Informed Choices

Both Wesley Des Moines and Wesley Lea Hill have earned Five-Star CMS ratings—a distinction achieved by a small percentage of care centers nationwide. In this episode, Christine Tremain, Vice President of Marketing & Development, sits down with Robert "Bob" Rowe, Health Services Administrator at Wesley Des Moines, to discuss what that rating means and the effort required to achieve it.
Bob shares insights from his nearly 30-year career in senior care, explains how families can evaluate rehabilitation and long-term care options and discusses the importance of trust, transparency, staffing, and planning ahead. The conversation also explores common misconceptions about nursing homes and why Wesley's mission-driven approach continues to set its care centers apart.
Robert Rowe - Health Services Administrator at Wesley Des MoinesChristine Tremain - VP, Marketing & Development, Podcast Host
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.

In this episode of Informed Choices, Christine Tremain sits down with Georgia Henney, a resident at Wesley Des Moines, and her daughter Teresa Barnes to talk about Georgia’s move into The Commons which offers Wesley's signature Catered Living program. Together, they share what the transition looked like from both the resident and family perspective—what was hard, what helped, and how having the right level of support brought greater stability, safety, and peace of mind.
 
This conversation offers a thoughtful, real-world look at Catered Living for seniors and families considering supportive care, without losing sight of independence, dignity, and choice.
 
 
Georgia Henney - Wesley ResidentTeresa Barnes - Daughter of Wesley Resident and Wesley Team MemberChristine Tremain - VP, Marketing & Development, Podcast Host
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.
 

What does it really look like to move from independent living to more supportive care—and how do families know when it’s time? In this episode of Informed Choices, host Rachel Kirkman talks with senior living consultants Dave and Carol Foltz (Rhythm Senior Living Consulting) about the levels of care, common safety concerns, and why the “right time” to transition often shows up first as caregiver exhaustion and worry. They share practical ways to start a difficult conversation with a parent, what to watch for when memory changes begin affecting daily life, and what questions families should ask when evaluating assisted living, memory care, rehab, or skilled nursing.
Carol Foltz - Senior Transition Consultant at Rhythm Senior Living ConsultingDave Foltz - Senior Transition Consultant at Rhythm Senior Living ConsultingRachel Kirkman - Wesley Brand Marketing Specialist
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.
 

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we sit down with Jill Krance and Dena Erickson — the architect and interior designer behind so many Wesley senior living communities — to talk about what thoughtful senior living design really looks like. From drawing on local history to incorporating direct resident feedback, they share what families should look for when searching for a retirement community that feels like home.
Jill Krance - Principal Architect at Insight ArchitectsDena Erickson - Sole Proprietor at Studio Belle InteriorsChristine Tremain - VP, Marketing & Development, Podcast Host
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.

Hear an unexpected perspective on senior living from the storytellers who have gotten to know Wesley communities firsthand. From inspiring resident journeys to common misconceptions about aging, this conversation reveals what really makes community living thrive.
Jennifer Lang - Freelance WriterCrai S Bower - Freelance WriterRachel Kirkman - Wesley Brand Marketing Specialist
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.

Senior placement expert Cindie Bohall joins us to discuss why families shouldn’t wait to explore senior living options. From common misconceptions to the emotional and practical benefits of planning early, this episode offers valuable insight for those navigating the next chapter in aging well.
Cindie Bohall - President of Northwest Senior AdvisorsKatrina Rodriguez - Wesley Regional Sales Director, Podcast Host
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.

In this episode, we talk with Becca Parkins, Chaplain at Wesley Bradley Park, about what spiritual support really looks like in senior living. Becca shares how she helps residents, families, and staff navigate grief, connection, and meaning—regardless of belief or background. It’s a heartfelt look at how presence, listening, and compassion can make a lasting difference.
Becca Parkins - Wesley Bradley Park ChaplainTessa Krippaehne - Executive Assistant, Podcast Host
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.

In part 2 of this interview, Dr. Josh Kretchmar speaks candidly about what’s broken in modern healthcare—and how Wesley is doing things differently. Joined by Kelly Pajinag and Heather Dart, he shares an unfiltered look at hospice, compassion, and the power of simply listening.
Dr. Josh Kretchmar - Medical DirectorKelly Pajinag - Home Care Executive DirectorHeather Dart - Wesley Des Moines Executive DirectorChristine Tremain - VP, Marketing & Development, Podcast Host
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.

Wesley staff member Maureen Sullivan-Larson shares a heartfelt story of how bringing her young daughter to visit her mom in memory care sparked a lifelong passion—for both of them. Hear how Wesley supports multigenerational connection and what families can expect from a welcoming, inclusive community.
Maureen Sullivan-Larson - Wesley Lea Hill Community Relations DirectorTessa Krippaehne - Executive Assistant, Podcast Host
 
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.

In this episode, Dr. Josh Kretchmar, Kelly Pajinag, and Heather Dartt discuss Wesley’s unique approach to care. Dr. Kretchmar shares his journey from English teacher to physician, explains why listening is the most powerful healing tool, and describes how Wesley is rebuilding "old-fashioned continuity of care". The team discusses how Wesley balances independence with support, offering an alternative to a healthcare system that often leaves families frustrated.
Dr. Josh Kretchmar - Medical DirectorKelly Pajinag - Home Care Executive DirectorHeather Dart - Wesley Des Moines Executive DirectorChristine Tremain - VP, Marketing & Development, Podcast Host
LEARN MORE about Wesley or SCHEDULE A TOUR by visiting wesleychoice.org.