MORNINGSIDE MINISTRIES MAGAZINE
Walk to End Alzheimer’s® PAGE 7
FALL 2013 ISSUE
Faith and philanthropy in action PAGE 23
Meet the resident ambassadors PAGE 11
TOUCHING LIVES HOW HELEN AUSTIN CONQUERED ALL TO BECOME THE MOST DECORATED SOCIAL WORKER OF HER TIME.
Lifetime Living
•
Fall 2013 Issue
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
4
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
5
MESSAGES
23
The End of the “Fee for Service” Era
6
BEYOND THE WALLS
7
MEMORABLE EVENTS
Spirituality and Aging
Alzheimer’s Association: Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
8
Elder Resource Group Symposium at The Manor
9
Scott Burns Presents “Moving Along: Rightsizing vs. Downsizing”
10 10 11
2
21
The “Perfect” Holiday
12
THE MANOR
13
CHANDLER ESTATE
14 15 15 16
RECENT DONORS
List of Recent Donors Celebrating Faith and Philanthropy in Action
A Step Up in the Journey to Recovery
A Family Endeavor Our Patients: More than Just A Diagnosis MENGER SPRINGS
Aging Well with Anita Edgar Change: The Only Constant in Life
24
MMLEARN.ORG
25
SOCIAL CORNER
26
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
26
Bringing In the Sheaves
27
Find your OASIS
27
Jefferson Outreach 22nd Annual Fundraiser Fashion Show and Luncheon
MENGER SPRINGS
A Community that Cares
Community of Hope International
Outstanding Residents of Morningside Ministries
The Mobile Church of Morningside Ministries
THE MEADOWS
Annual Resident Art Show Local Seniors Making an Impact in San Antonio THE MANOR
Resident Ambassadors
LIFETIME LIVING MAGAZINE
18
FEATURE STORY
Service in the Face of Adversity
EDITORIAL
Each of our residents have lived remarkable lives and given so very much to their family, friends and country. They have persevered through many challenges, performed heroic deeds and countless kind acts. They have witnessed and been instruments of great change. In this issue, we feature one remarkable resident, Helen Austin, whose selfless and courageous focus aided the lives of many. We also highlight some of the great ways Morningside Ministries and our residents continue to enrich the lives of those we serve and call neighbors. We are pleased to present to you an issue that centers on community and spirituality and hope that you continue to enjoy our new format. LETTER FROM THE EDITOR.
Sandra Scott, Senior Editor IN RESPONSE TO THE LIFETIME LIVING MAGAZINE SUMMER 2013 ISSUE
Your opinion matters! Letters to the Editor are a great way to share your opinion on feature stories or important issues you would like to see featured. Letters may respond to current issues in your community, health, and local or state government. Please let us know if there is a resident you would like to see highlighted in our Resident Feature Series. We would love to hear from you. All letters to the editor are welcome and will be considered for feature stories, publication or posting online. SEND US YOUR STORY:
POR VIDA PROGRAM
As a nation, we brace ourselves for the upcoming implementation of the Affordable Care Act, where many of us are faced with a lot of uncertainty as to how these changes will affect each and every one of us. However, one thing for sure is that the time has come where each individual will be held accountable for the betterment of their o w n health and wellness as well as the well-being of our pocketbooks. Thus, I’m really impressed with the featured article which brings the Por Vida program to the forefront. For me, Por Vida has begun a dialogue amongst the community where talking about making healthy choices and sharing common struggles is not a discussion kept to dieting support groups. I would like to see more articles that share tips on exercise, favorite recipes from residents/staff, or stories on how people have made
changes at home to live healthy. In my opinion, whether you are for or against the Affordable Care Act, we all need to continue the channel of communication in regards to our health and wellness. ~Christine Nguyen, HR Employee Relations DIETARY SERVICE AWARD
Thank you for your excellent feature story about Anne Shinn. As Chairman of the resident Food Committee I have been honored to work with Anne for three years. Her devotion to the residents of The Meadows and her professional service to each of us who call The Meadows home is one of the main reasons we love this place. She is tops in her field and certainly deserves the dietary service award. ~Fred Stokes, Chairman Food Committee, The Meadows MMLEARN.ORG
Recently, I completed the Community of Hope training program facilitated by Virginia Valenzuela and mmLearn.org. I commend you for giving her well-deserved recognition in last season’s issue. ~Julie Little, The Meadows Resident
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Morningside Ministries 700 Babcock Road San Antonio, TX 78201 Open letters to other people are not admissible. Letters must be signed by the writer and should have complete address and contact information. Letters must be 400 words or less.
FALL 2013 ISSUE
3
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
The “Perfect” Holiday The virtue of accepting the fact that nothing is perfect. go again. The holidays are runfavoritism to you. She will let you know ning us over! We cannot seem to get out that her therapist said that this was the of the way! Holidays are everywhere this cause of all her issues. Your adult child will time of year. Don’t you love it?! We would inform you that she/he no longer needs not have it any other way! The air is filled you to tell her/him what to do, whom to with hope and anticipation. Family and date, or how to live. However, there will be friends are gathering. Some folks are travno complaints about the monthly check eling a great distance to be with us. Othyou send. ers may be coming from across town or I know what it can be like, because I down the street, or we may be the ones have been there. Each of us has stories doing the traveling. we could relate about family gatherings. We have great expectations for the perIt will not always be fun and games. Yet, fect celebration. All will be wonder and delight. Or will it? it is, and always will be a part of being a family. We take Each year at this time we read and hear warnings to the good and the bad, not just at Christmas, but throughlower our expectations. Things will not be perfect! Al- out the year. People are people, and we take them and acthough we anticipate that each year will be better than cept them and love them because of their uniqueness and the last and that all our dreams and hopes will be realized, shortcomings, just as they love us and accept us as we are. we know that we may be disappointed. Still, many times, We cannot change people. We can only change ourselves, we fail to admit this to ourselves. and that is hard enough. People are people, Just to remind us, let’s remember a few This year, be prepared for family and and we take them things. People do not change just because friends. Do not expect too much or an“it is the most wonderful time of the year.” and accept them and ticipate a different experience. Perfection Uncle George will hit the nog a little too does not come from agreeing or from trylove them because of early and for far too long. Aunt Eugenia ing to change others. their uniqueness and will still know what is best for everyone. Perfection comes from knowing that shortcomings... She will remind you of everything that you we are all together for yet another year. It should have done, but didn’t. Even though she never had comes from accepting, loving and being surrounded by children of her own, she is a veritable Benjamin Spock those who have been a part of our past, our present and, when it comes to child rearing. Your brother-in-law will hopefully, a part of our future. It comes from rememberstill bore you with how much money he makes, and how ing times together and those who share those times with you could do as well as he has done if you put your mind us. It comes from memories of past holidays and hope for to it. Aunt Margie’s sweet potato casserole will still taste holidays ahead. as blah as it has for the past 40 years, but, once again, you Great moments are seldom, if ever, perfect. Please do will tell her that it was the best thing on the table. not get bogged down and frustrated when people and Your Cousin Jake will hold you hostage informing you of events are not the way you think they should be. Accept the sins of the government, the waste of entitlement pro- the way things are and give thanks that you can all be tograms, and how the absence of prayer in public schools gether, even in imperfection. It may be hard to do, but you has led to our moral and spiritual decay. Joe Bob, the fam- and I can do it. I know we can. ily liberal, will fight back with the need for less military Have an “imperfect” holiday and enjoy! spending, more services for the poor, and more money for National Public Radio. Your sister will remind you of some Alvin Loewenberg, President and CEO incident from your childhood where your parents showed Morningside Ministries Senior Living Communities HERE WE
4
LIFETIME LIVING MAGAZINE
MESSAGES
