Commun ty Matters Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
Thanksgiving
November 2017
Hospice month
By Wayne Rector, resident Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
Heart and Soul Hospice recognizes Hospice Month
Mention November and Thanksgiving comes to mind. There are many things to be thankful for, even though some may not seem so at the time. In I Thessalonians 5:18 the Apostle Paul tells us, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. The following poem by an unknown author brings many things to mind:
November is National Hospice Month, and to recognize the importance of hospice services to quality end of life care, Presbyterian Manor’s Heart and Soul Hospice would like to share Clayton’s story.
Thanks to God for my Redeemer, thanks for all Thou dost provide, thanks for the time but now a memory, thanks for Jesus by my side, thanks for pleasant, balmy spring time, thanks for dark and dreary fall, thanks for tears by now forgotten, thanks for peace within my soul, thanks for prayers that Thou has answered, thanks for what DEVOTION, continued on page 6
It was not long after Clayton was diagnosed with a life limiting illness that he was told that curative treatment was no longer an option. Clayton quickly made the decision to seek hospices services. At first, Clayton thought hospice was a way to avoid burdening his family with his illness. Clayton soon began to understand that by deciding to utilize hospice, he had put together a supportive team for himself and his entire family. Together, Clayton, his family, and the hospice team created a plan of care that included Clayton’s medical needs as well as emotional and spiritual needs for himself and his family. Clayton’s wishes are prioritized. Clayton is not a fan of baseball, but his family loves the game. Clayton’s wish was to have a baseball party for his entire family. The hospice team helped him make that happen. That day there was baseball, air hockey, and a room filled with family, laughter and smiles. Clayton beat most of us at the air hockey challenges! Clayton has been with hospice since June and is still facing terminal illness HOSPICE, continued on page 2
HOSPICE, continued from page 1
with no cure. But, with his hospice team’s focus on providing medical care and emotional support that enhances his quality of life, Clayton has had more good days to be able to make memories with his loved ones. Heart & Soul Hospice of Wichita serves patients in Butler, Cowley, Harvey, Kingman, Reno, Sedgwick, and Sumner counties, and is a proud member of the Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America family. For more information about how hospice can serve you or your loved one, call 316652-6212. Learn more at: HeartAndSoulHospice.com
Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.
Art is Ageless®
Gerry Matney never expected to win first place for her quilt in this year’s Art is Ageless competition at Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor. So when she learned her handmade entry had been chosen to appear in the 2018 Art is Ageless calendar, she was overwhelmed. The first place winners from every Presbyterian Manors community are entered into a masterpiece level competition, from which artwork is chosen for the calendar and Art is Ageless note cards. The calendars are available this month. “I was most surprised, I really was,” Gerry said. “I didn’t know they did that.”
“I just put it together as I go. This particular pattern I call hodgepodge. I put orange and pinks together, reds and blues -- whatever color I pick up, I put together. There’s no rhyme or reason, no pattern. It’s nice because you don’t have to worry” about things lining up, she said. Gerry’s granddaughter, Casey Zavala, is a medication aide in our memory care neighborhood. Gerry said Casey has asked for her help with a T-shirt quilt she wants to make for her dad. “I told her, I won’t do it for you, but I will help you do it,” Gerry said. “It’s going to be more of a project than she knows, I think!”
Gerry has also contributed quilts for auction in support of Relay for Life, a fundraiser by the American Cancer Gerry has been sewing since she was Society for cancer research. “They 9 but didn’t start quilting in earnest had an auction online this last year until about 15 years ago. She likes to and I had one in that. They liked work on them while she watches TV it real well,” she said. “It’s a cause -- she says she can’t just sit there, that’s near to me.” she likes to keep busy with her hands. Gerry liked the pattern of Congratulations to Gerry on her Art her winning quilt because it wasn’t is Ageless accomplishments, along really a pattern at all. with all of this year’s winners!
Sarah Griggs, executive director Sean Page, marketing director Lori Peters, activities director
To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact spage@pmma.org. Telephone: 620-442-8700 Fax: 620-442-8224 Address: 1711 N. Fourth, Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607
Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
ArkansasCityPresbyterianManor.org
Gerry began quilting 15 years ago to stay busy after her husband passed away. Gerry started this quilt in 2011, and it took two years to finish. Gerry has made a quilt for each of her granddaughters.
