and staff at Ives Hill Retirement Community in Watertown, NY recently celebrated National Wear Red Day. On the first Friday of every February, which is designated as American Heart Month, the nation comes together for a common goal: promoting awareness and the eradication of heart disease and stroke by wearing red.

David Smeltzer, President and CEO of Heritage Ministries, and Judith Shean, Chair of Ives Hill Retirement Community, Inc, announced today that Ives Hill Retirement Community and The Lodge at Ives Hill of Watertown, NY have become affiliates of Heritage Ministries.