The End of the “Fee for Service” Era What is an Accountable Care Organization? Care Organization (ACO) is a com- you will be joining. The Providers in the ACO will be bebination of group practices, network of practices, hospi- holding to the financial health of the whole organizatals and their employed providers. An ACO works with tion. one or more payers, most commonly, Medicare so as to So what will that mean to you? As public opinion polls achieve improved health outcomes and patient experi- have shown, the public does not understand the Affordences in order to reduce total cost of care. They are reim- able Care Act and the government has not been able to bursed on “bundled” payments for all medical care. If it explain it clearly either. The implementation of the Afsaves money, it will share in the savings but, if they lose fordable Care Act will be by the Accountable Care Ormoney, they will also share in the loss. ganizations themselves. Question being, There are three different levels of ACO “who are they?” This explains why the maThe public does models. The theory is to improve patient jority of Physicians do not understand or not understand the quality of care and outcomes by fosterknow how this Affordable Care Act will Affordable Care Act and ing improved coordination of care, in orimpact them and the way they practice the government has not der to deliver higher quality-coordinated Medicine. been able to explain it patient centered care. The said “bundled The Affordable Care Plan lies in the clearly either... payment” will cover all costs that will innumber of insured lives and the health clude; hospital care, radiology, all specialprofile of these insured lives. For the fiists, lab, skilled nursing care, physicians, durable medi- nancial success of the ACO: besides good health care, it cal suppliers, etc. The “devil” will be in the details of how would behoove the plans to insure as many healthy inthis “bundled payment” will be divided among all types dividuals as possible to spread the risk as it is a bundled of medical providers. When costs exceed the bundled payment. To quote a line said by the actress Bette Davis payments, it will not be able to balance bill the govern- in the movie All About Eve ”Fasten your seatbelts…it’s goment or the patients. ing to be a bumpy night.” The government will initially subsidize payments, to prevent losses, but, over time, this support will decrease Marvin R. Moszkowicz, M.D., is a board certified Doctor and then be eliminated. Your future relationship will not of Internal Medicine in based San Antonio and Boerne, be with your physician, but, with the ACO organization Texas. AN ACCOUNTABLE
FIGURING OUT ACOs ACO Models include relationships between A) Hospitals, providers and payers; B) Hospitals & physicians in group practice arrangment; C) Hospitals employing physician group; and D) Network of individual practices
2X 12% 15% 23% 33 70% 940
The speed at which healthcare insurance premiums rose in relation to inflation in 2006
The amount of healthcare paid for by out-of-pocket expenses
The amount of our GDP the U.S. spends on healthcare (the largest single economy sector)
The amount of the federal budgets spent on Medicare & Medicaid
The number of quality measures ACOs are measured on (broken into four groups)
The minimum satisfaction score ACOs must meet in each group
Million dollars is the predicted amount Medicare will save in their first four years through ACOs
Source: berylhealth.com
FALL 2013 ISSUE
5
BEYOND THE WALLS
Spirituality and Aging Blessing the Threshold. book Winter Grace Kathleen Fischer writes, “A spirituality of aging must help us find a way to turn losses into gains, to learn how the stripping process which often accompanies aging can be a gradual entrance into freedom and new life.” When we’ve reached the age where life stops giving us things and starts stripping them away, that is precisely the time when many of us begin to contemplate or even further embrace our spiritual side. Perhaps it’s because much of our physicality begins to slow down that our inner being takes on a more prominent and reflective role. As author, Joan Chittister fittingly writes in her book on aging, The Gift of Years, “This is the period of spiritual reflection, of spiritual renewal in life. Now is the time to ask ourselves what kind of person we have been becoming all these years. And do we like that person?” That kind of introspective thinking does not come easily and is probably more evident as we approach the aging journey. The challenges of aging are many and it offers us all an opportunity to either take it on with a certain amount of dread and complaints about what may lie ahead or go for the gold and tread triumphantly onward seizing the blessings of each threshold we encounter along the way. IN HER
6
LIFETIME LIVING MAGAZINE
Each year mmLearn.org presents an online Spirituality & Aging Conference with noted and gifted speakers. This year’s conference is no exception and we are truly excited to invite you to watch our 5th Annual Spirituality & Aging Conference: Blessing the Threshold! Author, retreat and workshop leader, Sylvia Maddox, offers a trajectory of the aging milestones leading towards each threshold in life while Mary Olivia Patiño, also an author, discusses caring as a journey of faith, hope and love. Ms. Patiño draws on her own life experiences as a church minister as well as caring for her mom to provide caregivers with words of encouragement and insight; this presentation is also available in Spanish. Chaplain Dennis Smith, a returning and popular presenter, gives his thoughts from the perspective of the many joys and challenges while ministering at Morningside Ministries, a long term care community. Hospice Chaplain Darwin Huartson presents on the emotional and spiritual attributes of caregiving from a hospice perspective. Finally, a Christmas Prayer for Caregivers by Kay Gerfers beautifully closes out the conference. Go to mmLearn.org to watch this year’s Spirituality & Aging Conference for a time to reflect on the many blessings of your own spiritual journey.
TOP 5 MMLEARN VIDEOS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Maria Wellisch Going home to visit your parents? Watch this video for tips on what to watch out for when spending time with your loved ones this holiday season.
1
2
FAMILIES COPING WITH DEMENTIA by Maria Wellisch Explore the conflict and strain that often exists when caring for a loved one with dementia. Support from family members is not always forthcoming and decision making has the potential to erode family relationships. DEPRESSION AND ELDERS by Dr. Thomas Weiss, M.D. Loss is a part of aging - loss of relationships, health, a job, driving. At the same time, depression is not a normal part of aging. Dr. Weiss will provide an overview of signs, symptoms and treatment of depression in older adults.
3
4
HOARDING AND ELDERS by Dr. Thomas Weiss, M.D. Elders may have hoarded earlier in their lives or it may begin later. In either case, hoarding can be a serious problem that impairs mobility, increases fall risk, and interferes with cooking, cleaning, showering, and sleeping. Dr. Weiss will provide an overview of hoarding and treatment.
5
LETTING GO OF CHRISTMAS EXPECTATIONS – PRAYERS FOR CAREGIVERS SERIES by Kay Gerfers Kay has developed her speaking gift while teaching youth and adult Bible studies. At her church, First Presbyterian, Kay volunteers as the Team Leader for the Small Group Ministry. Kay engages the viewers with an uplifting reflection and reminder about the importance of Letting Go of Christmas Expectations. TO WATCH THESE VIDEOS ONLINE, PLEASE VISIT: http://training. mmlearn.org/Free-Online-Videos/
MEMORABLE EVENTS
Alzheimer’s Association: Walk to End Alzheimer’s® Together, we can change the course of dementia.
is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. This disease accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases. In the United States, Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death. People with Alzheimer’s live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to twenty years, depending on age and other health conditions. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s but treatments for symptoms are available. Although current treatments cannot stop Alzheimer’s from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and imALZHEIMER’S IS
Thousands of participants join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the AT&T Center.
prove quality of life for patients and their caregivers. Today, there is a worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing. With a combined 328 teams and nearly 2,656 walkers, the 2013 Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® was
a great success! In total, $220,626.91 was raised in San Antonio to fund research to end Alzheimer’s! The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to accelerating the global effort to eliminate this disease. They have awarded nearly $315 million to more than 2,200 projects over the life of their grants program and are the largest private, nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and for helping move us toward the vision of a world without Alzheimer’s disease. We look forward to seeing you again next year as we continue to raise awareness and funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Left-Colored flowers representing participants of the Walk—Blue for those who have Alzheimers’; Purple for those who lost their loved ones battling this disease; Yellow for those who support or care for someone who’s afflicted; Orange for those who support the cause and a vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.
