Laurel Oaks of South Haven

11/26/2025

Hot Off the Press! December's Calander awaits!

11/25/2025

Thankful for this day of community! What're you thankful for?

11/24/2025

We are looking forward to a beautiful day of gratitude, good food, and even better company. Join us tomorrow as our community comes together to celebrate the season with joy, connection, and plenty of Thanksgiving cheer.
We can't wait to see everyone!

11/22/2025

One of our dedicated family members shared this article, and it stopped me in my tracks. The photo looks calm, but behind the quiet are lives waiting for meaning. Purpose doesn’t retire.

People see this scene and think it’s peaceful.
A cosy lounge.
Elderly people resting.
A TV mumbling away on the wall.
Music playing from somewhere nobody can find.

But look again.

These aren’t people “resting.”
They’re waiting.
They’re waiting because nothing is happening.
No purpose.
No stimulation.
No reason to lift their eyes from the floor.

The woman sleeping used to run her own business.
The man staring into space trained apprentices for 30 years.
Another one raised a family on her back and sheer willpower.
They all had lives full of activity, contribution, opinions, mistakes, joy, chaos, meaning.

And now they sit in silence, lined up against the wall like furniture.

Care homes talk about “activities.”
Families hear phrases like “meaningful engagement,” “daily stimulation,” “we do so much here.”
But the truth?
In too many places, activities are a line on a brochure—not a lived reality.

It’s not because staff don’t care.
It’s because the system is stretched, the rotas are thin, and the industry has learned to present care instead of deliver it.

But human beings don’t stop needing purpose because they grow old or develop dementia.
Purpose is the last thing we should take away.

This image is not disrespectful.
It’s the truth.
And truth is the starting point for change.

No more silent lounges full of forgotten lives.
No more pretending “just sitting” counts as a meaningful day.

We can do better.
And the people in this room deserve better.

11/20/2025

Happy Thursday from our community! Today we're enjoying the cozy fall weather, warm conversations, and plenty of smiles. As we head into Thanksgiving week, we're feeling especially grateful for the wonderful residents, families, and staff who make this place feel like home.

11/11/2025

Today, we are preparing to honor our veterans- Don, Jim, Jon, Marvin, Roy- and remember the late husbands of Myrna, Gerold, as well as Millie's late husband Nolan. A special thank you to Elara Caring for partnering with us on this meaningful day!

11/10/2025

A little nostalgia, a lot of gratitude. Tomorrow's Veterans Day menu is a tribute to those who served - thank you for your dedication and bravery! ❤️🤍💙

11/09/2025

3 Cheers for 🩵 RUBI MARIN —
NOV EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH!
From scrubs to stardust, she transforms care into a superpower.

Rubi is sweet and calm, a quiet advocate for resident and team. She stays late and comes early without complaint. Rubi brings the team up and we are fortunate to have her. Great work, Rubi!

11/08/2025

Congrats to 🖤 AMY ROBINSON —
OCT EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH!

A Culinary Sentinel. She moves like a shadow, serves with strength, and keeps our ELDER HEROES fueled for greatness.

Amy delivers a smile with every plate. She is generous and adored by many. Her presence makes people feel happy. Her extensive food service and customer care background are exactly what Laurel Oaks looks for. She adapts and excels. Thanks Amy!

11/08/2025

Let’s hear it for 💙 NATALIE GUMPERT —
SEPT EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH! Think of her as the Bright Knight of Laurel Oaks!

Natalie started as a call light aide and quickly proved herself capable of additional responsibility. She moved into a Caregiver role, then Med Tech and is now a Shift Lead. She carries a deep respect for everyone she serves. Servant leadership. How fitting for Laurel Oaks!

11/06/2025

Hello November!

11/01/2025

Do 1 thing that scares you every day. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt ~
We did a whole bunch last night!