Brio of Johnston, a WesleyLife Community

10/22/2025

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, WesleyLife Vice President of Operations Janet Simpson reflects on life beyond “cancer-free.” Her honest and hopeful essay explores what survivorship truly means: the lingering concerns, daily choices, and renewed gratitude that shape life after diagnosis. Please read (and share!) her essay via the link below.

https://hubs.li/Q03PM09f0

10/17/2025

It's a great day at Brio of Johnston, a WesleyLife Community! Readers of the Iowa Living family of magazines — Urbandale Living, Johnston Living, and others — have voted the community Best Senior Living Establishment in the northwest Des Moines Metro. Brio bested numerous other contenders for the title, and magazine publisher Shane Goodman notes that the contest is especially significant because the annual poll is available to every resident in the geographic community, not only to a hand-picked group.

What does that mean to you as a consumer? Because this accolade is representative of such a broad cross-section of greater-community residents, you can count on the fact that no matter what level of living you're seeking, services and care at Brio likely will exceed your expectations. The campus is No. 1 in the collective opinion of these residents and team members, and if you experience Brio, chances are you'll feel the same way.

Congratulations to executive director Teresa Krueger and her dedicated team. We are proud of Brio!

10/13/2025

It's a big month for WesleyLife — and for anyone who's concerned about the impact of ageism. As we join the American Society on Aging in celebrating Aging Awareness Day this month, we're sharing myths and truths about ageism to shed light on the issue and its effects, as well as ways we can change perceptions.

MYTH: Older people are set in their ways. TRUTH: Read what Jill has to say!

At WesleyLife's Ageism Awareness Day panel last week at Wesley on Grand, participants were asked about the benefits of living in a community with others 55 and older. Jill (far right in photo), a resident at The Village, a WesleyLife community for healthy living in Indianola, responded this way:

"One of the most important things we can find in our communities is opportunities to learn new things. For example, we have a yoga class that's wonderful, and 80 to 90 percent of the people who move in have never experienced yoga. They're talked into it by friends, and once they try it and see the benefits in it, they enjoy it.

"We can all share new things with each other and benefit when the communities bring in people who can teach us new things. It's very important to get rid of the stereotype of 'I'm too old to learn something new' or 'I can't change now.' That's baloney!"

We couldn't agree more, Jill. And as we move through October, please come back to this space for ongoing content on ageism and everything WesleyLife is doing to combat it!

10/10/2025

Today is Ageism Awareness Day conceived by the American Society on Aging. WesleyLife takes this day seriously by doing something about ageism. A panel of WesleyLife residents across various communities throughout the state of Iowa met at Wesley On Grand to communicate their thoughts, share stories and work together towards solutions on ageism! Two Brio residents were represented and participated on the panel of rich discussions. ☺️

10/08/2025

Aging is something to celebrate — not to hide, fear, or dismiss. Yet too often, the world sends a different message.

That’s why Ageism Awareness Day matters deeply to us at WesleyLife.

Ageism isn’t just about how we treat others; it’s about how we view ourselves as we age. Every comment, assumption, or stereotype can either limit potential or open the door to possibility.

Our president and CEO, Rob Kretzinger, shares why Ageism Awareness Day, observed tomorrow, is so important to us as an organization, and how each of us can help shape a world that values every age and stage of life. Read his essay in the link below, and watch for additional content throughout the rest of October.

As we observe Ageism Awareness Day, read CEO Rob Kretzinger's take on why WesleyLife leads the charge in combating this societally acceptable "ism."

10/07/2025

Join us for Brio's Annual Wellness Conference this Thursday and Friday, October 9th and 10th, in the Community Room on campus. This two-day event offers a unique opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills for a healthier lifestyle, ultimately boosting your overall wellbeing.

10/06/2025

October is Ageism Awareness Month, a time to challenge stereotypes, spark conversations, and celebrate the value of every age and stage of life.

At WesleyLife, we believe aging is something to be lived boldly, not defined by limits or labels. That’s why we’re proud to host an Ageism Awareness Panel this Thursday, October 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Wesley on Grand, 3520 Grand Avenue, Des Moines. Everyone with an interest in combating ageism is welcome to attend; with a quick and easy RSVP, registration is free.

Led by our President and CEO, Rob Kretzinger, the event will feature WesleyLife residents and panelists sharing real stories and perspectives about aging and how we can work together to flip the narrative on ageism.

Please consider joining us as we mark Ageism Awareness Day with this important conversation. Light refreshments will be provided.

➡️ RSVP: https://hubs.li/Q03Mr6G50

10/05/2025

Brio of Johnston's latest expansion in independent living has reached extraordinary new heights with the completion of Neighborhood 19! The stunning 16 townhome units and three single home villas are now a vibrant part of Brio's campus, filled with enthusiastic residents who are proud to call Brio their home! 🏠

Most recently, the neighborhood came together to celebrate this milestone with a joyful happy hour, complete with live music, refreshing beverages, and savory hors d'oeuvres, followed by a delightful dinner and dessert capping off the evening in celebration! What a truly inspiring evening, filled with new and old friends alike, as they embark on this exciting new chapter in life!

10/01/2025

Brio of Johnston recently gave one more 'Hoorah' to our fierce leader and Executive Director, Teresa Krueger, for her national recognition in receiving an Excellence in Memory Care Innovation Award!

Under Teresa's leadership, this recent award is her second national recognition in memory care. Her first was with the Alzheimer's Foundation of America in 2022, receiving an 'Excellence in Care' Dementia Program of Distinction for Brio's memory care household, Elan Cottage.

Brio is so grateful to have Teresa lead the way in best practice for memory care. Our team, family members, and most importantly, residents all benefit from the passion, education and advocacy Teresa demonstrates for this population!
Congratulations, Teresa! 😁 🎊

09/19/2025

We’re celebrating a national honor close to home!

Please join us in congratulating Teresa Krueger, executive director of Brio of Johnston, a WesleyLife Community, on being named to the 2025 Memory Care Innovation Awards Class by Senior Housing News. Teresa received the Excellence in Memory Care Innovation Award for her visionary leadership, compassion, and innovative approaches to memory support.

Through her leadership at Brio’s Elan Cottage, Iowa’s only Excellence in Care–certified memory support household, Teresa has helped create a community where dignity, joy, and purpose are daily realities.

Read more about Teresa’s recognition and impact in the link below.

Congratulations, Teresa. We are so proud!

https://hubs.li/Q03K9nrn0