Gratitude, Friendship, and Service: Hicks and Sarns Neighborhoods at Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center

Close friends Jack and Martha Hicks and Dick and Norma Sarns have recently taken their friendship to a new level – the second floor of the newly completed Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, to be exact. Two households – one for traditional long-term care residents and one for those living with dementia – have been named in their honor for helping to make this project possible: Hicks’ House and Sarns’ Sanctuary.

“We have been personal friends for many years,” says Norma. “We love the idea of having such a mission-focused community named after us, and that we can be neighbors in perpetuity.”

Based on the Action Pact Household Model of culture change, this model of small household living embraces person-centered care, individual choices, and close personal attention, and includes common kitchen and living spaces that feel like home. “We’re honored to be part of such a beautiful concept,” says Martha.

Jack and Martha, long-time residents of Ann Arbor, have made their home at Chelsea Retirement Community for four years, as did Martha’s mother. “We could not have made a better choice,” says Martha. “It was true for my mom and true now.”

Dick and Norma, also of Ann Arbor, served for many years on the UMRC Foundation board and are the founders of NuStep. “With over 60 years in the healthcare field, our focus is on health and wellness,” says Dick. “That’s what we want our legacy to be.”