FALL 2013 ISSUE
7
M E MO RA BLE EVENT S
Elder Resource Group Symposium at The Manor Educating seniors on the process of transition. effort to help seniors who are considering a senior living community but do not know where to start, Morningside Ministries partnered with experts to form an education panel in the retirement industry. Panelists from Elder Resource Group, Senior Living Choices, Generations Senior Moving & Transportation Services and Elder Law Attorney, Carol Bertsch gave their time freely to give advice on moving, discuss estate and financial planning, and legal directives amongst other important topics. Many seniors are burdened with homes they cannot sell due to a lack of expertise, time or resourcIN AN
8
LIFETIME LIVING MAGAZINE
es. Speaker John Nelson, from Elder Resource Group opened the session by discussing an overview of the real-estate market in San Antonio and when it's time to consider retirement living. Self proclaimed, "Realtors by trade — Transition Specialist by Choice," Elder Resource Group has a mission to make moving as easy and profitable for seniors as possible. Peggy Brown, a Senior Relocation Specialist, discussed tips on moving and how to become better organized for a move. Kameron Chicoine discussed the processes of choosing the right retirement community. Chicoine owns and operates Senior Living
Choices, a comprehensive retirement locating guide, serving the Texas Hill Country and Central Texas for over 13 years. Elder Law Attorney, Carol Bertch closed the session with a conversation about directives on elder law. Her firm focuses on elder and disability law, providing an umbrella of services to advise and counsel seniors and their families so they can make informed decisions to achieve their desired outcome. Bertch’s goal is to assist seniors in finding positive solutions to complex challenges so they can maintain dignity, control and most of all, peace of mind.
MEMO R A B L E E V E N T S
Scott Burns Presents “Moving Along: Rightsizing vs. Downsizing” An in-depth look at downsizing for older adults.
Audiences watch on as Burns delivers his presentation.
columnist Scott Burns spoke to a group of more than 200 guests about where they should plan to live as they get older. A newspaper columnist and author, Burns has covered personal finance and investments for over 30 years. Today, he ranks as one of the five most widely read personal finance writers in the country, according to The Dallas Morning News. He is best known for creating the “Couch Potato Portfolio” investment strategy, which advocates the use of index funds over managed funds or stock-picking. In 2006, he co-founded the web startup AssetBuilder, where he serves as Chief Investment Strategist. At the presentation, Burns elaboCONSERVATIVE FINANCIAL
rated on a theme he authored two years ago in the Dallas Morning News: “Few people understand that where you live can literally be a lifeor-death decision.” Burns wrote in that column. “The problem is that we freeze up as we get older. The greatest error people make is being tied to their homes, even if it kills them.” His presentation at Tapatio Springs, entitled “Moving Along: Rightsizing vs. Downsizing,” offered Burns’ personal experience with family and friends while drawing on his financial expertise. “Many people find changes - particularly downsizing - difficult because of possessions,” Burns said before advising that, “aside from a few objects, most possessions are just things, people should give them up and move on.”
“Individuals and couples justify not moving because their homes are paid for,” Burns said. “But what we don’t talk about is how much money goes to other things. My wife and I own our house and no longer pay a mortgage, but it still costs about $23,000 a year to support — and that’s not an extravagant house.” However the loss of tax deductions, maintenance, insurances and the variety of individual services all add up, Burns expounded. An advocate for Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC), Burns shared that from a financial standpoint - because of meals, cable, security services and HOAs CCRCs can make as much financial sense as they do physical and social sense. FALL 2013 ISSUE
9
THE MEADOWS
Annual Resident Art Show The impact of creative expression.
Left-Resident Tom K. views a portrait of himself which was painted by Shirley J.; Right-Galleries of paintings during the Resident Art Show.
living! Just because we age, doesn’t mean we have to stop doing the things we love to do. Older adults are creators, mentors, teachers, tutors and advisors, sharing the wisdom that they have gained through a lifetime of experience. Art programs for seniors have great value, both to the individuals involved NEVER STOP
and to society as a whole. As role models, older adults show us how to be creative by sharing their unique perspectives on life, and teach younger artists that aging is an opportunity to discover more of what life is all about. At the Meadows Resident Art Show, residents were encouraged to fill the atrium with their artistic accomplish-
ments and beautiful works of art for this annual event. Art pieces came in all shapes, sizes and textures. While some residents displayed traditional painting techniques, some elected more unconventional methods and mediums. Approximately twenty residents participated in this year’s art show.
Local Seniors Making an Impact in San Antonio Helping the less fortunate. The Meadows began a community outreach effort that will help cloth and shelter hundreds of San Antonio’s homeless throughout the year. Residents have partnered with Haven for Hope, gathering helpful commodities for those who are homeless and in need. Residents and staff are allowed to bring in clothing RESIDENTS OF
they would like to donate. Throughout the course of the year, residents are encouraged to leave slightly used clothing in the “collection closet.” During the year, when the closet fills up, staff will drive donations to Haven for Hope. Haven for Hope offers a place of hope and new beginnings for men, women and families faced with
homelessness in Bexar County. They do this by providing, coordinating and delivering an efficient system of shelter and care aimed at addressing the root causes of homelessness. There are 2,981 homeless people in San Antonio each day. Of these, 1,243 are unsheltered.
This outreach activity has been made possible through the efforts of Meadows resident Ralph W. For more information on how you can help and make a difference, visit www.havenforhope.org or call (210) 734-1155.
10
LIFETIME LIVING MAGAZINE
THE MANOR
Resident Ambassadors Community through the eyes of residents. RESIDENTS FROM The Manor-Kaul-
bach were busy this summer organizing the first Ambassador Program to exist at their community! The program began in July with the help of Assisted Living Manager, Shirley Little. The Ambassador Program consists of a team of community menbers who serve as a greeting party for new and prospective residents coming to The Manor-Kaulbach. Residents act as mentors and guides, exploring the community and discussing what an assisted living retirement lifestyle has to offer. Ambassadors are available to speak with retirees and family members, sharing their personal experiences and offering honest perspectives of life in an assisted living community. Ambassadors also enjoy inviting new residents to meals and activities — ultimately adding to the inclusive atmosphere. Resident Ambassadors are available to an-
Left to Right-Resident Ambassadors Anna W., Betty P., Madge S., Lucille G. and Darlene C.
swer questions about the community and are ready to help residents acclimate to the community and their new home!
A TESTIMONAL FROM RESIDENT AMBASSADOR ANNA WOOD .
Lifetime Living recently interviewed Anna Wood about her experiences at The Meadows and The Manor. “I moved to Morningside Ministries about ten years ago. I was already retired when I decided to move. It’s the best choice I could have ever made! I should have done it sooner,” she exclaimed. “The staff is excellent...just excellent!” Ms. Wood expounded.
Former Deputy U.S. Marshall, Anna Wood
For more information about becoming an Ambassador, residents are encouraged to contact Shirley Little. She continued to express her satisfaction in each of her interactions with staff “from housekeepers to medication aides, all the way up to our President, Mr. Alvin Loewenberg.” “It’s just so nice here, I have my friends here at The Manor and my sister is close by, too! I’m 97, I don’t use a walker, I have all my teeth and I feel like I have all my marbles,” Wood said with a chuckle. “I love Morningside, I wouldn’t move for the world.”