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Community Matters November 2017
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A time for traditions and celebrations By Sarah Griggs, executive director Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor always has a busy schedule during the holiday season for both residents and staff. Activities range from honoring family traditions such as dinners and decorating to visiting entertainers like the cantata and children’s group. The activities vary each year with the groups that come; however, there are events that the community enjoys each year. Each event is special in its own way. The Celebration of Life service is a time that we set aside to celebrate and remember the lives of those we lost in the past year. We invite the families and friends of those who have died to join us. At the celebration, we place a symbol of remembrance on the tree in our Chapel, which remains lit throughout the holiday season.
Denise Vroman places an ornament of her loved one on the Celebration of Life tree during the 2016 service.
Christmas gifts from the leadership team and residents.
The residents’ Christmas parties are a fun time. The staff are creative each year with the parties. Santa stops in and brings gifts for our residents. Each year, a Giving Tree has been established The Holiday Dinner is a huge for residents in health care and event during the season. The memory care. The Giving Tree is our dining services team prepares an extraordinary meal for our residents opportunity to help make Christmas and their guests. Residents have the extra special for these residents. opportunity to dine with friends and Staff and visitors can select names from the tree and provide gifts of family on this special occasion. The around $10 in value which are given community serves approximately out during the parties. 350 individuals that night. The annual Christmas Tea is an opportunity for residents to attend a celebration honoring the staff. Heavy appetizers have been prepared by each department and shared with staff and residents. This event recognizes staff accomplishments including education, service anniversary milestones, and any honors from the corporate team. Staff also receive Like us on Facebook
As we enter this year’s holiday season, we asked our own dedicated staff members to tell us about their favorite celebrations and traditions here at Presbyterian Manor. Here are their heartfelt responses. Dorothy Hladik, health care; employee for 25 years: “Christmas Tea, because all the residents and staff from
all departments and shifts are celebrating together. Also: Celebration of Life – it feels like a time to pay tribute to our beloved residents who have moved on.” Casey Zavala, memory care; employee for four years: “Christmas Tea. I love all the staff and residents enjoying the snacks and all the awards. Also love the Christmas trees on all the different floors.” Pam Brown, health care; employee for 31 years: “Founders Day. It was interesting to know how the manor got started and how and what Founders Day stands for. And I like to brag about the manor on that day (other days too). It’s fun to celebrate with all the employees and residents about this day. Christmas Tea is fun. Residents get to join in with all of the employees to party. It was fun when I had my 30-year [anniversary] TRADITIONS, continued on page 5 Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
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Shingles, Flu and Pneumonia vaccines Did you know that as you age, your immunity to the diseases you’ve been vaccinated against as a child starts to wane? So says Dr. Dana Hawkinson, infectious disease specialist at The University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kansas. That’s why it’s just as important to be vaccinated as an adult as it was as a child. So here’s what you need to know about the most common vaccines for older adults — influenza (flu), pneumococcal pneumonia and shingles — plus boosters you need for tetanus and pertussis. Influenza: If you don’t know by now, influenza or the flu is nothing to sneeze at. It can be a killer, especially for those 65 and older. Flu season typically lasts from fall through spring. “Influenza is a dangerous disease that can lead to pneumonia and fatal outcomes,” warns Hawkinson. Because the flu virus changes every year, you need to get a flu shot annually. It is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. The shot becomes available in late August, and Hawkinson recommends getting immunized in September or October so your body has enough time to build up immunity after the shot. That can take a few weeks. However, if you miss this window, don’t forego the shot altogether. “[People should] still continue to get it until the end of flu season,”
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Community Matters November 2017
Hawkinson adds, “because it can have so many important effects.” While you can still contract the flu after getting the vaccine, the severity of the illness may be lessened. “Also, patients who have gotten the vaccine have fewer days being ill, and they have even fewer days missing work,” Hawkinson says.
The shingles vaccine is recommended for individuals over 60. Unfortunately, says the CDC, the vaccine isn’t 100 percent effective. But considering that the effects and complications of shingles increase in severity as you age, it makes more sense to get the vaccine than not, Hawkinson says.
Having an egg allergy does not mean you can’t get the shot: there is an egg-free, FDA-approved influenza vaccine.
