Commun ty Matters Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
November 2016
Starting the tough conversations When someone you love has Alzheimer’s disease, it can be difficult to start those tough conversations about driving, finances and medical decisions. Having the right tools to start the tough conversations is key to successfully navigating the road ahead. Learn strategies for discussing these sensitive topics at a free event at Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor on Nov. 8. The Alzheimer’s Association will present “Starting the Tough Conversations” and share tips for having difficult conversations around some of the most common issues that arise regarding Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, including making legal and financial ALZHEIMER’S, continued on page 4
Memory care neighborhood fills a need For people with dementia, assisted living and skilled nursing care aren’t quite the right fit for their needs. The memory care neighborhood at Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor is unique in the region, offering Alzheimer’s and dementia care in a separate residential unit, said Sarah Standerfer, charge nurse for memory care. “Our residents need more structure, more care, more looking after,” Sarah said. “We would never expect any of our residents to be able to make it to the dining room at a certain time without being cued or assisted. It’s not possible.” By the same token, many memory care residents don’t have the advanced medical needs that qualify for placement in health care. They benefit from retaining some of their independence, Sarah said, which includes having some choice in their activities and recreation. Sarah said memory care staff were somewhat surprised to find that their MEMORY, continued on page 2
MEMORY, continued from page 1
residents prefer group activities over some of the individualized therapies they have tried. That’s not typical among people with dementia. Because Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America practices “person-centered care,” she said, the residents’ wishes were honored. “Our activities are a little geared down,” Sarah said. “They love to share childhood memories, and the other residents love to hear them. Our staff directs the conversation and keeps it flowing.” They love special snacks, like ice
cream sundae parties or popcorn and drinks. The neighborhood now has 11 residents, with room for 16. Sarah said there is a range of acuity within the group, and they find that residents with less advanced dementia often jump in to help their neighbors who struggle more. Importantly, the staff understands the limitations of dementia and doesn’t expect them to do more than they can. “They have their own reality,” Sarah said. “You have to go to their reality because they can’t come to yours.”
The first week of November is National Memory Screening Week. The goal is to promote early detection and intervention for those concerned about memory loss, and to educate the public about successful aging. Screenings take place in a private setting. They consist of a series of questions and/or tasks designed to test memory, language skills, thinking ability, and other intellectual functions, all of which are validated by research. For information, visit nationalmemoryscreening.org.
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. Sarah Griggs, executive director Tara Clawson, marketing director Lori Peters, activities director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact tclawson@pmma.org.
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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.
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Community Matters November 2016
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Grateful devotion By Wayne Rector, resident
Thanksgiving is near, but we shouldn’t wait for that day to add all our blessings and express thanks. Wayne Rector Continual thanksgiving for God’s people should be as natural as breathing.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 the Apostle Paul tells us: “In everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It is told of a small boy who was asked by his grandmother at Thanksgiving what he was thankful for. He said, “I am thankful for the things that I have that I don’t have to have.” Sometimes we get so involved with our problems, that we lose sight of our blessings. While on the other hand, is it possible that we enjoy
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our blessings so much, that we forget the one who gives them? Praise and thanksgiving have the power to change our outlook and our lives. Making every day a day of thanksgiving can transform a person’s life. Our gracious Heavenly Father, we thank you for your goodness, your love, and your mercy; and for the abundance of your blessings every day of our lives.Through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.
Make a gift in their honor while making a difference in the mission of Presbyterian Manors. We’ll hang an ornament on the tree with their name on it. Make your gift by visiting www.PresbyterianManors.org/GoodSam or see the reception desk
Cowley County Alzheimer’s walk raises $13,600 Every year, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s unites us in a movement to reclaim the future for millions. More than 70 people participated in the Cowley County walk in September, raising more than $13,600 to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. “We had a wonderful walk this year. It was a gorgeous morning and we are excited to announce that we surpassed our goals,” said chairperson Sarah Griggs, executive director of Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor. The money raised will go toward Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. Like us on Facebook
“With the funds raised, the Alzheimer’s Association will be able to provide much needed care and support to people affected by the disease as well as fund critically needed Alzheimer’s research,” said Renee Duxler, development director for the Central and Western Kansas Alzheimer’s Association. Walk participants also learned the latest about Alzheimer’s research and clinical trials, and how they can get involved in advocacy efforts and the Association’s support programs and services. The event also included an emotional tribute to those who have experienced Alzheimer’s.
Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor received first place in fundraising for contributing more than $5,600, and many employees were recognized for raising $500 or more individually. Alzheimer’s disease is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. In Kansas alone, 51,000 people live with Alzheimer’s. For more information or to make a donation visit alz.org/walk. Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor
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Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor 1711 N. Fourth Arkansas City, KS 67005-1607 Return Service Requested
ALZHEIMER’S, continued from page 1
Happy Birthday!
We wish you joy on your special day! Lorene Mahan Faye Doyle Joan Seidel
Jackie Shafer Bob Gowdy Nee Ramsey
plans. Topics covered also will include how to build a care team that communicates well and where to find resources. “Starting the Tough Conversations” will begin at 6 p.m. Nov. 8 in the chapel. It is part of Presbyterian Manor’s Just Ask series, a free, ongoing lifelong learning program featuring information from experts on topics of interest to older adults and their families. For more information, contact Marketing Director Tara Clawson at 620-442-8700 or tclawson@pmma.org.
New beginnings in 2017
We will focus on new beginnings in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. As we approach the new year, what resolutions are you making? Have you ever made a resolution that changed your life? What are your hopes for 2017?
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Community Matters November 2016
If you’ve got a story to share, contact Marketing Director Tara Clawson, and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition of Community Matters. Like us on Facebook