FALL 2013 ISSUE
11
T H E M A NO R
A Step Up in the Journey to Recovery Benefits of a Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation facility for independence. with the prospect of admitting into a Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation facility, patients and their loved ones are often at a loss. Most of the patients the Therapy Team treats are often experiencing the skilled nursing and rehabilitation environment for the first time. Although skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers are considered “step downs” from the hospital, there is no compromise in the skill, experience, and expertise our Therapy Team WHEN FACED
of expertise are neuro-rehab, contracture management and orthopedic rehab. Her passion for promoting healthy aging in the geriatric population while maintaining independence allows her to lead by example at the Manor. Jonell leads a team of physical, occupational, and speech therapists, all committed to helping our rehab patients reach their utmost level of independence. Our therapists have an experienced eye for identifying unique as-
A member of The Manor’s therapy team assists a patient with her rehab.
brings to each patient’s next step in recovery. At The Manor, our Therapy Team is headed by Jonell Massingill. Jonell graduated from Lourdes College in Sylvannia Ohio with an Associate’s degree in Applied Science in Occupational Therapy in 1998. She has been providing occupational therapy services in skilled nursing facilities for the past 15 years. Her areas
12
LIFETIME LIVING MAGAZINE
pects of each patient’s needs. The experience our therapists bring to each patient results in focused, individualized treatment plans. At The Manor, our therapists work with a diverse patient population. Each rehab patient has unique diagnosis, medical conditions, and circumstances. Our therapists are also faced with the fact that the patient population served has changed. The rehab patients our
therapists are treating are staying in hospitals for less time resulting in patients that are getting fewer inpatient hospital therapy services, with higher medical needs. Given the diverse population and circumstances, the Manor Therapy Team has incorporated an array of treatment options into individual patient treatment plans. Our therapists assess each patient upon admission to the rehabilitation unit. This admission assessment will provide the Therapy Team and patient with a solid treatment starting point. Each rehabilitation patient will be an engaged, active part of the planning and recovery process. Treatment options will vary for patients depending upon the patient’s diagnosis and goals for recovery. A patient recovering from a stroke may benefit from Patterned Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (PENS) as part of their treatment plan. PENS assists with muscle re-education which is crucial in stroke recovery. For our rehab patients recovering from an orthopedic surgery, the plan of care might include the Omnicycle. The Omnicycle can assist patients in regaining strength, endurance, balance and flexibility. These are but a few diverse treatment options available. Given the expertise afforded our rehabilitation patients, The Manor Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is not a “step down” from the hospital, but a step up towards independence.
C H A N D L E R E S TAT E
A Family Endeavor Resident Harold Arnold on the importance of relationships for seniors. care for myself.” medicine are According to allowing many the PA Departadults to live ment of Aging, longer lives those age 85 than previous and above are generations. predicted to Researchers increase 44% have begun in number by studying what 2020. factors contribOlder adults ute to successattribute sucful aging. These cessful agstudies show ing to quality that the “influof life (Reichence of family stadt, Sengupand social relata, Depp, PalResident Harold Arnold during a performance with the Chandler House Players. tionships” play inkas, and Jeste, an important part in one’s health her stay here, and she led me on a 2010). Arnold believes that successand psychosocial well being. tour through Assisted Living. In the ful aging means a quality of life that Take resident Harold Arnold for back of my mind, I pretty much un- can be achieved with the care and example. He is a second generation derstood that I would retire here when interaction you find at Morningside resident of Morningside Ministries the time was right,” Arnold added. Ministries. at Chandler Estate. His parents NaCertain of his return to MorningMany older adults agree that the dine and Henry Arnold became res- side, Arnold spent the next decade “feeling that somebody cares” played idents in 1985. “My mother was usu- living independently. “I was living an important role in this sense of ally very adaptable, and she made alone on 24 acres in the Hill Coun- well being.1 friends quickly” says Arnold. “Chan- try that included a large pond that I For Arnold, successful aging dler Estate would take them shop- fished often. I was busy traveling the means to continue “living like you ping, and take them out. They had United States, and I’m proud to say mean it!” Arnold is an active mema group of four close friends who in- that I’ve visited many beautiful plac- ber in the Chandler House Players, teracted on a daily basis. They had a es within these borders.” a theater group from his communigood life.” Now in his eighties, Arnold shares, ty. “I would say the sense of commuArnold is no stranger to the im- “As time went on, I seemed to live a lot nity is what makes Morningside Minportance of community. “When my longer than my doctors had predict- istries special. I love our community mother passed away in 1990, I do re- ed. In late 2004, the time just seemed and our association with contempocall coming back and speaking to one right. I lived alone out there [on my rary society — boy, is it contemporary. of the nurses at Chandler Estate. She acreage], and it is likely that if I be- The people we interact with keep us was a friend of my mother’s, during came really sick, I wouldn’t be able to young.” ADVANCES
IN
1 Reichstadt, J., Sengupta, G., Depp, C., Palinkas, L., Jeste, D. (2010). Older adults’ perspectives on successful aging qualitative interviews. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 18(7), 567-575. doi: U103.02.04.102
FALL 2013 ISSUE
13
C H A ND L ER ES TAT E
Our Patients: More than Just A Diagnosis Empowering rehab patients to full recovery. the Nursing Home of yesteryear, we are a Rehabilitation Center. This is the mantra of our Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Team. Our Chandler Healthcare Rehabilitation Team is lead by Gina Dutra. Gina is a graduate of UTHSC-Dallas. Gina has spent the last 22 of her 26 years of her practice in Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. Gina leads a team of Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and a Speech Therapist, each with impressive credentials and experience. When asked what they enjoy most, the Therapy Team expresses a common theme. Our therapists enjoy the challenge of working with patients with diverse medical conditions. As it challenges and expands their experience however, they also enjoy the patients as individuals. Our rehab patients are not just a diagnosis. Our therapists are especially driven by the stories each patient brings, their history and their humanity. To our therapists, our patients are not just rehab patients, but grandmothers, grandfathers, mothers and fathers, all unique individuals with diverse WE’RE NOT
14
LIFETIME LIVING MAGAZINE
histories and backgrounds that garner respect. The Chandler Healthcare Rehabilitation Team focuses on empowering our rehab patients to win back lives interrupted by accident, injury, or illness. Our therapy professionals are experts in not only the physical toll a change in medical condition can take, but also recognizing the men-
tal and psychosocial aspects that accompany the often rigorous recovery process. Our therapists are sensitive to the need of patient participation in identifying his or her own personal goals. Goal setting is a team exercise resulting in the creation of a Plan of Care. The Plan of Care can be thought of as a roadmap to recovery. The Plan of Care identifies deficits a patient is experiencing due to medical change of condition and establishes goals
for the patient. The Plan of Care may also result in not only treatment strategies but also recommendations for modifying the patient’s home environment to maximize independence and safety. Environmental recommendations may include everything from grab bar installation to adaptive aid equipment, such as a shower chair or a walker. Every care path taken is implemented to enable our patients to care for themselves in their homes so they can safely take on daily activities we often take for granted such as cooking or driving as they continue recovering. Our therapists focus on real solutions to enable our patients to function to their fullest potential. Along with the practicality of regaining function, our patients also regain a sense of confidence and personal happiness through achieving their independence. At Chandler Healthcare, our therapists are highly qualified through education and experience. What makes our Team uniquely successful is the understanding and practice of patience, creativity, compassion and empathy.