One of those complications is postherpetic neuralgia: a burning pain that lasts months or years after the rash has healed. The risk of neuralgia is decreased if you begin taking antiviral drugs within 72 hours of developing the shingles rash, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Pneumococcal Pneumonia: This vaccine is known under the brand names Pneumovax and Prevnar, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and each prevents A 2005 New England Journal of different strains of strep pneumonia. Medicine article underscores the severity of the disease: “The pain The Prevnar version of the vaccine and discomfort associated with is given starting in childhood and herpes zoster can be prolonged and then again as an adult 65 or older. disabling, diminishing the patient’s The Pneumovax version is usually quality of life and ability to function for adults only. Pneumococcal to a degree comparable to that in pneumonia is a bacterial infection diseases such as congestive heart that can have dire consequences, failure, myocardial infarction [heart especially for those with certain attack], diabetes mellitus type 2, and health conditions, such as chronic major depression.” heart or lung disease, or diabetes. Tetanus and Pertussis Booster: Shingles: The virus that causes You should be getting what’s called a chicken pox also causes shingles, a Tdap booster every 10 years. That’s blistering rash that can produce a because Tdap includes protection burning, electric shock or stabbing against tetanus — the T in the shot pain where it erupts. Also called — and pertussis or whooping cough herpes zoster, it can lie dormant for — the P in the shot. years in your system. “As we age, we become more Some people who got the chicken susceptible to pertussis, and we can pox as a kid will never develop spread it to the younger generation shingles. Others might get it as that hasn’t yet been immunized an adult multiple times. No one against whooping cough,” says knows why someone has a shingles Hawkinson. outbreak, though some believe a stressful event can bring it on.
TRADITIONS, continued from page 3
Holiday Calendar Thanksgiving Service – Nov. 22 at 1:30 p.m. (Followed by Art is Ageless calendar signing) Decorating Days – Nov. 28, Dec. 1 Happy Hours – Dec. 1, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, Dec. 20 and Dec. 27 Celebration of Life – Dec. 5 at 2:30 p.m. Holiday Dinner – Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. Christmas Tea – Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. Independent and assisted living Christmas Party – Dec. 21 Memory care Christmas Party – Dec. 22 Health care Christmas Party – Dec. 22
EVERYONE HAS THE CAPACITY TO GIVE. Join us on November 28 to celebrate #GivingTuesday. You can give your time, skills, voice, dollars, and goods to charity or #payitforward to help others.
® ®
To be a part of the global movement, visit presbyterianmanors.org/give_now.
and residents were there. And they brought cow bells to ring for me. That was a very special holiday I will always remember. It meant a lot to me to have residents there to share my 30-year anniversary. Also the Emerald Award [celebration] was cool. I always think it is neat when corporate comes. [They] shared the award and served a good meal to us. “All manor holidays are fun. Some seem more special, like Christmas Tea and my 30 years. I will always cherish that day. It will always be special to me.” Amy Powers, health care CNA and medication aide; employee for two years: “My favorite holiday is the Christmas dinner for the residents. I love being a part of getting them all dressed up and seeing all of their families.” Joann Goff, housekeeper in assisted living and memory care; employee for 35 years. “Christmas, because I love the joy it brings to all the residents and their families. I love seeing the families come in.” Sarah Griggs, executive director and former human resources director; employee for 17 years: “Celebration of Life – this event kicks off our holiday season and it is such a special celebration. We invite the families and friends of our loved ones we have lost in the past year. It is a time that we pause in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and remember those who will be missing from our family traditions and events. We love to see and touch base with our precious families.” Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
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DEVOTION, continued from page 1
Thou dost deny, thanks for storms that I have weathered, thanks for all Thou dost supply, thanks for pains, and thanks for pleasures, thanks for comfort in despair, thanks for grace that none can
measure, thanks for love beyond compare, thanks for roses by the wayside, thanks for thorns their stems contain, thanks for home and thanks for fireside, thanks for hope and sweet refrain, thanks for joy and peace with Thee, thanks
through all eternity. And, so we give thanks to Almighty God, who knows what is best for all our days. Thank you for calling. Good Day!
Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor 1711 N. Fourth Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607 Return Service Requested
Tell about your hobbies We will feature hobbies in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. If you have a story about your favorite hobby, or if you just want to tell the world what you love about living in your senior living community, we want to share the story. Contact Sean Page, marketing director, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.
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Community Matters November 2017
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