January 17, 2017 – Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster has been named the Gold Senior Living Community Winner of the Pinnacle Award.  The award, sponsored by the NuStep Corporation, recognizes senior living organizations for excellence in whole-person wellness programming that promotes the concept of healthy aging and demonstrates a culture of wellness throughout the organization.

“Whole-person wellness programs are proven tools in healthy and successful aging,” said President & CEO Geary Milliken. “The multi-faceted program at Carroll Lutheran Village is purposefully designed to help older adults maintain or even improve physical health, preserve cognitive ability and promote an active lifestyle.”

Award criterion focuses on seven dimensions of wellness – physical, intellectual, emotional, vocational, environmental, social, and spiritual.  After being chosen as one of three national finalists in the senior living division, two judges visited the Village in September to see the programs and meet resident participants.  About 85% of the Village’s nearly 700 residents participate in wellness programming of some kind each month.

“The commitment from the staff, the commitment from residents, develop this wellness program and keep developing it – it’s not static, it’s dynamic – and that’s a really exciting thing to see,” said Jane Benskey, Marketing Communications Specialist for NuStep.  “The idea that residents have such strong input into the wellness program is very important to us.”

Fitness and Aquatics Coordinator Sherry Stick (right) and Wellness Nurse Melissa Batten (left) demonstrate the new equipment.

As part of the award, the Village received a new NuStep recumbent cross trainer to add to the fitness center and a professionally produced video that highlights the culture of wellness that exists at Carroll Lutheran Village.

CLICK HERE to see the video

Wellness Center programs are open to older adults who do not live at Carroll Lutheran Village.  For a nominal fee they have access to the gym, pool and classes.  “Many guest members enjoy using the Wellness Center rather than a commercial gym,” said Director of Resident Life Laura Sinnott. “The welcoming atmosphere, opportunity to exercise on senior-friendly equipment and opportunity to learn new things with others their age is very appealing.”

The Pinnacle Award was presented to the community on January 17 at a special program featuring the unveiling of the NuStep machine, the debut of the promotional video and a skit performed by the Residents Association Wellness Committee.