MENGER SPRINGS
Aging Well with Anita Edgar Boerne seniors focus on fitness. important five years, Edgar has taught for good health at any age classes three-times a week and seniors are no excepat the Menger Springs comtion. Low-impact exercises munity for Independent fall into four categories: enLiving. durance, strength, flexibili“I direct residents in a way ty and balance. Incorporatthat matters for them,” Eding all four types of exercise gar says. “I have a very coninto your workout helps reservative approach. We do duce the risk of injury and what we can and build from keeps you and your body there.” For residents, it’s from getting accustomed more than attending one of Residents using fitness equipment at Menger Springs. to a repetitive routine. her sessions. They begin a At Morningside Ministries, our res- in many of our resident’s lives. Edgar routine that motivates them to conidents are encouraged to take part began her career over 25 years ago as tinue. “Regular attendees enjoy workin physical activity. Annita Edgar is a group exercise instructor and has ing together, so that helps to bring a the Fitness Coordinator for Menger since had a vast amount of experi- sense of community to our routine Springs and is charged with incor- ence with clients — all with incred- and that helps motivate seniors” Edporating engaging workout routines ibly individualized needs. For over gar says. EXERCISE
IS
Change: The Only Constant in Life Healthy Aging at Morningside Ministries. achieve these goals. We have partnered feeling great is importwith Accelerated Care ant at any age and that Plus to offer the best doesn’t change just beand latest rehabilitacause you have a few tion technology. The more grey hairs! As Manor, Chandler Eswe age, we experience tate and Kendall House an increasing number Wellness and Rehabiliof major life changtation offer state-ofes, including physical the-art therapy mochanges in our health. dalities. Our Therapy The key to staying Teams are dedicated healthy comes from Angela S. celebrated her 105 birthday at The Manor. to maintaining your how we handle the aging process. We encourage seniors By offering fitness programs at ev- physical health so that you may to set goals to improve their phys- ery level of care, Morningside Min- live life to the fullest, whatever ical and emotional conditions. istries is committed to helping you your age! STAYING HEALTHY and
th
FALL 2013 ISSUE
15
M E N G ER S P RI NG S
A Community that Cares
MEET AND GREET
One-on-one with Jonalyn Duarte, LVN. NANCY JO ABBOTT Community Relations Coordinator
Nancy brings with her a vast experience in providing homes for seniors, helping them through the transition process and overseeing all marketing efforts for independent living apartments and cottages. Previously, Nancy worked for Patriot Heights and The Waterford on Huebner.
Jonalyn Duarte, LVN with Karen Kersh, Administrator of Kendall House Wellness & Rehabilitation
is committed to employing and educating our nursing staff so that they may provide residents with the highest quality of care available. Through in-service programs and continuing education, the staff is encouraged to keep growing in their respective profession. Just take Jonahlyn Duarte for example. Duarte works as an LVN at Menger Springs Kendall House overnight and attends Galen College of Nursing during the day. A typical workday includes a double shift starting at 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon and continuing until 7:00 a.m. the following morning. Originally from the Philippines, MORNINGSIDE MINISTRIES
Duarte has always aspired to care for others. “I grew up very close to my family,” says Duarte. A humble individual, Duarte attributes her interest in nursing to the care she observed as a child. “I’ve always been very close to my grandparents. I’m the eldest grandchild, so I just became used to taking care of my siblings.” Morningside Ministries provides tuition reimbursement for Duarte so that she may attend Galen College. Duarte aspires to one day become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). “[Morningside Ministries] is a nurturing place that feels like a family,” concluded Duarte. “I’m very happy to be here and to be a part of these individuals’ lives.”
JOIN OUR TEAM! BE A PART of our Senior Living Community as we expand and reap the benefits of a Morningside Ministries Career Professional! For more information on current job openings, please visit our career portal at www.mmliving.org/careers. To contact our recruiter, email recruiter@mmliving.org or call (210) 734-1175.
16
LIFETIME LIVING MAGAZINE
I feel so blessed to be a part of Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs here in Boerne. I look forward to meeting every one of you and being an essential part in helping you find a cottage or apartment that meets your needs. One that truly makes you feel at home.”
CORDY TOSTENSON Marketing Director for The Overlook
Cordy has been in the retirement living industry since 2006. Previously, she worked for retirement communities such as Park Lane West and The Forum at Lincoln Park. It is my pleasure to join Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs as the new Director of Marketing for The Overlook. I look forward to helping you become a resident of The Overlook. It is my pleasure to be of service to you in the upcoming months as you select your retirement home! I look forward to meeting with you and getting to know you better at our charter events.
Retirement Living in the Texas Hill Country The Overlook offers an active and enriching lifestyle with services and amenities designed to meet your interests and serve your needs now, while providing priority access with substantial savings on future health care should your needs ever change. Select from a variety of luxury, maintenance-free one- and twobedroom apartment homes situated alongside the natural beauty of Menger Creek on the 32-acre campus of Morningside Ministries’ Menger Springs community in Boerne, TX.
Now Accepting Reservations There will never be a better time to reserve with pre-construction pricing and incentives. Choose your future home now while a variety of inventory styles and locations are available.
1100 Grand Boulevard • Boerne, TX 78006 • (830) 816-4497
www.overlookatmengersprings.com
The Overlook is part of the Morningside Ministries, a faithbased, not for profit, continuing care retirement community.
FALL 2013 ISSUE
17
F E AT U R E S T O RY
Service in the Face of Adversity BY CONNOR ORTIZ
Helen Austin brings with her a warmhearted, encouraging vigor wherever she goes. Her smile and kind nature are infectious and her life-experiences are extraordinary. She is acknowledged as one of the most prolific and innovative social workers of her time. Her programs have touched the lives of thousands of mentally ill patients over the years. She has affected positive change at the municipal, state and federal levels and is a role model for African-American professionals across the nation.
HELEN AUSTIN LEARNED DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING’S PHILOSOPHIES
Helen Austin (formerly Cloud) Highschool graduation, ca.1944.
18
LIFETIME LIVING MAGAZINE
Ms. Austin was born in Louisville, Kentucky, into a self-described “middle-class, African-American community.” During a time when Cab Calloway and Louis Armstrong were dominating the music world, when car radios were a novelty and before many homes had color television systems, Ms. Austin was striv-
ing for the fundamental goal of any American – a quality education. She describes being well nurtured throughout her childhood at home and attributes much of her desire to care for others to the lessons learned as a young girl. “Spiritual community was essential in my formative years. It taught me how to treat other people,” she explained. During her college years, she became a part of Martin Luther King’s
resented five colleges in the area and were the first African Americans to integrate white schools in the segregated community. PRACTICING HER MENTOR’S WAYS HELPED AUSTIN DEFEAT DISCRIMINATION
Top Left-Chief of Social Services Helen Austin together with her husband during the Governor’s commendation; Top Right-Helen at San Antonio State Hospital, ca.1984; Above-Helen with Louisville Municipal College Class of 1948.
