Thrivera

10/19/2026

PT Month Spotlight: Meet Ben Woomer!

Ben has been part of Thrivera Therapy for over 4 years. After practicing as a Physical Therapist Assistant for 15 years, his passion for the field motivated him to go back to school to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy. He enjoys working across all care levels at Western Home Communities from outpatient to skilled nursing.

Thank you, Ben, for your passion and care you give to our patients and team!

10/17/2026

PT Month Spotlight: Meet Danialle Draeger, PT, DPT!

Danialle has been part of the Thrivera team for 7 years, since January 2019. With 11 years of experience as an outpatient therapist, Danialle is certified in oncology rehab and has extensive training in vestibular rehab, aquatic therapy, spinal manual therapy, and pain science.

Thank you, Danialle, for all you do to help our patients thrive!

10/16/2026

📖 Connections Magazine – The Missing Middle of Dementia Care 🧠

By combining wellness coaching, meaningful engagement, caregiver support, and in-home companionship, Thrivera Connect helps individuals with dementia remain connected, active and independent while providing much-needed relief for caregivers.

She loved her husband and wanted to keep caring for him at home. But as dementia changed the rhythms of their marriage, he increasingly wanted to be wherever she was, all the time. Eventually, the constant proximity became overwhelming. “I can’t even have a private moment alone,” the Fortified...

10/14/2026

PT Month Spotlight: Meet Ryan Henriksen!

Ryan jokes that he couldn't sing, dance, or play guitar, so physical therapy was the natural choice! Ryan has been part of the Western Home team for about 5 years. Now he works primarily in skilled and long-term care settings, while also seeing patients in assisted living.

Thank you, Ryan, for everything you bring to our patients and our team!

10/13/2026

Have you seen the latest issue of Connections Magazine? 📖

Included are detailed features about Thrivera Connect’s approach to dementia care, residents finding purpose and renewal, Madrid Home’s 120th anniversary and more. Celebrate the people, connections and values that strengthen our communities every day.

The Fall 2026 edition of Connections Magazine highlights inspiring stories of resilience, positivity and innovation across Western Home Communities.

10/12/2026

PT Month Spotlight: Meet Maggie Rottinghaus!

Maggie has been a PTA with Thrivera Therapy since 2020, six years of dedicated service to our patients! Thank you, Maggie, for all the ways you help our patients thrive!

10/10/2026

PT Month Spotlight: Meet Kyra Roedel!

Kyra has been part of the Western Home family since 2019, and this October marks one year in our therapy department as a PTA!

Thank you, Kyra, for all you do for our patients and our team!

10/09/2026

Cedar Falls has a spooky side and Lauren Riensche from the Cedar Falls Ghost Tour is joining us to share its stories! 👻

Join Thrivera for Thrive5: Halloween Social & Local Spooky Stories. Hear Lauren tell local ghost stories while enjoying Halloween cookies, treats and good company. Costumes are encouraged! 🎃

📅 Thursday, Oct. 29 | 1–3 p.m.
📍 Diamond Event Center
🎟️ $10 per person; FREE for Thrivera Lifestyle and Fortified Life members.

RSVP by October 26th! Learn more and how WHC residents can sign up at https://hubs.li/Q04z3s9m0

10/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for today's Design Your Life event with Wellness Coordinator Katie Burkhardt!

It was a full room! We explored the powerful connection between exercise and brain health, and Katie even had participants try a few movements that will be featured in a new brain health program she's developing. We're excited to continue bringing engaging, evidence-based wellness opportunities to our community!

We hope to see you at our events in the future! Find more at https://hubs.li/Q04zHrlM0

10/08/2026

PT Month Spotlight: Meet Carrie Ruhde, PTA!

Known around here as "the therapist with dogs," Carrie has been a Physical Therapist Assistant for 27 years. She started her career in a hospital setting before finding her focus in rehabilitation and skilled care. Carrie has worked at Western Home Communities since 2012.

Thank you, Carrie, for your dedication to our patients (and your incredible dogs)!