WesleyLife

04/20/2026

So much of what happens at WesleyLife each day is made possible by people who choose to help.

From serving on our board of directors to delivering meals to spending time in conversation, our volunteers show up in ways that matter. We rely on hundreds of volunteers each year, and their time and care make a difference for the people we serve.

On Volunteer Recognition Day, we want to thank them. We appreciate the role they play in helping people stay connected, supported, and engaged wherever they call home.

And if you’ve ever thought about getting involved, there’s always room for more people who want to make a difference! Visit https://hubs.li/Q04cL-bK0.

04/19/2026

Residents at Fieldstone of DeWitt, a WellSpire Community, tried out a popular craft last week, proving age has no bearing on trendiness!

Using beads and wire, they created beautiful beaded plants, each one unique and reflecting the personality of the artist. The beads were small, and sometimes desired placement took patience ... but from the smiles you see here, the residents achieved what they set out to do.

Art brings joy to many of us, and creating opportunities to experience joy is what we're about. Visit https://hubs.li/Q04cBQVS0 to learn more about our joy-filled community just north of the Quad Cities!

04/18/2026

All WesleyLife's communities for healthy living prioritize lifelong learning, keeping in mind that each person might want to learn something different. So we offer a smorgasbord ... which can sometimes come in the form of a charcuterie board or two!

Halcyon House-A WesleyLife Community in Washington, Iowa, recently welcomed Libations on Iowa, a local favorite, for a hands-on cocktail and mocktail class that brought energy, creativity, and a little friendly competition to the room. Residents mixed and tasted their way through the afternoon, with the Italian margarita taking the preferential spot and strawberry-basil mojitos close behind.

A beautifully crafted charcuterie spread from the community's bistro, Circa 59, featuring locally sourced ingredients, rounded out the experience.

Good drinks, great food, and even better company make for a great learning experience! Learn more about what Halcyon House has to offer at https://hubs.li/Q04cBLfh0.

04/18/2026

Enjoy "Iowa Nice" culture, a low cost of living, vibrant city centers, and more when you spend your retirement years in the Hawkeye State.

Start your next chapter here! 📍Learn more:

Learn why Iowa is an excellent choice for retirees choosing a place to live, offering superior affordability, access to high-quality care, and more.

04/17/2026

Yesterday's WesleyLife Meals on Wheels Conversations Across Generations event, “Stories in Sound and Color: Connecting through Latin American Art,” brought people together in a meaningful way.

Led by Dr. Inbal Mazar, with Drake University students and community members at the table, the intergenerationally focused discussion was thoughtful, engaging, and powered by curiosity. A big "thank you" to Mia Buch from the Des Moines Art Center for sharing her expertise and passion.

One attendee, John, said he had nearly decided not to attend, but he ended up glad he had; he commented that he was especially impressed by younger attendees' insight, engagement, and perspective.

We're thankful to everyone who attended the event as well as to our partners at Drake University’s Office of Community-Engaged Learning for helping make these conversations possible. And please plan to join us for the next event in this series, "Family, Conflict, and Connection: Lessons from King Lear," in which common family-relationship issues will be discussed through the lens of Shakespeare's tragedy. Watch this space for registration information!

04/16/2026

Age truly is just a number. Joan, in her 90s, proved that in a big way this week.

In overtime, she hit the game-winning home run for the Village People Bean Bag Baseball Team at The Village, A WesleyLife Community in Indianola, in a matchup against the Simpson College football team.

It was a fun, high-energy moment, and it reflects something bigger. At WesleyLife, our vision is to be the most dynamic and inclusive champion to revolutionize the experience of aging. That shows up in moments like this, where people stay active, competitive, and connected on their own terms.

Joan brought all of that to the game. Nice work, Joan!

(This is just one example of the well-being-focused, life-affirming activities that take place daily at The Village. To learn more about the community, which is undergoing a $49.5 million renovation to enhance all aspects of the campus, visit https://hubs.li/Q04cdLwj0. We'd love to welcome you for a private tour!)