civil rights student organization on the Louisville campus. “Dr. Martin Luther King was very comforting in his tone. He would open our sessions, usually in a small conference room, with the same question. What have you done to better your community since we last met?” The young preacher’s career had
just begun in 1950 when he taught the students a philosophy they would spread across the South and beyond. Until 1953, Dr. King met with students every other month at Zion Baptist Church on the campus of the University of Lousiville, sharing his vision of nonviolent principles. The students who attended rep-
In 1948, Helen Austin received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisville Municipal College, but her education didn’t stop there. Ms. Austin continued and in 1953 she completed her Master of Science in Social Work degree from the University of Louisville, Kentucky. She was among the first African-Americans to graduate from the University. “In that time you could preach or teach. I knew I wasn’t any good at preaching and I was sure I wasn’t going to teach,” says Austin. Throughout her career spanning more than twenty-five years, Helen Austin made numerous contributions to the social work profession. She began her career as a caseworker at the Cook County Psychiatric Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. She latFALL 2013 ISSUE
19
F E ATURE S TO RY
er joined the staff of Longview State Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio where she worked as a caseworker, Director of In-Patient Services, and later, Chief of In-Patient Services. In each of these positions, and throughout her career, she showed a deep interest and commitment to improving the quality of life for persons with mental illness. In 1962, Helen Austin and her husband, a civilian employee of the United States Air Force, were transferred to San Antonio, Texas. Upon her move, Ms. Austin quickly recognized the rigid segregation laws that were in effect. Despite being professionally qualified, her commitment of service to mentally ill patients was halted due to the color of her skin. Ms. Austin recalls reflecting upon her collegiate lessons with Dr. Martin Luther King and attributes her perseverant nature to his teachings. Ms. Austin was turned away from her profession for over two years while segregation laws were in effect, but in 1965 she was finally appointed the first African-American Chief of Social Services at San Antonio State Hospital. In fact, she became the first African-American professional in the entire hospital. She remained in that position until her retirement — never ceasing her mission to care for those with mental illness. “I mention some of my pioneering efforts with prayerful thanksgiving. I came along in the times of unrelenting segregation and continued discriminatory practice toward race and gender. The Journey was two-fold for me [being african-american and female], uphill and often emotionally unsettling. Through it all, I pushed forward to become the first to be em20
LIFETIME LIVING MAGAZINE
ployed in top-level professional areas” said Ms. Austin. Helen Austin implemented a number of new programs during her time at the San Antonio State Hospital (SASH), including an orientation program for newly admitted patients; Splash for SASH; SASH Mobile Unit — workshops designed to reacquaint judges with the needs of mentally ill persons; and the SASH Alternate Care Program — a community care program which has placed more than 300 patients in foster homes. This program serves as a model for helping persons with chronic mental illness lead normal lives. Her accomplishments were formally recognized in 1983 when she was declared both San Antonio and Texas State’s Social Worker of the Year. The following year, the 94,000-member National Association of Social Workers, honored Ms. Austin as the nation’s Social Worker of the Year, making her the first Texan to receive all three awards. The city organized a large send-off at the San Antonio airport before Ms. Austin departed to accept her award at the National Health Conference in Washington, D.C. United States Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez escorted Ms. Austin to the ceremony and read a tribute to her in Congress, which is published in the Congressional Record of June 11, 1984. Among other prestigious honors, Ms. Austin was inducted into the San Antonio Hall of Fame in 1985. In addition, Ms. Austin was one of fifteen women included in a 1989 brochure sponsored by the National Council of Negro Women entitled Salute to Black Women Who Make Things Happen.
THE LEGACY OF HELEN AUSTIN
Ms. Austin has remained active in the community, both professionally and politically, even after retirement. She is the former President of the Board of Directors of San Antonio Halfway Houses and an Advisory Board member. She also served as a Board member of Bexar County Mental Health Association, the Wesley Community Center and the Bexar County MH/MRA Program. Ms. Austin’s many honors and awards include: Black Women Achievers, honored by Gamma Phi Chapter, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority; Social Worker of the Year, San Antonio Unit, Texas Chapter; National Association of Social Workers (NASW), 1983; and the National Social Worker of the Year, NASW, 1984. She also received the Lifetime Achievement Award, San Antonio Unit, Texas Chapter, NASW, 2001. This award was presented at an appreciation breakfast where Representative Ciro Rodriquez served as the speaker to honor her extraordinary career. The impact that Ms. Austin had on her community was further acknowledged when she received a Resolution of Appreciation from The State of Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TDMHMR). In this document, she was recognized for “her humanity to reach out to others, her vitality to unearth and create needed resources, her intellect and compassion to perceive critical issues affecting human lives and her imagination to devise new responses for new needs. She leaves a legacy of academic papers at The University of Texas at San Antonio that will be available for future scholars for generations to come.
RECENT DONORS
The Measure of Life is not its Duration, but its Donation ~Peter Marshall
Mr. and Mrs. William D. Balthrope
Mr. Gary L. Cram Ms. Carmen Dempsey Gustafson Family Foundation Harte Management Trust Ms. Erika J. Ivanyi and Mr. Matthias Schubnell Local, State and Federal Combined Campaigns Mr. Alvin A. Loewenberg Col. and Mrs. David H. Powell Powell Family Revocable Living Trust Mr. and Mrs. John R. Presley Mrs. Martha Redman The Rt. Rev. and Mrs. David Reed Miss Ertis Rothschmitt Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Vandeventer Mr. and Mrs. Vick Williams Mrs. Barbara B. Wood Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Woolley Wortham Insurance and Risk Management
MMLEARN.ORG
GIFTS OF GOODS AND SERVICES
COVENANT FUND
Mr. and Mrs. Alan E. Battaglia Mr. Forrest W. Dunham Mrs. Helen Galloway Edkins Mrs. Sharon M. Freeto and Mr. William R. Irwin Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. LaCava Leon O. and Mary Jane K. Lewis Charitable Fund Ms. Kum Ruskoski Mrs. Heidi Schulz Mr. Fred M. Stokes Maida Davis Turtle Charitable Trust Dorothy Walker CHARITY CARE
Mrs. Mary E. Reeves Mr. Patrick H. Swearingen, Jr. SPECIAL PROJECTS
First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio Golden Manor Jewish Senior Services Mr. Robert L. Kesl Kronkosky Charitable Foundation Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas SA Chapter National Association of Church Business Administration Rev. and Mrs. Carl W. Rohlfs Shield-Ayres Foundation St. Mark's Episcopal Church United Methodist Women of Carrizo Springs UNRESTRICTED GIFTS
Ace Mart Restaurant Supply Mr. and Mrs. William D. Balthrope Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Boyd Harold Brannan, M.D. The Rev. Dr. John Lewis and Mrs. Patricia G. Bridwell Gillian E. Cook M.D.
Mr. and Mrs. Dallas Johnson GIFTS IN HONOR OF
Helen C. Austin Col. and Mrs. Harold Batiste Annita Edgar Ms. Suzanne Huber Paula Kupfernagel Mr. and Mrs. Frederick A. Kupfernagel Alvin A. Loewenberg Mr. and Mrs. William A. Martin Mrs. Aline L. Rothschild Chaplain Jeff Mead Mr. and Mrs. Paul Allen Brown Mr. and Mrs. Richard Schoff Ms. Nancy Whitten Mildred Munt Ms. Donna S. Munt Chaplain Dennis Smith Mr. and Mrs. Richard Schoff Ms. Nancy Whitten Madge Smith Chaplain Dennis K. Smith
FALL 2013 ISSUE
21
R E C ENT D O NO RS
GIFTS IN MEMORY OF
Virginia Bowen Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Timm Mr. Jack A. Rodgers Mrs. Boni Jensen Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Rendall Alamo Heights United Methodist Church Seekers Sunday School Mr. and Mrs. Mark Spates Mr. and Mrs. Howard Blanchard Mr. and Mrs. Gary E. Gaut Mr. and Mrs. Craig Dixon Mr. Alvin A. Loewenberg Joseph K. Brown Dr. and Mrs. Norman L. Lofland David Carter Mr. and Mrs. James M. Cavender Marquerite Carver Mr. and Mrs. John B. Hollje Mary Ellen Cruse Ms. Carol E. Saunders Joan Davis Mr. Clark Davis Aida Falcon Mr. Miguel P. Falcon Rowan E. Fisher Mrs. Marie Fowler Fisher Juanita R. Flocke Ms. Linda S. Fox Helen Flynn Ms. Carol Machacek Mary Fox Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Fox Joaquin Garcia Mrs. Lois Ann Thomas
Louise Gentry Ms. Bertha B. Brown Catherine Gonzalez Mr. and Mrs. Frank I. Gonzalez Ph.D. Eddie and Evalyn Grantham Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Mumme Ruth Hammond Mrs. Marjorie Strayer David Harrison Mrs. Betty Jo Stone Robert Holcomb Mr. Alvin A. Loewenberg Claire Dawson Hollar Mr. and Mrs. James P. Hickey Robert Karl Hultgren Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hultgren Tommy Hultgren Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hultgren Dorothy C. Jones Mr. Alvin A. Loewenberg Josephine LaCava Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. LaCava Felix Lentz Mr. and Mrs. Gerald A. Lentz Delbert Oliver Mrs. Julie P. Little Robert Reid Parker Mr. Alvin A. Loewenberg Dewey Peace Mr. Alvin A. Loewenberg Irene Richmond Mr. and Mrs. Brian T. Richmond Rudolph V. Rodriguez Ms. Elena T. Rodriguez
Doris Z. Rohlfs Ms. Jane King Mr. Alvin A. Loewenberg T. C. Frost Mr. and Mrs. Donald B. Harrell Mr. and Mrs. Kirk Grimes Mr. and Mrs. Byrd L. Bonner Jean W. Rutledge Col. (Ret.) Walton A. Rutledge Bill Scales Mr. Alvin A. Loewenberg Gaylan Schroeder Mr. Alvin A. Loewenberg E. Caldwell Smith Mr. Alvin A. Loewenberg Corrine Crow Stokes Mr. and Mrs. Harry P. Meadows Rev. Daniel F. Schorlemer Ms. Anna Rose Mrs. Milton K. Dare Mr. and Mrs. Wesley N. Schulze Stephanie Halff Street Mrs. Barbara B. Christian Renee Tatum Col. and Mrs. Charles C. Tatum, II Allan Torrey Mr. Alvin A. Loewenberg Blanche S. Walton Mrs. Myrtle J. Fields Helen Wendt Chaplain Dennis K. Smith Phyllis Yost Mr. Alvin A. Loewenberg
W H Y D O N AT E ?
