Nestled in the heart of Adel, Iowa, Adel Acres is home to 34 very special residents. From the moment you walk in the door, a sense of warmth greets you, welcoming you home. The staff at Adel Acres strives to make every day special for their residents – even in the midst of a global pandemic.
“Keeping spirits high can be a challenge when the residents are missing interaction with their loved ones. We’re always thinking up creative ways to keep everyone connected, while also staying safely apart,” explained Admissions Manager, Tom Harmsen.
Horsing Around at Adel Acres!
It was a picture-perfect day in May when the residents of Adel Acres were greeted with the sweetest surprise: Louw Stables was in their own backyard!
Owner of Louw Stables, Jennifer Louw, toured William the horse, Lucy the pony, and Kabous, the pony-riding-pup, around the entire exterior of Adel Acres. The trio stopped at every window, peeking in to greet each resident with a friendly “hello.” Residents were beyond thrilled to see such a fun and unexpected sight from their bedroom windows; tears of joy were shed by all!
“Sharing this surprise with our residents is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever gotten to be apart of. This was just so beautiful to see,” said Harmsen.
The Beauty of Animal Therapy
Under regular conditions, Adel Acres is a huge supporter of animal and pet therapy at their facility. Even without direct interaction, simply seeing an animal through a window releases those same “feel-good” endorphins, proven to help with stress, depression, and anxiety.
Another benefit of animal therapy is cognitive health. Seeing and interacting with an animal often brings up feelings of nostalgia and distant memories. In fact, resident Norma Webb, was so moved after seeing a pony appear in her bedroom window, she shared a sweet story from her childhood, and the many fond memories she had growing up around ponies and horses.
“I love horses and ponies! I rode a pony about two miles from our home to the pavement they had back then. And then, some of the kids would come down and pick me up to take me to school. I’d get off school, and then ride back on my pony!” – Norma Webb, Adel Acres Resident.
Norma Webb, sending a heartfelt “Thank You” to Earl May Garden Center & Louw Stables.
Giving Back to The Community
In addition to William, Lucy, and Kabous, Ms. Emily Gibson was also in attendance! Emily is the daughter of Jennifer Louw and is currently reigning as your 2020 Dallas County Iowa Miss United States Agriculture.
As a pillar of the community, Emily works with local businesses to give back to Dallas County. Keeping the residents of Adel Acres close to her heart, Emily reached out to The Earl May Garden Center to coordinate a generous donation: a potted plant for each and every resident to keep in their room.
It truly was a beautiful day at Adel Acres.
“While some days are better than others, many are struggling with feelings of loneliness and isolation right now. Simple, kind gestures – even the smallest ones – inspire feelings of hope and positivity. We’re just so thankful for our community,” said Harmsen.