Residents at Life Care Center of Rochester give life advice and reflect on their own

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During National Skilled Nursing Care Week from May 12 to May 18, GIANT fm News and the Fulton County Post put a spotlight the on staff members at Life Care Center of Rochester who made it a goal to make life a better place for the residents. 

Established by the American Health Care Association in 1967, the week brings public awareness each year of facilities that had previously been considered 'out of sight, out of mind,' to the outside world.

After the spotlighted week is over, however, several residents at Life Care still do what they can each day to stay positive. Despite their health challenges and life in long-term care, WROI GIANT fm interviewed three residents at Life Care Center of Rochester who do their best to make each day feel worth while. 

Despite living at a long-term care facility, residents like Gloria Staples find ways to stay positive in order to enjoy the last chapter of life. 

Staples is the only female veteran at Life Care Center of Rochester. Originally from Winamac, after graduation Staples dreamed of furthering her education. Coming from a big family, in order to do that financially, Staples decided to join the Army in 1966. 

Working as a clerk typist in the Army during the Vietnam era, Staples said she spent most of her time at Fort Bragg, NC. After leaving the service, Staples attended secretarial school, starting her future. 

Having an abundance of love during her lifetime, Staples now has five children, 17 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. 

In 2023, Staples decided to put herself into a long-term care facility.

As Staples began seeing more and more mobility issues, one thing Staples knew was that she didn't want her daughter getting hurt.

The choice was something that would confused her family, but felt right to Staples. After searching for the facility she would feel most comfortable at, Staples chose Life Care of Rochester to be her new home. 

To kill time Staples said she enjoys watching the wildlife out the window, talking with family during visits and on the phone, and helping staff at Life Care. 

Staples says she gains joy from helping others at the long-term care facility, and has made all the name tags for residents that are displayed outside each room. 

Staples says although she now lives in a long-term care facility, she still believes each day is a blessing. Keeping your attitude in check, Staples said, is the most important belief she has followed throughout her life to keep herself happy. 

Other residents like Ed Hoppenbrouwer also believe in staying postive at the facility.  Also a veteran, who joined the National Guard in 1962, Hoppenbrouwer served for four years, barely missing Vietnam.

After the military, Hoppenbrouwer said he enjoyed living the family life with his two sons, daughter, and wife. Originally from West Palm beach, he moved to Indiana with his wife about 15 years ago to be closer to his daughter. 

After 45 years of marriage, Hoppenbrouwer's wife passed away in 2022 from COVID-19, something he himself almost died from, as well. 

Hopeful to see his wife one day again soon on the other side, Hoppenbrouwer says he takes life one day at a time, and appreciates the care he receives from staff at Life Care Center of Rochester. 

Advice Hoppenbrouwer has to those out in the world struggling overcome hardships is that everything in temporary. Hoppenbrouwer said even when life feels like it's over, it's never truly over until it is supposed to be. 

Resident Brent Alldaffer was originally from Michigan. Joining the community at Life Care Center of Rochester eight years ago, accepting his dementia diagnoses was hard for Alldaffer. 

With only a sister in Breman, and most of his family still in Michigan, Alldaffer keeps himself occupied in his position as President of the Council for the residents at Lifecare. 

Alldaffer says keeping his mind occupied is what gets him through each day and keeps him going.