CHARITABLE DONATIONS to Morningside Ministries make a difference in the lives of hundreds of older adults in our care every year. Your contributions are used to provide a loving home to those who at the end of a long life have outlived their financial resources. Besides a place to live, we also help our residents with the requirements of daily living, as well as full-time nursing care to those who need it. But, most important of all, we provide companionship, a gentle touch, a bright smile, a compassionate word. Please help us to continue to provide a place our residents can truly call home. MAKE A DONATION TODAY at Morningside Ministries, 700 Babcock Rd., San Antonio TX 78201/ Phone: 210-734-1199
22
LIFETIME LIVING MAGAZINE
R E C EN T DON OR S
Celebrating Faith and Philanthropy in Action First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio. for Hope, pregnant Presbyand parenting teenterian Church of age girls residing at San Antonio has Seton Home, needy been named the families looking for city’s 2013 Outfood and clothing at standing Service Christian Assistance Organization of Ministry (CAM), the Year by the Aschildren with insociation of Fundtellectual developraising Professionmental disabilities als. Morningside at Mission Road Ministries is proud Ministries, and to have nominatmany more. ed First PresbyteHere is another rian for this prestiexample. In 2012, gious award which the leadership of was presented at First Presbyterian the National PhilanChurch challenged thropy Day Lunthe entire congrecheon. gation to be directly The compasinvolved in raising sion and generosifunds for Habitat ty of the members First Presbyterian Church volunteers show their compassion and generosity at work on Project 240 for Habitat for Humanity. for Humanity and of First Presbyteridedicating an afteran Church over its noon of service helping families con167-year history is an outstanding their financial resources. We can truly say that the faith and struct the homes they would evenexample of how Christian charity in San Antonio has made a very signif- philanthropy of the people of First tually live in. Called Project 240, the icant difference in the lives of count- Presbyterian Church have not di- goal was to build the framing for less people in need. We at Morn- minished in our time. In fact, each three houses within four hours—240 ingside are grateful to say that for year, the congregation sets a goal minutes! Having met this goal, the almost 50 years many thousands of to contribute at least 25% of the 2013 challenge—motivated by conolder adults in our care have bene- church’s income towards benevo- gregation members themselves fited from the faith and philanthro- lences, including contributions to this time—was to build framing for py shown by congregation members. local nonprofit agencies, supported five homes. Members are now asking how many houses they will help First Presbyterian and many of its missions, and global organizations. As a result of the benevolence build in 2014! members have given generously over Please join us in thanking and celethe years to help build the facilities of its members, First Presbyterian on Morningside’s three campuses. Church makes annual contributions brating with the people of First PresThey have also helped fund the care to over 30 nonprofit organizations in byterian Church of San Antonio as provided to older adults who at the San Antonio. A few examples include we recognize their example of Faith end of their lives have exhausted support for the homeless at Haven and Philanthropy in Action! THE FIRST
FALL 2013 ISSUE
23
MMLEARN.ORG
Community of Hope International A vision to empower the Laity, shaped by Benedectine Spirituality. WITH THE growing need for caregivers
idents and nearby church members in our aging communities, there is an to work together as lay pastoral careeven greater call for pastoral caregivgivers became a reality in the summer ers. The ability to listen with the “ear of 2013. The collaboration with Christ of the heart” the pastoral caregiver Episcopal Church, located next door provides a much needed presence to to The Chandler Estates at Morningthose who are homebound or in hosside Ministries, formed the foundapitals, nursing and retirement homes. tion for this venture. A long standing In 1994, Rev. Helen Appelberg, Asparticipating member of COHI, Christ sistant Director of Pastoral Care at St. Church—with the energetic support Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston, of their pastor, Rev. Patrick Gahan, Texas, was appointand Carol Miller, Pased to create a traintoral Care Admining course for people istrator—provided to become lay chapguidance as well as lains. With support wisdom of some of from staff chaplains their experienced and advice from Eslay pastoral caregivther de Waal, an auers to lead the way. thority on BenedicThe combined group tine spirituality, a from Christ Church curriculum, taught along with Morningby invited faculty, was side residents took established. Rooted on the 14-week COHI in ageless principles course with high spirof The Rule of Beneited enthusiasm and The Community of Hope participants gather during their last training session dict and sustained by a determination to at Chandler Center. clinical pastoral pracdevelop their skills in tices, the Community of Hope (COHI) ers in their particular area of expertise pastoral caregiving. was born. and record them using the resources Each of the 14 modules integrated While the work of COHI has spread of mmLearn.org, a program of Morn- worship, reflection and discussion afthroughout the country and even in- ingside Ministries. The mmLearn. ter the presentations which included ternationally to Africa, the newest col- org website offers pertinent informa- topics from Listening Skills to Confilaboration between COHI and Morn- tion and support for caregivers of old- dentiality, Family Systems and Boundingside Ministries was established er adults available online 24 hours a aries. With these skills well honed, the when Maria Wellisch, Vice-President day, 7 days a week providing a much group took on their first practice visof Corporate Education for Morning- needed resource for caregivers who it at Chandler Estates Assisted Living. side Ministries and Rev. Appelberg are often unable to leave the person The new COHI members were comvisited with Rev. Quentin B Jones, a for whom they are caring or travel for missioned on Sunday, October 6th Chaplain serving at Lakeview Village training. during a special service at Christ Episretirement community in Lenexa, The vision to create a pilot program copal Church as they were sent forth to Kansas and who has built up a large by bringing together Morningside res- give comfort and care to those in need. 24
LIFETIME LIVING MAGAZINE
pastoral care group using the Community of Hope curriculum. Ms. Wellisch felt this type of training would be a perfect fit for some of the Morningside residents in independent, assisted living or skilled nursing who were looking for ways to continue to serve others and be able to do so within their own communities. An additional benefit to this collaboration would be to make available the best present-
SOCIAL CORNER
Outstanding Residents of Morningside Ministries Seniors who embody the qualities of heroes. needlepoint and bingo – what does retirement mean to you? Don’t worry, there isn’t a right or wrong answer. Retirement is what we make of it. It’s a chance to get in touch with ourselves and to do the things we’ve dreamed about! Many of our residents continue hobbies that contribute to our community and we are so happy they do! Morningside is committed to honoring these residents that continue to share their skills and interests with their community. We believe that these unique personalities and interests create a special identity that we love and adore here at Morningside Ministries. In the coming seasons we will feature outstanding residents from our communities. These residents emI body our ministry and are using their skills and talents to better the lives of others. FORGET SHUFFLEBOARD,
has become a shepherd to an ever-growing flock. He leads a weekly Bible Study that encompasses individuals from every major Christian denomination. Members gather in a circular arrangement that encourages engaging dialogue. Beginning with a mere DANIEL SCHORLEMER
Daniel Schorlemer began a Bible Study that quickly gained the interest of The Meadows residents.