04/15/2026

At Halcyon House, our community for healthy living in Washington, Iowa, residents and team members understand the importance of bringing generations together. When young people work in a community, it creates real connections; it also helps shape how they think about aging, relationships, and what it means to support others.

Today, Halcyon House is proud to recognize five team members who are graduating from their greater community's local community high school and moving on to their next chapter.

Brittany will attend college to pursue biomedical sciences. Kezyah will study pre-law. Josh plans to pursue business and marketing while continuing to compete in wheelchair basketball. Layne is entering the workforce to begin a career as an electrician. And Callie will attend college to pursue a degree in nursing.

The community's leaders have this to say about the students:

"Each of you has made a meaningful impact here through your work, your attitude, and the relationships you’ve built with residents and fellow team members. Just as important, you’ve gained something that will stay with you: a deeper understanding of older adults and the value of connection across generations."

Congratulations to all team members across the organization who are graduating this spring. We're thankful for the time you've spent with WesleyLife and wish you all the best!

04/14/2026

You might be wondering what bringing a lamb to work has to do with WesleyLife’s vision to be the most dynamic and inclusive champion to revolutionize the executive of aging.

Probably more than you think.

Meet Larry the Lamb, owned by Johnston team member Kelli Bregar and her husband. Larry was born a triplet and his mom wasn’t able to feed three babies, so Kelli and her husband began bottle-feeding him.

Now he’s family, regarded as a pet who’s with the family to stay … although, as Kelli notes, “He won’t really have a job.” 😊

Moments like this might be small, but they point to something larger. When people feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work, that level of authenticity creates a kind of workplace in which people show up for one another and for those we serve.

That’s the kind of culture we’re building. Learn more about our available positions at WesleyLife.org/careers. Then watch the video below to learn more about Larry … and see team member Troy Porter on bottle duty!

04/14/2026

Every day, WesleyLife team members shape the experience of aging through compassion, skill, and genuine human connection. In this testimonial series, we’re sharing their voices: honest reflections on why they do this work, what it means to them, and the impact they see every day in the lives of those they serve.

This is what meaningful work looks like at WesleyLife! Join us; visit https://hubs.li/Q04bS8VY0 to browse our available positions.

04/13/2026

Our communities for healthy living celebrated National Pet Day over the weekend, and it was more than a celebration; it served as a reminder of the meaningful role pets play in our health, connection, and daily routines.

For older adults, pets can offer steady companionship, a sense of purpose, and simple moments of joy that shape each day. A walk with a dog becomes a reason to move. Feeding a cat becomes part of a comforting routine. Even a few quiet minutes with a pet can ease stress and bring a sense of calm.

Research continues to show what many already know:

• Pets can help decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation,
• They can encourage regular movement and activity,
• Interacting with animals may help lower blood pressure and reduce stress,
• They often create opportunities for connection with neighbors, family, and community,

Not every older adult owns a pet, and that's OK; the benefits still show up through shared experiences, visits, and community programs that bring animals into daily life.

Enjoy these great photos of the National Pet Day celebration at Wesley on Grand in Des Moines!

04/11/2026

In honor of World Parkinson's Day, learn about our organizational commitment to Rock Steady Boxing. It's one way WesleyLife helps residents, clients, and members of the greater community combat physical challenges while upholding our mission to be the most dynamic and inclusive champion to revolutionize the experience of aging. Read about it in the link below!

WesleyLife fights back against Parkinson's disease with Rock Steady Boxing, a nationally recognized curriculum for combating symptoms of the disease.

04/11/2026

Our latest blog article digs into the right time to retire by analyzing factors beyond the financial, including understanding when your goals, lifestyle, and overall readiness align. Read more: https://hubs.li/Q048Z7Sq0

Learn how to decide when to retire by analyzing factors beyond the financial, including understanding when your goals, lifestyle, and overall readiness align.