Photo of Jennifer Stanley

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

Just kidding.

You really should call me.

Whether you are an adult senior, or the relative of an adult senior.

I can help.

Because I know what you’re going through. At most stages along the way we have had someone to teach us how to get through the next step in our life with the most comfort and success. But as we get older those people to fill that role become fewer and fewer.

But you know what? The senior stage of your life can be as successful and enjoyable as when you or your Mom and Dad were young.

The funny thing is, after awhile we become “senior” to most everyone in our lives. And when that happens, who is going to teach us how to transform old age into something wonderful? I mean, when you were in high school and college do you ever remember a class on how to best serve your parents when they become seniors?

Most likely you haven’t, because the world has a way of emphasizing youth and ignoring senior life.

But that will all change when you contact me. Because seniors are my life.

Seniors are who I have been serving for decades. I know how to navigate this phase like the back of my hand. And I can pass on these special skills or suggestions to adult children or to seniors themselves.

So maybe you should call me. My cell is 641-485-1672.

You might wonder; what will that be like? We’ll just talk. I want to hear about your experience. The Willows is about helping seniors thrive in this next chapter of life, whether that means you move in with us, or take another route.

You know, on second thought, do call me, you can never do that too soon. 485-1672.Love,

Jennifer Stanley

Executive Director

The Willows of Marshalltown

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

Parenthood is such a trip.

Parenthood ranges from your kids totally needing you…up to the point where you (the parent) totally need them. This is life. It’s about coming full circle.

You know what? That shift is often not an easy one, even though it sounds so natural on paper. As parents, we are often wired to ignore our own needs and put our kids needs first. Chances are, if you’re a parent, you’ve been doing this for years. So when life comes full circle, parents often have a really hard time recognizing: “hey, I’m the one that needs a little help now.”

Sadly too many seniors are in that habit of ignoring their needs when they get older, answering “I’m fine” to every question kids ask about how they are doing.

When this comes up, what they really need to hear is; there is no shame in needing help and support. They need you to tell them that ageing is OK. They need to know that you know they always tried to do the best thing for you. And now you want to do the same for them.

It takes a special understanding to guide folks through that shift in the circle. I know, it’s a big part of what I do as the Executive Director of The Willows.

When parents come to live at The Willows with us, we work through it with them; that strange new experience of needing help. It’s a delicate thing but our team is well trained to guide seniors and their adult children through it. We work together so they are able to enjoy this new part of the circle where they come first.

That phase is right around the corner.

I can help, call me at 4851672.

Jennifer Stanley
Executive Director
The Willows of Marshalltown

Welcome Spring!

I am so excited. Spring is the season of hope and new beginnings. Spring to me is so much more than a change of seasons. It is a change of attitude. It’s a change of life. Spring is a season of action, to redo or begin life again. With that in mind, maybe we all should try something new and fresh in our lives…

Read the entire April 2022 Willows Life Newsletter (pdf).