handful of people in 2009, Daniel has now grown the group to include over 30 residents on average. The Bible Study begins with an opening prayer that allows members to bring spiritual attention to personal, local and even national dialogues. After prayer, members dive straight into the liturgy. Daniel prepares a study guide that details the specific passages they will be focusing on. Members share in the reading and interpretation. Born in the city of Runge, Daniel is native Texan. After completing
his school years at Yorktown High School, Daniel attended Capital University in Columbus Ohio. He went on for further studies at Texas Lutheran College before eventually attending Trinity Lutheran Seminary back in Columbus Ohio. After seminary school, Daniel went on to minister for 62 years. Daniel is the father of two daughters and the grandfather to six grandchildren ( four boys, two girls). He attends Christ Lutheran Church of Alamo Heights. He enjoys reading, gardening and playing dominoes.
S TAY C O N N E C T E D , B E U P D AT E D !
Twitter @MorningsideM
Facebook www.facebook.com/ morningsideministries
Youtube www.youtube.com/ MorningsideMinSA
MSM News www.mmliving.org/about/ news/news-a-happenings
FALL 2013 ISSUE
25
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
The Mobile Church of Morningside Ministries Bringing Ministry to your doorstep. decades to our residents. Not all of many churches have been our facilities have a desestablished in untradiignated chapel sanctutional ways. New churchary. Nonetheless, Mornes have meet in school auingside Chaplains lead ditoriums, gymnasiums, worship at every level of community centers and care on each Morningside store fronts. That means Ministries campus. Staff every Sunday they set up, help the Chaplains by altear down and store away lowing for a sacred time all they need for worship and a reasonable space and classes until the next for residents to worship week. Such establishin their activity room or ments wed mission and nursing unit. innovation. Some refer to We are privileged to Chaplain Dennis Smith presiding over a mobile church at The Manor. it as the church on wheels bring the eternal message or the mobile church. Whatever the not go to church each week, but of God’s love in the homes of our restitle, the gospel is taken to the world church is an integral part of their idents and grateful for the staff who and spiritual needs are met. lives. So, like the church on wheels, make that a vital part of MorningMany Morningside residents can- Morningside Ministries bring church side Ministries. FOR SEVERAL
Bringing In the Sheaves Reaping the benefits of hard work and perseverance. BRINGING IN the Sheaves is a pop-
ular American Gospel song written in 1874 by Knowles Shaw. He was inspired by Psalm 126:6 which said “Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” Sheaves are bundles of grain that at harvest time are gathered from the fields for threshing and storage. They not only represent the
bounty that the harvest brings but the promise of food for days to come. Morningside residents are familiar with the song. Moreover they are familiar with the concept of sowing seeds not to mention the months of labor required to prepare for harvest. Their lives are a testimony to a diligent and hardworking generation. As crops are gathered in the fall season it is a fitting time to give thanks for
the harvest. Let us be thankful for the Morningside residents who are enjoying the benefit of their years of labor. For those whose task it is to care for them, let us be thankful for the privilege of “caring for those who cared for us.” “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” ~ Galatians 6:9
C H A P L A I N ’ S F U N FA C T DID YOU KNOW: The Holy Bible has been translated into over 1,200 languages including a version in Klingon which was an alien race in the popular television sci-fi series Star Trek; There are 594 chapters before Psalm 118 and 594 chapters after it; Dogs were mentioned 14 times in the Holy Bible, lions 55 times, but domesticated cats were not mentioned at all!
26
LIFETIME LIVING MAGAZINE
Find your OASIS Providing older adults opportunities to enjoy successful aging. a different place in their mind as their OASIS. Now there is another OASIS at Morningside Ministries. OASIS is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of mature adults. The OASIS mission is to promote successful aging through a three-pronged approach: lifelong learning, healthy living, and social engagement. The vision is to see that older adults age 50 and older across the country have opportunities to pursue vibrant, healthy, productive and meaningful lives. OASIS programs can be found in over 40 EVERYONE HAS
cities across the country. The San Antonio program began in 1991 and has grown to over 21,000 members. OASIS classes provide intellectually challenging lifelong learning programs that promote brain health. They create opportunities for social support as people learn together with their peers in a comfortable group setting. It is never too late to learn and experience new things. OASIS offers over 600 classes per year including exercise programs, health education programs, music, history, writing and literature classes. Come and learn about your iPad
or computer or learn about legal and financial issues. There are also opportunities to engage in the community by becoming an OASIS volunteer. An OASIS member writes- “OASIS fills my retirement life with the joy of continuous learning and the excitement of new adventures. I cherish the friendships made through OASIS and revel in my newfound positive outlook on life.“ Membership in OASIS is free and many classes are offered at no cost. Contact OASIS at (210) 236-5954 or find us on the web at oasisnet.org. Discover life after 50. Discover OASIS.
Jefferson Outreach 22nd Annual Fundraiser Fashion Show and Luncheon for Older Adults held their 22 Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon at Oak Hills Country Club. In its 22nd year, the luncheon served as a fundraiser for Jefferson Outreach for Older Adults. All proceeds from this fundraiser allow the organization to continue with services that are very much needed to assure the quality of life of homebound seniors. Jefferson Outreach for Older Adult's services include: JEFFERSON OUTREACH nd
Daily nutritious meals are delivered Monday-Friday, including Holidays, to those who are unable to prepare their own meals. The delicious meals are prepared by Morningside Ministries at The Meadows. MOBILE MEALS.
Jefferson Outreach delivers groceries to the doors of those 60 or older. The client must call the office on Wednesday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. with their order. Groceries are delivered between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on the next day, Thursday. GROCERY DELIVERY.
Volunteers provide transportation to/from medical appointments and door to door assistance for the elderly who are not able to drive. Requests for transportation need to be made at least seven to ten days in advance. TRANSPORTATION.
For some of our seniors, even changing a light bulb in an overhead lamp is a difficult task. HOME REPAIR.
Our volunteers can help with that – and do other simple tasks: Fixing a dripping faucet, replacing air conditioner filters, etc. Could you help a senior with some of these simple tasks? Volunteer today! Part of keeping seniors in their homes for as long as possible is lawn maintenance. Would you be willing to mow for a senior? Jefferson Outreach has the mower and the gas – call today to volunteer! LAWN SERVICE.
Jefferson Outreach provides TELEPHONE REASURRANCE
for seniors who feel lonely and want to talk to someone. Volunteers will keep in touch with homebound seniors. FALL 2013 ISSUE
27
EVEN HEROES NEED ONE.
Donate Now
and be somebody’s hero. For donation by phone, please call Jack Rodgers at (210) 734-1050 For donation by email, please contact jack.rodgers@mmliving.org For a secure donation via our website, please visit www.mmliving.org
Morningside Ministries is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization that provides a continuum of care for older adults. For 52 years, we have been the proven dynamic leader in quality retirement living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and memory care. CARING FOR THOSE WHO CARED FOR US.